For a copy of the particulars please contact this office on: 01392 833455

THORN FARM LAND, LYMPSTONE, DEVON, EX8 5AG –
TO LET BY INFORMAL TENDER AS A WHOLE OR IN LOTS

Peter Skinner & Associates Ltd
The Annex
Pole House
Ide
Exeter
Devon EX2 9RY

Tel/Fax: 01392 833455

Email: pms@peter-skinner.co.uk
Our Ref: M1004

February 2016

CONTENTS
Paragraph                                                                              Page Number
1          Introduction 3
2          Key Dates                                                                               3
3          Location 3
4          Grid Reference Number 3
5          General Description 4 – 7
6          Higher Level Stewardship agreement 7 – 8
7          Condition of Thorn Farm Land 8
8          Basic Payment Scheme and Entitlements 8
9          Sporting Rights 8
10        Informal Tender Procedure 9
11        Payment of Licence Fee 9
12        Disclaimer 9
13        Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 9 – 10
Appendix I      Schedule of Area and Plan 11 – 12
Appendix II
Application Form 13 – 14
Informal Tender Form 15 – 17

THORN FARM LAND, LYMPSTONE, DEVON, EX8 5AG

1. INTRODUCTION

Thorn Farm Land extends to approximately 44.30 gross hectares or 109.47 gross acres as set out in the Schedule of Area and shown bordered in various colours on the plan enclosed within Appendix I. The land forms part of the Harefield Estate. The land is being offered to let by informal tender on a grazing and a cropping licence as a whole or in lots.

Descriptions of each lot and how to tender are set out below.

All the land is subject to a Higher Level Stewardship management agreement and the successful applicants will be required to adhere to the rules of this scheme. The rules are summarised below. Applicants are also invited to contact the letting agents for clarification should they have any questions prior to tendering. Those applicants wishing to apply to graze livestock should be aware that the perimeter fencing throughout is not stock proof. Applicants wishing to graze livestock will be required to erect their own temporary fencing and will be wholly responsible for keeping their livestock in the field.

2. KEY DATES

Application Closing Date: All tenders to be received at the office of Peter Skinner & Associates Limited by no later than 12 noon on Friday 11^th March 2016

Commencement Date: Both the grazing and cropping licence agreements will begin on Friday 25^th March 2016.

Termination Date: Both the grazing and cropping licence agreements will end on Wednesday 30^th November 2016.

3. LOCATION

Thorn Farm Land is located immediately to the east of Lympstone as shown on the plan enclosed within Appendix I.

4. GRID REFERENCE NUMBER

SX9984NE

5. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Thorne Farm Land has been divided into four lots as detailed below. There are no dwellings or buildings on any of the lots. The successful applicants will be required to farm in accordance with the rules of the Higher Level Stewardship management agreement which are explained below.

Lot 1 – Grazing / Mowing Licence

(i) Areas and cropping – Lot 1 extends to approximately 30.58 gross hectares (75.57 gross acres) as shown bordered red on the plan. This lot comprises undulating pasture throughout.

(ii) Rights to be granted – A grazing / mowing licence over the entire area subject to the management conditions of the Higher Level Stewardship agreement noted below.

(iii) Subsidies – Entitlements are not included and therefore the land is let as “naked acres”. The Landlord will claim and retain the Higher Level Stewardship subsidy. The Licensee will not apply for nor claim any subsidy or grant on the land.

(iv) Water – Metered mains water serves the troughs located at the points annotated M on the plan. The Landlord will recharge the Licensee for all water consumed at cost. Please note, mains water is not supplied to Plot numbers 1 and 2.

(v) Fencing – A significant proportion of the boundary fencing is not stock proof. If the Licensee wishes to graze livestock then he or she will be wholly responsible for erecting a suitable form of temporary fencing such that livestock are not able to stray from the field. Included within the licence agreement will be a requirement for the Licensee to indemnify the Landlord against any and all claims arising from the straying of livestock.

(vi) Higher Level Stewardship agreement – The Licensee will farm this Lot in accordance with the management conditions set out in the Higher Level Stewardship agreement as summarised below.

