Agriculture.
Agriculture.
Our Agricultural Solicitors are NFU legal panel members for Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire.
Brian is an experienced litigator used to dealing with many types of commercial disputes, including agricultural disputes, contractual disputes and insolvency matters. Brian is a mediator and his mediation practice encompasses a variety of commercial sectors and general civil litigation, he has a particular interest in mediating disputes in the agricultural sector.
To work effectively with us, the most important attributes for a lawyer are trustworthiness, reliability, efficiency, excellent knowledge, and crucially, to translate legal jargon into layman’s terms so we can understand it – without being patronising.
Case Study
Many of the specialist Agricultural Solicitors here at Lanyon Bowdler also have close links with the farming community, so understand the pressures and complexity of the issues you have to deal with. We are repeatedly recognised by the leading legal directories, Legal 500 and Chambers UK.
We are proud to be one of the NFU’s recommended agricultural law firms, providing specialist legal advice for farmers and the agricultural industry in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire.
As members of the NFU’s panel of specialist agricultural law firms, we have passed the NFU’s thorough examination of our services and expertise before being invited onto their national network of recommended solicitors. Whether a member of the NFU or not, you can be assured of a friendly, approachable service to help you avoid the many legal pitfalls in farming and food production.
NFU members take advantage of a 12.5% discount on legal fees relating to their business (subject to terms), contact us by phone today or complete our enquiry form on the right-hand side of this page.
The NFU offers their members a Legal Health Check and Contract Checking Service where financial assistance can be obtained; click on the links to find out more.
The Chambers UK Guide 2026 ranks the department in Band 2 for both Wales and the West Midlands, saying the following “Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors has a highly regarded team with offices across Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. It has expertise in all legal matters that relate to property, family, commercial and disputes encountered by landed estate, agricultural and horticultural clients. It serves farmers and country landowners across the region.”
The following is a strength noted in the 2026 guide:
“When it comes to more complicated planning issues, we do tend to recommend them. We have been impressed with them. They specialise and are also personable.”
“They look to understand the bigger picture and are very good at working with the wider professional team.”
“Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors deal quite extensively with farming families. They have an interest in the private client work crossover with farms. It is a very strong team that is friendly and personable.”
The 2026 edition of Legal 500 recognises us as a Tier 1 firm in the West Midlands, the directory states:
“Lanyon Bowdler’s team supports farming families, landowners, and rural businesses on farm and estate transactions, rural leases, easements, and renewable energy projects, as well as wills, trusts, estate administration, and complex tax and succession planning.”
Testimonials from the 2026 edition of Legal 500:
“The team is led by Brian Evans who is absolutely outstanding in this field; it is a sector that he knows inside out and it is well-known that he is a true specialist.”
“Brian Evans is simply “the go-to” man in this sector. You want him in your corner and not acting for the other side. He achieves some great results.”
Work highlights include:
For Wales we are shown in a separate category in the Legal 500 but we are still achieving Tier 2 status. The directory states, “Lanyon Bowdler‘s Conwy office has developed the size and scope of its offering to effectively advise rural clients throughout north and mid Wales, in particular. Nutting is particularly skilled at advising large-scale farmers, landed estates and businesses across a range of property-related matters.”
Testimonials include:
“The lawyers are very personable.”
“Edward Nutting provides a professional service but with a personal touch. He thinks outside the box and sees everything through.”
“Welsh speaking, and with a personal touch.”
Work highlights include:
Acting on behalf of Lord Newborough in connection with the day to day legal advice sought in relation to the diverse Rhug and Glynllifon Estates in North Wales, comprising approx. 12,500 acres.
We are recognised by The Legal 500 as a Tier 1 firm for Agriculture & Estates in the West Midlands and a Tier Two firm in Wales. We have been the legal panel firm for the NFU's members in Shropshire, Staffordshire and Herefordshire since 2008.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Excellent legal advice on water extraction licence.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Not only professional, but super fast.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
We offer a full range of legal services for the agriculture industry including all aspects of agriculture and food law, employment law, family law, tax planning, and property sale or acquisition.
Working in agriculture and food production is an increasingly tough business, with an ever-growing amount of legislation and regulations to deal with. Partner Brian Evans leads the Agricultural Solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler and comes from a farming background himself (both his grandfathers were smallholders and his father was a farmworker for almost all his working life) so he is passionate and knowledgeable about the industry.
We act for individual farmers, rural landowners, and agri-food businesses and take great pride in providing expert legal advice on all areas of agri-law. We have experience in dealing with numerous agricultural services, and can help you navigate through any changes triggered by Brexit.
Agricultural disputes can arise for a large number of reasons. These disputes tend to vary from machinery or instrumentation that fails to meet the required standards, personal matters concerning the likes of divorce or will disputes, issues arising as a result of professional recommendations that you may have taken, which later transpires to come short of the expected standard, or contract disputes regarding the sale or purchase of an area of land, property or perhaps, one that governs employment.
