Norfolk County Council seeks new entrants for farm tenancies

Six new tenancies on farms owned by Norfolk County Council are open for applications, and candidates with proposals for diversification and environmental enhancement could be at an advantage.

The authority wants to attract new entrants and hopes the farms, covering just under 750 acres in total, will give them a chance to get a foot on the ladder.

Farming is a key part of Norfolk’s economy and its county farms provide a unique entry point for new tenants in a highly competitive market, said Greg Peck, cabinet member for commercial services and asset management.

Across the farms, the council is keen to see applications that include proposals for diversification and environmental enhancement.

It also wants to see a care farm established on one of the farms.

“Care farming is a growing practice that can bring significant benefits to a range of vulnerable groups,” said Mr Peck.

See also: So you want to run a care farm

“That might include those struggling with their mental health, new skills for someone with learning difficulties or placements for those with dementia.”

Viewing days will be held in December and attendance is compulsory for applicants. These will be followed by training days in January to help with the application process.

Further particulars for each farm, application details and information about the training course can be found on the Norfolk County Council website. 

The closing date for applications is 28 February 2022.

Mendhams Farm © Norfolk County Council

Mendhams Farm, Hall Road, Outwell

This holding of 116 acres forms part of the Outwell Moors Lodge Estate and has mostly Grade 1 and 2 land.

The three-bedroom detached farmhouse will undergo full refurbishment before the tenancy starts.

A new general-purpose/grain store and lean-to machinery store will be built too – the farm currently has an implement shed.

NCC Farm © Norfolk County Council

NCC Farm, Manea Fifties, Welney

This farm of predominately Grade 1 land covers 136 acres on the Welney Farms Estate.

Accommodation is provided in a three-bedroom detached bungalow, which will be refurbished.

There is a general-purpose building/grain store and an implement shed.

New Road Farm © Norfolk County Council

New Road Farm, Middle Drove, Marshland St James

This 145-acre let forms part of the Stow and Marshland Estate.

The land is classified as predominantly Grade 2, and its three-bedroom detached farmhouse will also be fully refurbished and extended before the start of the tenancy.

Willow Farm © Norfolk County Council

Willow Farm, Norwich Road, South Burlingham

The 149-acre farm is classified as mainly Grade 1 and 2 land.

The farm includes a three-bedroom detached house with oil-fired central heating and several buildings, including a general purpose structure, a lean-to and a covered yard.

Ingleborough Farm © Norfolk County Council

Ingleborough Farm, Mill Road, West Walton

The 132-acre farm forms part of the West Walton Ingleborough Estate and is available in one or two lots.

The first is 72 acres in four fields with farm buildings, while lot two has 60 acres in six fields with one farm building.

The council is encouraging applications that seek to develop a care farm on this holding, particularly on lot one.

Bank Farm © Norfolk County Council

Bank Farm Land, Old Roman Bank, Terrington St. Clement, Kings Lynn

The council is also looking for a tenant for this 69-acre piece of bare land on the Terrington Estate.