Lot 2 – Cropping Licence

(i) Area and cropping – Lot 2 extends to approximately 7.37 gross hectares (18.21 gross acres) as shown bordered blue on the plan. Lot 2 is divided into three fields as follows;

a) Plot 7 extends to 1.05 gross hectares (2.59 gross acres). It is managed as an “Enhanced Wild Bird Seed Mix Plot” under the Higher Level Stewardship management agreement and the Licensee will be required to undertake the following works;

Duties of the Licensee – The Licensee will undertake all necessary cultivations to establish the Wild Bird Seed Mix after 31^st March 2016. Such cultivations are anticipated to include ploughing, power harrowing and drilling but may also include rolling depending on ground conditions at the time. The seed mixture comprises 80% spring Barley, 10% Quinoa and 10% Millet (by weight).

b) Plot 8 extends to 2.75 gross hectares (6.80 gross acres) and is designated as “over-wintered stubble” under the Higher Level Stewardship management agreement and the Licensee will be required to undertake the following works;

Duties of the Licensee – The Licensee will enter into this field and grow a crop of spring Barley on a “stubble to stubble” contract basis leaving the stubble in situ at the end of the licence agreement. The Licensee will harvest and retain for their own use or sale the grain and straw.

(c) Plot 9 extends to 3.57 gross hectares (8.82 gross acres). It is presently maize stubble and the Licensee may grow whatever annual arable crop he or she wishes on a “stubble to stubble” basis. The Licensee will harvest and retain for their own use or sale the grain and straw.

Important note – the conditions of the cropping licence on Lot 2 mean that the Licensee will incur a cost farming Plot 7 whereas an income will be generated from farming Plots 8 and 9 as set out above. Applicants should tender a Net Sum having taken into account all the costs associated with the requirements set out above.

(ii) Rights to be granted – A cropping licence over the entire area subject to the management conditions noted above. Livestock are not permitted on this Lot.

(iv) Water – There is no water.

(v) Fencing – Not applicable as this is a cropping licence.

(vi) Higher Level Stewardship agreement – The Licensee will farm this Lot in accordance with the management conditions set out above.

Lot 3 – Grazing / Mowing Licence

(i) Areas and cropping – Lot 3 is a single field (Plot 10) of sloping pasture with a southerly aspect extending to approximately 4.50 gross hectares (11.12 gross acres) as bordered green on the plan.

(ii) Rights to be granted – A grazing / mowing licence subject to the management conditions of the Higher Level Stewardship agreement noted below.

(iv) Water – A small stream flows along the southern boundary but otherwise there is no piped water nor any troughs in this Lot.

(vi) Higher Level Stewardship agreement – The Licensee will farm this Lot in accordance with the management conditions set out in the Higher Level Stewardship agreement as summarised below.

Lot 4 – Grazing / Mowing Licence

(i) Areas and cropping – Lot 4 is a single field (Plot 11) of sloping pasture with a northerly aspect extending to approximately 1.85 gross hectares (4.57 gross acres) as bordered brown on the plan.

(ii) Rights to be granted – A grazing / mowing licence subject to the management conditions of the Higher Level Stewardship agreement noted below.

(iv) Water – This Lot does not have a water supply and therefore if the Licensee wishes to graze livestock, the Licensee will need to bring in their own water.

(vi) Higher Level Stewardship agreement – The Licensee will farm this Lot in accordance with the management conditions set out in the Higher Level Stewardship agreement as summarised below.

6. HIGHER LEVEL STEWARDSHIP AGREEMENT

The following is a summary of the rules that apply to Thorn Farm Land under this Higher Level Stewardship management agreement. All applicants will be required to farm the land in accordance with these rules. For further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the agents.

Higher Level Stewardship rules applying to ALL FOUR LOTS

a) Do not apply lime.

b) Do not apply any pesticides.

c) Do not undertake any ground works (levelling, infilling, etc. of any nature).

d) Do not light fires.

e) Do not allow the land to be used for activities such as organised games, sports, camping, etc.

f) Do not carry out or permit metal detecting.