The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 comments on the strengths of our dispute resolution team in the agriculture sector.
Our Agricultural Solicitors also specialise in the drafting of farm partnerships and business structures so as to ensure the business is being addressed within the most effective manner, by recording the intention of all the parties. Our Lawyers will be on hand to advise you and to make sure the arrangement is also tax economical for the business.
Our team comprises a diverse skill-set including expertise in commercial law issues surrounding farm and agricultural businesses. Our lawyers have a firm understanding of the commercial and business challenges, opportunities, and disputes that affect agricultural businesses, farms, and rural commerce. Our friendly team takes time to understand your business and also the specific problems that face both businesses and families within the farming community.
The agricultural landscape is evolving. As farmers and rural businesses explore new opportunities beyond traditional farming, our legal team is here to provide clear, practical advice to support diversification, whether you’re developing a renewable energy project, establishing rural tourism accommodation, or entering into environmental land management agreements.
We help landowners make informed decisions about leasing land for solar or wind energy, structuring joint ventures, and understanding the legal implications of new income streams. Our team can also guide you through sustainability-focused initiatives, including biodiversity net gain arrangements, carbon credits, and Countryside Stewardship Scheme compliance.
With the right legal advice, diversification can provide resilience and new revenue, while preserving the long-term value of your land.
Passing farming land on to the next generation can involve complex legal, financial and emotional challenges. At Lanyon Bowdler, we work closely with farming clients to provide practical advice on protecting rural assets and ensuring that succession is planned with care, clarity and confidence.
We can help you put in place robust arrangements to pass on the farm, ensure the right ownership structures are in place, and make the best use of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) for inheritance tax purposes. Our team also advises on the creation and administration of family trusts to support long-term stability and mitigate potential risks.
Every family is different. Whether you’re looking to safeguard the future of a multi-generational farm or managing the transition of a single estate, we’re here to help you plan with foresight and support your family through every step of the process.
Employment law can be an issue in any sector and the agriculture sector is no different. Our team handles a large range of agricultural employment legal services from both an employer and from an employee perspective, including sector specific issues such as in relation to the on-going agricultural wages regime in Wales and the legacy regime in England, contracts for seasonal workers, and the application of TUPE when the operation and/or ownership of agricultural land changes hands.
The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 states Lanton Bowdler “specialises in TUPE issues and is also skilled at advising schools and colleges as well as farmers and growers on various employment matters”.
Agricultural tenancies can be complex and carry long-term implications for both landlords and tenants. Whether you are managing land under an Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) tenancy or entering into a modern Farm Business Tenancy (FBT), it’s vital to understand your legal rights, responsibilities and opportunities.
Our specialist agriculture solicitors offer practical, tailored advice on all aspects of tenancy law, from drafting agreements and managing rent reviews, to resolving disputes and securing succession rights. We support landowners seeking to protect their investment, and tenants aiming to preserve their livelihoods and family ties to the land.
Experienced in the buying, selling, and secured lending of agricultural land, our Agricultural Lawyers are on hand to advise on the aforementioned and also any ancillary matters that come with an agricultural transaction. We are able to advise you on issues that you may need to consider before the negotiation, so that you may discuss these with your land agent in order to achieve the most advantageous deal for you.
Many family law issues need to be considered once farming is involved. In particular, when it involves any divorce within a farming partnership. Productive farming partnerships and, indeed, family business owners may question how to keep it all “in the family”. Handling such cases involves a myriad of finely balanced judgements, and negotiating a prosperous outcome needs a clear-headed and commercial approach from your legal team. This can often be an area where experience counts, and that we have.
A farming business can typically involve more than one family member – and so, several farms involve the entire family. We are here to provide legal advice to individuals within the rural and agricultural sectors in reference to all aspects of running their business operations, above all on legal and regulatory issues encompassing farm management, agricultural business, and diversification. We also provide advice to landed estates and owners of agricultural businesses with regards to wealth management, succession planning, and any other agricultural concerns.
Agricultural Lawyers are an essential resource for those operating in the agricultural sector because they are able to provide expert legal advice and representation to farmers and those running agribusiness regarding any aspects of farming or the agricultural sector at large.
Due to the highly regulated nature of the agriculture industry, agricultural lawyers help ensure clients understand the relevant agriculture laws and make sure that they run their agribusiness or farm in an appropriate manner.
With significant changes set to affect the industry over the next seven years, it is critical that Agricultural Solicitors stay up-to-date on new regulations and legislation so that the advice they provide is accurate. As NFU panel members and an NFU recommended law firm, Lanyon Bowdler’s Agri-law team provides the highest levels of legal advice and representation to the farming community.
Whatever situation you face, our Agricultural Law Solicitors can offer the expertly tailored advice you need to help resolve the matter.
