Andrew Brailsford from Chesterfield has taken over the new starter farm created by the Duchy of Cornwall in Plumtree, Nottingham. The 33-year old farmer moved into Sycamore Farm on March 25th with his wife, Mandy, and their two-year old son, Albert, after beating off competition from many applicants.
More than 50 people attended an open day on Thursday 5th December 2013, which gave prospective tenants the opportunity to look around the property and meet representatives from The Duchy of Cornwall, including local Land Steward, David Curtis.
Speaking shortly after the event, Mr Curtis described the starter farm as "a rare opportunity for a new entrant to obtain a tenancy of a small modern farmstead as so few come on to the open market". He added: "The agricultural industry needs to cater for the new entrants. Supporting the next generation of farmers is one of the most important things we can do.”
Mandy, Albert and Andrew Brailsford
Sycamore Farm in the village of Plumtree consists of approximately 39.65 hectares (98 acres) of land, including a modern four-bedroomed farmhouse and a range of modern outbuildings. This new starter unit was carved out of an existing plot which enabled the Duchy to give additional arable land to the neighbouring tenant too.
Mr Brailsford runs an agricultural contracting business and Mandy has a career in the medical profession. They are both passionate about farming and looking forward to becoming involved in Plumtree community life.
Taking our lead from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, sustainability has always been at the heart of how we operate.
Read more
The Prince of Wales visited parts of the Duchy estate when undertaking public engagements in Devon and Cornwall this month..
Read more
Three commemorative avenues have been planted in Hereford, Somerset and Cornwall ahead of His Royal Highness's Birthday in November 2018.
Read more