Lots 1, 3 and 4 – ALL GRASSLAND

The maximum stocking density is to be no more than two livestock units per hectare. One livestock unit is the equivalent of a Friesian or Holstein dairy cow. A ewe is the equivalent of 0.10 livestock units and a horse, 1.20 livestock units. 1 Hectare equates to 2.471 Acres. On this basis and in respect of sheep for example, the maximum stocking rate at any one time is 20 ewes per hectare or 8 ewes per acre equivalent.

Part of Lot 1 ONLY – Plot numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6

In addition to the management rules noted above, Plot numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Lot 1 are subject to the following specific rules;

a) Graze with cattle and / or sheep only.

b) Avoid any poaching.

c) Avoid damage to any trees.

d) All standing and fallen deadwood must be retained and left in situ.

e) No nutrients such as fertilisers, organic manures or waste materials (including sewage sludge) may be applied to the land.

f) There must be no ploughing or any other field work such as rolling, chain harrowing, etc.

g) Supplementary feeding is prohibited.

h) Up to 50% of Plot numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Lot 1 may be cut for hay and silage in any one year. Hay should only be cut after the 15^th July.

7 . CONDITION OF THORN FARM LAND

Thorn Farm Land is let “as seen” and all applicants will be deemed to have inspected all lots and satisfied themselves as to the condition of each lot prior to tendering. The landlord has not applied any fertiliser and does not intend to. In addition, there are areas where the field boundaries are not stock proof and the Licensee will be entirely responsible for keeping livestock in the fields (should he or she wish to stock the fields) and will also indemnify the landlord against any claim arising from the straying of livestock.

8. BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME AND ENTITLEMENTS

The Licensee may not include the land in any claim for the Basic Payment Scheme subsidy nor any other subsidy scheme.

9. SPORTING RIGHTS

Sporting rights are retained by the Landlord and there is to be no shooting on any of the Lots.

10. INFORMAL TENDER PROCEDURE

Applicants are responsible for familiarising themselves with the holding and these particulars. When inspecting the land, interested parties are asked to do so on foot, shut all gates, be aware livestock may be grazing and carry a copy of these particulars.

Applicants are invited to tender for all the land or separate Lots as appropriate on the application and tender forms attached to the rear of these particulars.

Application and tender forms are to be received by no later than 12 noon on Friday 11^th March 2016 at the office of Peter Skinner & Associates Limited whose address is Manor Cottage Estate Office, Old Haldon Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XU.

Application and tender forms will be opened at this time in the presence of an independent witness.

Whilst the agent will make all reasonable efforts to answer applicant’s questions and explain more fully the letting process, the agent will not discuss any matter regarding or associated with the amount to be tendered.

Late applications will not be accepted.

11. PAYMENT OF LICENCE FEE

The licence fee will be payable in full on the commencement date.

12. DISCLAIMER

These letting particulars are believed to be correct but neither the Landlord, nor Peter Skinner & Associates Limited accept any liability for errors or omissions.

13. PROPERTY MISDESCRIPTIONS ACT 1991.

Peter Skinner & Associates Limited, on behalf of the Trustees of The Harefield Estate, give notice that;

i. These particulars are produced in good faith, are set out as a general guide only and do not constitute an offer or part of an offer or contract.
ii. All descriptions, dimensions, references to condition and the necessary permission for use and occupation, and other details are given without responsibility and any intended applicant must satisfy themselves by inspecting or otherwise as to the correctness of such statements.
iii. No person representing Peter Skinner & Associates Limited has any authority to make, or to give any representation or warranty whatsoever, in relation to this property.

APPENDIX I

SCHEDULE OF AREA

THORN FARM, LYMPSTONE, DEVON, EX8 5AG

Lot 1 – bordered red on the attached plan

Plot No.	OS No.	Description:	Area (Ha):	Area (ac)
1	7057	Pasture	5.92	14.63
2	8034	Pasture	2.61	6.45
3	9575	Pasture	6.00	14.83
4	9748	Pasture	6.47	15.99
5	1044	Pasture	7.11	17.57
6	2322	Pasture	2.47	6.10
Total			30.58 Gross Hectares	75.57 Gross Acres

Lot 2 – bordered blue on the attached plan

Plot No.	OS No.	Description:	Area (Ha):	Area (ac)
7	1689	Enhanced Wild Bird Seed Mix	1.05	2.59
8	2377	Over winter stubble	2.75	6.80
9	3493	Maize stubble	3.57	8.82
Total			7.37 Gross Hectares	18.21 Gross Acres

