The agricultural estate is in the region of 108,000 ha (267,000 ac) and made up of about 780 holdings let on farm tenancies. In addition to this we manage approximately 27,000 hectares (66,700 acres) of Welsh common land.
The estate covers a wide range of farming systems from beef and sheep production in the north of England, large scale cereal and vegetable cropping in the east to milk production in the west. In Scotland farming ranges from stock rearing and dairy farming on the borders to traditional hill farming in the highlands.
The estate is the product, in part, of a comprehensive rationalisation programme which began in Victorian times and saw many small estates sold and other estates augmented. Major purchases were made in the latter part of the nineteenth century, and again during the period 1920s – mid 1940s. Recent purchases at Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire and Tabley, Cheshire have added to the portfolio.
Management
High quality estate management, up-to-date knowledge of market conditions and tenants’ businesses are key features of The Crown Estate’s commercial strategy for the agricultural estate.
We encourage a progressive approach to business development. Our priority is to develop rural estates comprised of strong, well-structured businesses which are able to compete effectively in the changing marketplace. We constantly seek to support forward-looking programmes and initiatives that are based on sound principles and good management expertise.
The economic size of full-time farms has been increasing and this seems set to continue. To support our strategy of maintaining and creating viable rural businesses we instigated a review of farm and estate structures. As part of the restructuring programme which has followed we will be seeking to add economies of scale where possible, to encourage the development of alternative income sources and acquire land where there is a justifiable business case. In such circumstances, farm business tenancies are making a valuable contribution by enhancing the flexibility of letting arrangements.
Viability is clearly linked to market demand. The scope of farm assurance schemes and supermarket protocols that address production methods and facilities is growing continuously and it is reasonable to assume that there will be a further tightening of standards and contract specifications over the coming years. To address this, we will be investing in new and improved facilities where appropriate, encouraging tenants to form partnerships or to seek facilities off-site where single farm investment is uneconomic.
Common Land
The Crown Estate owns a considerable amount of common land, primarily in Wales, but also on the Island and Royal Manor of Portland.
In Wales the commons cover large areas such as Denbigh Moors plus other smaller areas of rough grazing which are used by local residents to graze sheep and other livestock.
The Crown Estate is effectively in the position of trustee of the Welsh commons and every effort is made to encourage conservation, whilst having regard for the needs of the graziers and the public for access.
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