As an NFU recommended law firm and as a member of the National Farmers Union’s Legal Panel for their members in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Staffordshire, you can trust the advice and representation offered by Lanyon Bowdler’s specialist Agricultural Solicitors is accurate and up-to-date.
With the Agriculture Act 2020 scheduled to bring a raft of regulatory and legislative changes over the next seven years, the experience and expertise of Lanyon Bowdler’s team of Agricultural Solicitors has never been more relevant. We are able to offer you expertly tailored legal advice on all agricultural law matters, can offer insight into the forthcoming legislation and can support you in successfully navigating through one of the biggest periods of change to hit the sector in decades.
You may need to speak with an agricultural solicitor whenever you’re facing a legal issue that affects your farm, land, or rural business, whether it’s to protect your assets, resolve a dispute, or plan for the future. Common reasons include buying or selling farmland, negotiating tenancy agreements, dealing with partnership changes, succession planning, or responding to regulatory changes.
At Lanyon Bowdler, many of our experienced agricultural solicitors come from farming backgrounds, so they understand both the practical and legal pressures facing rural clients. As NFU panel solicitors, we offer trusted advice across all areas of agricultural law, and we’re here to support you with both personal and business matters, whatever your circumstances.
To speak with a member of our team, you can request a callback or complete an online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch to help.
We understand the uncertainty, and potential opportunity, that leaving the European Union brings. The next seven years will see significant changes to farming subsidies, as the Agriculture Act 2020 has seen a move from the CAP regulations to a new system of environmental land management contracts. Our agriculture team can help support you as the planned changes come into force, advising you on accessing funding under the new system and assisting you in exploiting new potential commercial opportunities. As members of the NFU legal panel, you can rely on us to keep up to date with all the latest changes in Agricultural Law.
An Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) tenancy typically refers to agreements made before 1 September 1995 and can offer tenants greater security and potential succession rights. Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs), introduced under the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, are more flexible but provide less security of tenure. We can help you understand which applies to your situation and what your legal rights and responsibilities are.
Yes. Diversification is becoming increasingly important for rural businesses looking to build long-term resilience and income. We advise on a wide range of diversification opportunities, including renewable energy leases, glamping and tourism ventures, farm shops, and natural capital schemes such as carbon offsetting or biodiversity net gain.
Our Agricultural Solicitors will guide you through every legal step, from planning and land use to commercial structuring and contracts, ensuring your diversification plans are built on a strong legal foundation.
Yes. Succession planning is one of the most important legal issues facing farming families. We work with clients to help protect their land, business and legacy through careful planning, including the use of wills, trusts, partnership agreements and tax reliefs such as APR and BPR.
We understand the importance of balancing legal planning with family relationships, and we’ll work closely with you to create a plan that reflects your wishes and supports a smooth transition to the next generation.
We offer a bespoke and tailored service and pride ourselves on our specialist knowledge and expertise. Our services cover all aspects of farming and agricultural law, such as the sale and purchase of rural property and land, including equestrian properties and estates, whether by auction, private treaty, or tender. In addition, we have a team of Agri dispute resolution solicitors able to provide sound advice, together with a CEDR Accredited Mediator.
We can offer advice on secured lending on agricultural property, agricultural tenancies, and residential tenancy law, including agricultural occupancy conditions and certificates of lawfulness, as well as business property law including the interaction of subsidy regimes and grant funding with property transactions.
We can deal with all land development and planning issues, such as clawback arrangements, pre-emptions, and Section 106 agreements.
Access to land is an important aspect of rural management, and we can advise on rights of way and other potential planning restrictions such as covenants and easements affecting land, as well as commons and village greens.
If you employ staff, we can help you with any employment law issues.
Then there is the commercial aspect of farming – contracts with the food industry, telecommunication sites, utility company wayleaves, and renewable energy schemes, such as solar farms, wind turbines, and anaerobic digesters.
We appreciate that sometimes change is needed, and we have experience in the restructuring of farm businesses, including partnerships, limited companies, joint ventures, contracting arrangements, and share farming.
Finally, don’t forget to plan for the next generation by having your wills, trusts, and administration of estates in hand. We can also offer succession planning and inheritance tax advice and can deal with Lasting Powers of Attorney arrangements.
Please give our Agricultural Law Solicitors a call for a friendly, confidential, conversation about how we can help support you in whatever situation you face. Our team loves getting out of the office so we are more than happy to come to meet you at your farm or place of work. Contact the team by phone today or complete the enquiry form on the right-hand side of the page and someone will be in touch.
We regularly act for Farm owners and Agricultural businesses across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, and the Midlands. As a leading law firm in Wales and Shropshire, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.
Lanyon Bowdler has specialist Agricultural Solicitors in Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bromyard, Hereford, and Conwy in North Wales.
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