What does the CLA do for its members? Answer: A lot!

From talking beavers to running succession events, and TV interviews to giving money-saving advice, your CLA South East team has had a busy start to 2026.

Members can rest assured the CLA is constantly working on their behalf – but what does this look like?

Here’s a rundown of some recent activities…

A core part of your membership is access to our expert advice service.

We can potentially save you significant fees and sums – and time – so please do call the office, even if it’s only for a second opinion.

We can help with matters regarding tax, planning, legal, farming schemes, business rates and much more. The team is available by phone, email or can visit you in-person for tailored support.

The team represents members at a number of stakeholder meetings and on panels and working groups, and responds to consultations and surveys, including recently:

• Response to Final Notice regarding the proposed boundary extension to the Surrey Hills National Landscape – final stage in a 4-year process with potential impacts for landowners in newly designated areas
• Representing Isle of Wight landowners on the Beaver project steering group as it progresses with its wild release application to ensure the proposed management plan considers all potential impacts
• Representing members within the Hampshire Avon catchment at a number of meetings regarding an Environment Agency proposal for a diffuse water protection plan that would impact all land-based businesses within the catchment
• Attended the Isle of Wight Farming conference to meet members and keep updated with local challenges
• Reviewed FIPL applications for Surrey Hills, High Weald and North Wessex Downs applications
• Submitted a supporting letter to Hampshire Council regarding use of LEP legacy funds to build a new abattoir – something that could be transformational for health, welfare and profitability for livestock businesses across the region
• Attended the South Downs National Park farmer breakfast to meet with members and stay up to date with local strategy
• Represented landowners during a panel discussion at the Hampshire Rural Crime conference
• Delivered a grants presentation including SFI update to Surrey National Trust farming tenants
• Continued representing landowners on various LNRS working groups across the region.

We recently ran a series of succession planning events in Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Kent, while CLA webinars have covered a range of topics from farm profitability to woodland creation.

A packed programme of events is planned for the next few months, including socials, agricultural shows and conferences. Among those you can currently book for:

• Future of farming conference, 23 April, Plumpton College - book here.
• Breakfast and keynote talk from the Duke of Norfolk, 5 June, South of England Show - book here.

The team has appeared on TV and radio multiple times in recent weeks, raising awareness of issues from fly-tipping to flooding.

We have been interviewed by the likes of BBC South East Today TV, ITV Meridian, BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Sussex, BBC Radio Berkshire and BBC South, as well as arranging for members to act as case studies and interviewees for various publications.

Our political engagement work continues, running rural roundtables and farm visits with MPs including Suella Braverman, John Milne, Calum Miller, Joshua Reynolds, Mims Davies and more. We also engage with county councils and other stakeholders to ensure rural issues are high on their agendas.

If there is anything we can do to support you and your business, please call the team on 01264 358195 or email southeast@cla.org.uk