About CLA South West

CLA South West provides services and rural representation for members in the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.

The South West is the most important agricultural region in the country - as well as being a major tourist destination, home to two national parks, World Heritage sites and a host of designated fragile and important landscapes.

The CLA in the South West not only represents the interests of the people who own, farm and manage the land, but it also campaigns for the kind of vibrant and healthy rural economy which supports the beauty of the landscape, the diversity of the environment and the populations of our villages and market towns.

We campaign regionally on behalf of our members and the whole rural economy. We lobby national and local Government, respond to consultations and have representation in a range of organisations to safeguard our members' interests.

We use our expertise and experience on rural matters to promote our members' interests and to influence decision-makers.  We speak for everyone who believes in a living and working countryside.

Full members enjoy access to a free and unlimited advisory service providing independent, impartial information and advice across the whole spectrum of rural and business issues.

Our advisory team, based at our Biddestone office, is made up of Mark Burton, Chris Farr and Duncan Anderson Margetts, who offer expertise in all rural policy and land management areas. Ann Maidment, our Regional Director, is also a Chartered Surveyor able to advise on policy areas. 

If you would like help from our advisors simply contact the regional office - the sooner you call, the sooner we may be able to help you.

We use our media expertise to maintain a high profile across the region on the issues affecting our members and to support our lobbying activities. You can hear us regularly on local radio and read about us in your local and regional papers and online.

Up to date information – Members receive our monthly magazine with a detailed “regional news” section. They also receive a regular 'ENews' (Do we have your email address?), plus access to a wide variety of information leaflets and briefing notes.  

Keep up-to-date by following us on Twitter @CLASouthwest. You can also follow the latest news and event updates on Linkedin and we've recently joined Instagram

Members and their guests can enjoy a wide range of technical, social and professional events and activities.

We run regional conferences, seminars, webinars and workshops on key policy issues plus tax and legal advisory clinics, informal meetings with the SW professional team plus a programme of social visits to the hidden gems of the South West. 

You'll find us at the major agricultural shows across the region - Royal Cornwall Show, Royal Bath and West Show and the Devon County Show.

You'll find these in the events section of the website, advertised in our regular e-communications and in Land & Business magazine.

Our branch committee members are the eyes and ears of the CLA in each county and play a key role in formulating national policy, ensuring views and concerns of members in the South West are taken into account with CLA national lobbying. To find out who is on your branch committee click on your county below.

There has never been a more important time to benefit from being a member of the CLA: if you are not already part of our organisation contact the regional office on 01249 599059 or email us to find out more.