Rural

We work with many farmers, landowners and estate managers across the South West and further afield.  

All recognise us as a truly specialist law firm with universally strong credentials, but with an understanding of the South West region and the commercial potential of its rural zones that surpasses that of larger or better-known firms outside the South West.

Expert support through the bad times, and the good

These are challenging times for everyone, but arguably more so for landowners. Unprecedented economic pressures are forcing many to restructure their operations, and while the potential avenues for diversification are many and varied, each is fraught with complexities – such as evolving technologies, ever-changing environmental and renewable energy opportunities, and new forms of taxation.

Identifying and exploiting the most favourable options, with contextually sound advice

Having legal advice from a law firm that genuinely understands the rural sector and the region – and who will proactively highlight new commercial opportunities for you – has arguably never been more important.

Stephens Scown’s specialist Agriculture and Rural Affairs team is on hand across the region to help you get your new projects off the ground while protecting your assets. Our expertise and ability is noted in Chambers and Partners Guide to the legal profession (2025), which describes our team as being “very knowledgeable and willing to work closely with other professionals. It is always very professional and supports its clients throughout the process.“

Our specialist Agriculture and Rural Affairs sector include lawyers in the following teams: Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial, Private Client, Family, Dispute Resolution, Property Litigation, Construction, Planning, Mines and Minerals, Intellectual Property and Energy. Together, our specialist rural lawyers within each of the teams are able to provide the practical and commercial advice which is required by our clients and referrers.

Land management is undergoing a slow but steady revolution in the UK, and we’re here to help you navigate sometimes complex bureaucracy in pursuit of your ambitions.

The work that our property team deals with on a daily basis covers a wide range of rural property matters including (but not limited to):

• Farm sales and purchases
• Farming partnership, family arrangements and succession
• Finance and funding arrangements
• Farm Business tenancies
• Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies
• Complex land interests
• Easements
• Adverse Possession
• Mineral Rights
• Overage agreements

At Stephens Scown, we have a strong team of rural property lawyers across the South West and are ranked by independent legal guides, Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. To find out how we can assist you please contact our team today.

We can support your organisation with its purpose and impact:

Our Rural team is increasingly working with clients interested in protecting the natural habitat. We advise on the evolving opportunities for carbon offsetting and biodiversity net gain contracts and around sustainable diversification working closely with clients and their other rural advisors.

We support wildlife trusts helping preserve their land assets and protect them going forward.

Find out more about conservation covenants.

To find out more about what we do as a firm to support organisations with their purpose and impact click here.