Wadhurst, East Sussex, named best place to live in the UK 2023
We are absolutely delighted to see The Times feature Wadhurst as the best place to live in the UK. We agree!
Free 1-2-1 Surgeries for Advice on Environmental Land Management Scheme
To assist farmers and landowners, Lambert & Foster are offering free 1-2-1 meetings to advise on how the transition will affect your holding, whether as in-hand farmer, tenant, grazier or landlord. The surgeries will take place at our Hythe, Wadhurst and Paddock Wood offices
The 33rd Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon
The 33rd Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon was held over the weekend and after recent cold weather we were pleased to see the sun shine, albeit with a keen wind for this year’s runners.
Do you work in the Horticultural sector? If so, take note…
There is a call for evidence to consider the challenges faced by the horticultural sector in England, including scrutiny of the Government’s forthcoming Horticulture Strategy for England.
Team L&F through the years running the Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon!
We would like to wish everyone running the Lambert & Foster Paddock Wood Half Marathon the best of luck this weekend! Headed up by Director Alan Mummery, team L&F have been running for a few years now – check out this photo college of team L&F over the years!
Building a Brighter Future in Kent – 2023 and Beyond
Residential property development in Kent is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. This growth is driven by a number of factors, including the increasing demand for housing, the need for more affordable housing options, and the growing popularity of sustainable and environmentally friendly developments.
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund will shortly open for applications. It offers grants for specific items of equipment, paying on average 40% of the expected price of each item, which is set by Defra.
Key Dates for 2023
The RPA have confirmed the key dates for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES).
Continued expansion of Horsmonden
Lambert & Foster acted for the landowner on the eastern edge of Horsmonden in setting up an Option Agreement for residential development for the continued expansion of Horsmonden.
Continued expansion of Paddock Wood
Continued expansion of Paddock Wood Lambert & Foster acted for two landowners on the eastern edge of Paddock Wood, in setting up Option Agreements for
We will be attending FARM EXPO 2023
We are attending the 2023 Farm Expo on Wednesday 1st March at the Kent Showground. Come and join us at stand number 186.
Environmental Land Management Scheme – some long awaited detail!
On 26th January Defra published an update on the rollout of the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS).
L&F Newsletter – Asset Feb 2023
Welcome to our first edition of 2023. We are hoping that the Government’s announcement just before Christmas for the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill with reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework will provide opportunity for a more stable planning system. Inevitably, there will be more focus on climate and environmental factors when decisions are being made for the future allocation of land in Local Plans.
Open Evening at our East Kent office
We were delighted to welcome friends of Lambert & Foster and Bloomfields to our new East Kent office last Friday.
Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant Scheme
Available for applications now, the Capital Grants are for capital items to achieve specific environmental benefits within 4 groups.
Agricultural Transition Update – What’s new for 2023?
DEFRA have started 2023 by introducing a new Management Payment to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and updating payments rates under Countryside Stewardship.
Proud sponsors of the Tunbridge Wells Foresters football team – Go Foresters!
Lambert & Foster and Bloomfields are proud to be sponsoring Tunbridge Wells Foresters football team. Lambert & Foster champion their mission statement and are delighted to be able to offer their support for the 2022/23 season.
Rural Grants Update
We are often asked about the availability of grants to support farm investment. The following is a summary of the current situation, as it is understood to be.
Frustratingly many of the grant schemes are not presently open for new applications, as noted below. It is hoped that Defra will provide an update on these grant schemes in January, when they have promised to provide an update on ELMS.
New funding for agricultural and horticultural automation and robotics
DEFRA has announced the third round of their Farming Futures Research and Development Fund. The competitive fund opens for applications on 9th January 2023.
L&F Newsletter – Asset Dec 2022
As 2022 draws to a close, we look forward to a more stable political climate following the ups and downs of the
autumn. We hope with Rishi Sunak leading the country that we will see the economy settle and there will be more stability. However, we are clearly going to be entering into challenging times. It is therefore even more important to seek good solid professional advice in relation to all your property related matters.
The new Slurry Infrastructure Grant
The Government have announced the new Slurry Infrastructure Grant, which is intended to help both land owning and tenant, pig, beef and dairy farmers improve and expand slurry storage capacity. It is intended that this will assist with making better use of organic nutrients on the farm, improve water and air quality and reduce greenhouse gases.
Lambert & Foster continue their sponsorship of the Paddock Wood Half Marathon
Now in its 33rd year it has become one of the most successful races not just in Kent, but in the South East!
Supporting local food banks
This year we are supporting various local food banks around the south east in place of sending Christmas cards.
