Land at Fosgrove & Barton Grange

Introduction - The Corfe Estate are seeking an operator to enter into either a Contract Farming Arrangement or Annual Cropping Licence on 89.80 acres (36.35 hectares) of arable land for an initial term of 5 years. This land is available either as a whole or two separate lots.

Our client will welcome applications from either new entrants or businesses looking to expand.

Proposals are sought by no later than 12 noon on 31 May 2024 to Sworders, Rumwell Hall, Rumwell, Taunton, TA4 1EL.

Description - The land extends to approximately 89.80 acres (36.35 hectares) as shown coloured red and blue on the attached plan and is classified Grade 3 under the Agricultural Land Classification Map for the South West Region.

Lot 1 - comprises approximately 53.63 acres (21.60 hectares), coloured red on the attached plan.
Lot 2 - totals approximately 36.44 acres (14.75 hectares), coloured blue on the attached plan.

The majority of the land is bounded by traditional hedges, it is described on Land Information System as slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage. The land is not located within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

Agreement - The land is offered as either a Contract Farming Agreement or Annual Cropping Licence for an initial term of 5 years, from the 01st October 2024 (early access after 2024 harvest may be available by negotiation). Precise terms will be subject to negotiation with the preferred bidder however template agreements for each option are available on request. The successful operator will be responsible for managing and trimming hedges. The Estate would also consider a herbage agreement should an operator prefer a grass based system.

Viewings in person will be held by prearranged appointment only, unaccompanied viewings of the land are not permitted without approval made with Abbie Lewis in the Taunton office.

Proposals are invited by no later than 12 noon on 31 May 2024. Information packs which include the application form, copy of the proposed agreement, plan, farm schedule and details of stewardship agreement can be obtained by contacting Abbie Lewis in the Taunton office.
All proposals should be returned to Sworders, Rumwell Hall, Rumwell, Taunton, TA4 1E in a sealed envelope marked 'Corfe Estate'. The bid should be submitted using the application form providing the required information.
Our client is under no obligation to accept the highest, or any proposal.

Directions - From Taunton follow signs for Taunton Racecourse, you will remain on the B3170 past the racecourse where you will take the second right onto Green Lane, continue along here for half a mile where you will come to Lot 1 on your right-hand side. The land will be identified by a Sworders Board.

To find Lot 2 you do not turn off onto Green Lane, instead continue until in the village of Corfe and proceed through the village until you see the former White Hart Inn, turn right just before the pub onto Pitminster Road and proceed along the road for 150 & 500 meters where the land will be located on your right-hand side identified by a Sworders Board.