Agriculture & Rural Land Solicitors
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Strategic legal advice to protect what matters and help your rural business thrive – we’re in your corner, rain or shine
Life in farming doesn’t stand still. Like the seasons, it shifts constantly — good years and difficult ones, growth and challenge, change and opportunity.
Whatever stage you’re at, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, estate manager, or food producer, we provide clear, practical advice to help you make confident decisions.
We take the time to understand your land, your business and your family — because in agriculture, they’re often inseparable. From day-to-day legal matters to long-term planning and complex transactions, we help you protect what matters most and build a resilient, sustainable future.
With specialist agricultural lawyers based across the UK, we combine national expertise with local insight — and we’re not afraid to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in.
Amy Cowdell
Partner
Jennie Wheildon
Partner
Specialising in Agriculture law
Specialising in agriculture law
Property and Land
Our team advises on the full spectrum of agricultural property matters, from day-to-day transactions to complex, high-value farm sales and acquisitions. With experience in large-scale and multi-faceted deals, we provide practical, commercially aware advice to ensure transactions complete efficiently and your long-term interests are protected.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Natural Capital
With biodiversity net gain now mandatory for most developments, landowners play a central role in delivering environmental improvements. We provide strategic advice on structuring agreements, managing long-term obligations and generating value through natural capital projects, helping you make informed decisions and benefit from developing environmental markets.
Renewable Energy and Diversification
Diversification is increasingly important in strengthening rural businesses. We advise on renewable energy projects and wider land use opportunities, supporting you through the legal and commercial considerations involved, and helping you develop new income streams while protecting your land, relationships and long-term business strategy.
Immigration
We understand the importance of reliable labour to agricultural businesses. Our immigration specialists support you with the seasonal worker scheme and visa requirements, helping you remain compliant while securing the workforce your business depends on, particularly during peak periods when access to labour is critical.
Agriculture Litigation and Disputes
Disputes in the agricultural sector can be complex, often involving land, business and family interests. We provide clear, pragmatic advice on a wide range of issues and work to resolve matters efficiently where possible, while offering robust representation where disputes require formal action to protect your position.
Farm Business Structuring and Partnerships
The structure of your farming business plays a critical role in its long-term success. We advise on partnership agreements, governance arrangements and restructuring, helping you define responsibilities, manage risk and plan for change. Whether formalising long-standing arrangements or preparing for growth, we ensure your business is set up to operate effectively and adapt over time.
Farm Succession Planning
Effective succession planning is essential to protect the future of your farm and provide certainty for your family. We work closely with you to develop clear, practical plans covering ownership, control and continuity, ensuring your wishes are documented and your business is set up to continue successfully for the next generation.
Private Client
In agriculture, personal and business assets are often closely connected. We help you protect your wealth and plan for the future through clear, commercially focused advice on tax, trusts and estate planning, ensuring your assets are preserved and passed on in a way that supports both your family and your business.
Proud to be part of the agriculture industry
“It’s now more important than ever to ensure our sector is as diverse and balanced as possible. These events give women in the industry a chance to share their experiences and listen to inspirational speakers.”
We are proud to be the appointed NFU Legal Panel firm supporting members in Warwickshire and Worcestershire. NFU members can receive a discount on our fees, along with other financial support.
“We’re grateful to the team at Shakespeare Martineau for their support and expertise, and are always happy to recommend them to our membership community.”
“Any Chambers ranking is a significant achievement. The agriculture and rural affairs team at Shakespeare Martineau sit in Band 1, the highest of six possible rankings.”
“The agriculture and estates team is a league above anyone else in the area. The team is streamlined, quick and efficient and very closely knit.”
Our Testimonials
Our agriculture specialists can help with a wide range of legal challenges
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Buying, selling and refinancing farms, estates and rural property
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Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies, farm business tenancies and residential tenancies
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Strategic land transactions and large-scale farm disposals
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Diversification projects including leisure and tourism, land for development, telecommunications, renewables, habitat banks and commercial use
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Planning strategy, permission, appeals and judicial review
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Water management, drainage and flood defences
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Rights over land, rights of common and land easements
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Boundary and ownership disputes
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Biodiversity net gain and environmental schemes
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Farm and estate structuring, including partnership agreements and governance
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Business restructuring, financial distress and insolvency advice
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Commercial contracts, supply and distribution agreements
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Corporate finance, lending and security arrangements
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Employment law, including workforce and immigration support
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Intellectual property, branding, data protection and technology compliance
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Commercial licences including sporting and land use agreements
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Regulatory compliance, including environmental, health & safety and animal welfare
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Wealth preservation, trusts and tax planning
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Wills, estate administration and inheritance planning
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Contentious probate and inheritance disputes
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Powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters
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Family law, including pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation and divorce
Is your farm or rural business fit for the future?
Fill out our free confidential questionnaire linked below to give us an overview of your farm, business and family affairs. From there, we’ll be able to advise on any areas of concern, plus the plans you could put in place now to benefit your business or protect your assets in the long term.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
What makes our Agriculture services unique
Meet our Agriculture team
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Agriculture specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
