Three Fenland farms – part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s 33,000-acre estate – are being offered on 10-year tenancies from October. The council is looking for “entrepreneurial and enthusiastic tenants” to apply.
Experience is probably more important than age since the council says of its “169 progressive tenants” the ages range from 23 to over 90.
“They carry out a wide range of enterprises,” says a council spokesperson.
“The county’s farm estate is mainly arable, and many tenants are exploring regenerative farming and take part in schemes which benefit biodiversity and the environment.”
The farms, all on the outskirts of Wisbech, are being offered on a 10-year farm business tenancy.
Grange (Cranwell) Farm in Leverington comes with just over 200 acres of land along with a detached, three-bedroom house, yard, and other buildings.
Those taking on Greeves Farm in Begdale will get a slightly larger 235 acres of land. The tenancy includes a detached three-bedroom bungalow along with a yard and other buildings.
Maltmas & Rookery Farm in Friday Bridge is the largest of the three farms available with just over 280 acres of land. The farm comes with a three-bedroom detached house, a yard, and other buildings.
“Applicants should have some experience in the enterprise they propose to undertake and have a sound business plan,” says the spokesperson.
This needs to take into account “the council’s Net Zero and Doubling Nature targets and the changes that are currently under-way in farming”.
The application deadline is 31 March and interviews will be held in April.
Cllr Ros Hathorn, chair of the assets and procurement committee, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for anyone looking to get into farming or with ambitions to expand an existing rural business.
“The farms available within this letting all come with a family home and holdings that offer the potential for cereal and root crops. We are particularly interested in applications that consider climate change issues and look to enhance biodiversity.
“I encourage new entrants and existing farmers wanting to move up the farming ladder to get in touch and not miss out on the great opportunities the estate is providing.”
No details about rent are being made public.
The council says offers are invited for the annual rent of the holding (to be fixed for the first three years) but the council is not bound to accept the highest or any offer.
Full details about the farms and the application process are available here