Lot 3 – bordered green on the attached plan

Plot No.	OS No.	Description:	Area (Ha):	Area (ac)
10	2908	Pasture	4.50	11.12
Total			4.50 Gross Hectares	11.12 Gross Acres

Lot 4 – bordered brown on the attached plan

Plot No.	OS No.	Description:	Area (Ha):	Area (ac)
11	8485	Pasture	1.85	4.57
Total			1.85 Gross Hectares	4.57 Gross Acres

Grand Total 44.30 Gross Hectares (109.47 Gross Acres)

Please click on the following link to view a plan of Thorn Farm Land:

Thorn Farm Land – Plan

APPENDIX II

APPLICATION FORM FOR

THORN FARM LAND, LYMPSTONE, DEVON, EX6 7XU

PERSONAL DETAILS

Applicant 1: (Full Name) …………………………………………………………………. Age: ………..

Applicant 2: (Full Name) …………………………………………………………………. Age: ………..

Applicant 3: (Full Name) …………………………………………………………………. Age: ………..

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Home Telephone No: ……………………………………………………………

Work Telephone No: ……………………………………………………………

Mobile Telephone No: ………………………………………………………….

REFEREES

Please provide the name and address of at least two people who may be asked for a reference as follows;

Referee 1: (Name & Address) ………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Referee 2: (Name & Address) ………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPATION

Please give a brief description of any land and property you currently farm. Such details need only include a short description of your holding, its area and farming system.

PROPOSED FARMING SYSTEM FOR THORN FARM LAND

Please give basic details of the proposed farming policy. For example, please note the type of livestock, numbers, fencing arrangements, whether the land is to be mown and what crop will be planted in Plot 9.

ANY OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Please Note: You must also complete the Informal Tender Form and sign the Acknowledgement as part of your application.

INFORMAL TENDER FORM

THORN FARM LAND, LYMPSTONE, DEVON, EX6 7XU

1) I, ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. (Name of Applicants) have inspected the holding known as Thorn Farm Land, Lympstone, Devon, EX6 7XU and have obtained all the necessary information regarding the land, the lotting and the terms of the licence including the Higher Level Stewardship management rules.

2) I hereby tender the sum detailed in the table immediately below this paragraph for the relevant Lot, combination of Lots or Thorn Farm Land as a whole;

Lot	Sum Tendered *(£)*	Conditions applying to the sum tendered
Lot 1 – 30.58 Gross Hectares (75.57 acres) – as bordered red on the plan	£ (Amount in words)
Lot 2 – 7.37 Gross Hectares (18.21 Gross acres) – as bordered blue on the plan	£ (Amount in words)
Lot 3 – 4.50 Gross Hectares (11.12 Gross Acres) – as bordered green on the plan	£ (Amount in words)
Lot	Sum Tendered *£ per year*	Conditions applying to the sum tendered
Lot 4 – 1.85 Gross Hectares (4.57 Gross Acres) – as bordered brown on the plan	£ (Amount in words)
Combination of Lots	£ (Amount in words)	*Please state which lots are being tendered for here;*
Thorne Farm Land as a whole	£ (Amount in words)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge that;

I will be wholly responsible for boundary fences and if I wish to graze livestock, it will my responsibility to ensure that the boundaries are stock proof. I will further indemnify the Landlord against the straying of any of my livestock.

The landlord will not apply any fertiliser to the land.

I will not make any claim under the Basic Payment Scheme or any other subsidy scheme.

I will farm the land in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the letting particulars including those of the Higher Level Stewardship management agreement.

It is understood that the Landlord is under no obligation to accept either the highest or any tender.

Please return the application and tender forms to Peter Skinner & Associates Limited by no later than 12 noon on Friday 11^th March 2016 in an envelope marked Thorn Farm Land Tender.

Signed: ………………………………………………………………………….. Dated: ………………………..

Applicant 1

Signed: ………………………………………………………………………. Dated: ………………………..

Applicant 2

Signed: ………………………………………………………………………. Dated: ………………………..

Applicant 3