CLA snapshot

The CLA East Summer Visits and AGMs 2026 programme brought together members across the region for a series of estate visits, rural business tours and annual meetings held between April and June.

Each event combined a county AGM with an in-depth visit to a host estate or rural business, offering members updates from CLA leadership alongside insights into innovative land management, farming and diversification.

The programme began at Burghley Estate in Lincolnshire, where attendees explored a large mixed estate spanning around 10,000 acres. They learned about arable and livestock farming, heritage property stewardship, and future developments including a new farm shop and the St Martin’s Park scheme.

At Camgrain and the Navara Oat Mill in Northamptonshire, members toured a farmer-owned grain storage and processing facility and Europe’s largest oat mill. The visit demonstrated modern supply chains, advanced processing techniques and sustainability initiatives, including carbon-focused farming practices.

The visit to Raynham Estate in Norfolk highlighted the evolution of a historic estate into a modern, diversified operation. Attendees saw sustainable farming practices, environmental stewardship schemes, renewable energy generation, and diversification into tourism and events.

At Savoursmiths and KWS UK in Bedfordshire/Cambridgeshire, the focus shifted to food production and plant science. Members followed the journey from potato growing to crisp production and gained insight into crop breeding and agricultural innovation.

The Terling Estate (Lord Rayleigh’s Farms) in Essex visit combined history and forward-looking development. Attendees examined mixed farming operations, community-focused estate management and plans for a major solar energy project.

At Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, members saw a large, diversified rural enterprise integrating farming, forestry, creative industries and food production, alongside strong environmental management practices.

The Heathpatch Estate in Suffolk visit demonstrated a balance between traditional farming and environmental initiatives, including biodiversity projects, woodland creation and estate-based food supply chains supporting local businesses.

Finally, the programme concluded at Woodhall Estate in Hertfordshire, where members explored a 7,000-acre estate combining farming, conservation, property management and community engagement. Members toured the estate on electric bikes.

Thank you to all of the CLA members who attended these events and to each and every sponsor for supporting them.