Wadhurst Late Night Shopping
We are delighted to be supporting this year’s late night shopping event in Wadhurst. Please join us for a drink and take part in our raffle in aid of Carillon Cottage to win an amazing Christmas cake!
Agricultural Payments Update
We have started to receive offers for Countryside Stewardship Agreements starting 1st January 2023, after submitting applications on behalf of clients earlier this year. A 100% success rate so far in what is a competitive scheme!
The newest toy isn’t always the best
The newest toy isn’t always the best The property market is often challenged by new and innovative ways of selling property, not least the online
L&F Newsletter – Asset Nov 2022
We are no doubt going to be entering into a challenging autumn and winter period with high inflation, energy and a cost of living crisis looming. With the recent change in Prime Minister, it appears that some homes and businesses will have some financial assistance over the next six months. Let’s hope these measures make a difference and we have a mild winter!
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Survey
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Survey Swale has been allocated £502,995 for the financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25, from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
Working with the Independent Commission on UK-EU relations
Directors Jon Booth and Tom Ogden were delighted to be able to assist the Independent Commission on UK-EU relations in identifying some key problems affecting the rural community since Brexit.
Lump Sum Exit Scheme – Application deadline approaching
The deadline to apply for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme is 30th September 2022. The application window will not reopen, so action is required now before the opportunity is lost.
Weald of Kent Ploughing Match 2022
Saturday 17th September 2022 – We would be delighted if you can join us in our marquee from 9.00am for BBQ delights and tasty refreshments. Take the opportunity to meet the team and talk to us about your property and planning needs.
East Kent Ploughing Match 2022
Wednesday 28th September 2022 – We would be delighted if you can join us in our marquee from 9.00am for tasty refreshments. Take the opportunity to meet the team and talk to us about your property and planning needs.
Laughton & District Ploughing Match 2022
Wednesday 21st September 2022 – We would be delighted if you can join us in our marquee from 9.00am for tasty refreshments. Take the opportunity to meet the team and talk to us about your property and planning needs.
Local Nature Recovery – more detail announced
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has now opened for applications. As expected, those already claiming BPS will be able to apply for a three-year agreement applying the different Standards across their holding at the different ambition levels. Payments will be made on a quarterly basis, with the first payment received 3 months after the agreement start date.
Martin’s View, Marden Thorn
An individual development of eight detached houses located in Marden Thorn, a quaint hamlet within the Kentish borough of Maidstone, Martin’s View is perfectly positioned to enjoy family life. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and country lanes whilst also providing easy access to road and rail networks, the area offers the perfect balance between town and country living.
Property values over the last 70 years
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations were wonderful and the pomp and ceremony spectacular – congratulations to Her Majesty on her 70-year reign! It is fascinating to look at the economics of her whole 70-year reign in terms of house values.
L&F Newsletter – Asset
I can’t believe it’s summer already, I’m not quite sure where this year has gone! There has been plenty to keep our minds busy and pass the time with the war in Ukraine, Partygate and the successful Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Let’s hope the British summer weather is kind to us this year, and with the current travel disruptions you are probably safer to have a staycation!
Sustainable Farming Incentive applications are open
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has now opened for applications. As expected, those already claiming BPS will be able to apply for a three-year agreement applying the different Standards across their holding at the different ambition levels. Payments will be made on a quarterly basis, with the first payment received 3 months after the agreement start date.
Local Nature Recovery Update
FRA have released long-awaited further detail on Local Nature Recovery, the next element of the Agricultural Transition Plan after the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Adding Value Grant
The RPA has released a new grant scheme offering opportunities for grant funding toward new buildings, machinery or equipment where you can demonstrate value is being added to agricultural products after they are harvested or reared.
Heathfield Agricultural Show 2022
Heathfield Agricultural Show 2022 Join us at the 2022 Heathfield Agricultural Show Date: Saturday 28th May 2022Time: 8.00am – 5:15pmPlace: Little Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak,
BPS Advance Payment
The Rural Payments Agency have promised to pay 50% of this year’s Basic Payment Scheme payment in July
L&F Newsletter – Asset
Previously at this time of year, I have talked about the weather and the ‘Beast from the East’ impacting our lives. This year we cannot ignore what is going on in the East of Europe, and the huge impact that it’s having on millions of Ukrainians and their immediate European neighbours. This, in turn, has a knock-on effect on our own lives, just when we thought we were getting back to some sort of normality after Covid.
Lump Sum Exit Scheme open for applications
The long awaited Lump Sum Exit Scheme is now open for applications. If you would like to discuss the implications of taking this option then please contact a member of the rural professional team.
Congratulations Dan Page, Director
It is with pleasure that Lambert & Foster are able to report Dan’s well-earned promotion to Director.