Land For Sale - Soulby, Kirkby Stephen

An opportunity to purchase a useful parcel of land which is capable of being mown and which will be of interest to farmers looking to expand their existing land holdings, together with those with amenity, equestrian, conservation or alternative land use interests.  The land is flat in topography and boundered with a mix of post and wire fences...

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Don't forget the 15th of May

In year's past, the 15th of May was clearly etched in everybody's minds to ensure that their Basic Payment Scheme claim was submitted to the RPA prior to the deadline. Since BPS became a De-linked payment and the annual claim did not have to be submitted, this date has become less talked about, but it is still equally important for those who have H...

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2026 Grants Updates

The RPA have recently made various announcements with regard to the opening of schemes during 2026. Therefore, we thought it was useful to publish an update to provide the pertinent information and dates for what we are anticipating will be forthcoming during 2026. Farming Equipment & Technology Fund – 2025 If you applied for and were...

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Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026

The application window for the next round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF 2026) will open on 17th March 2026. A total of £50 million will be available to farmers, growers, foresters and their contractors to invest in equipment and technology. Funding is split across 3 themes: • £20 million for farm productivity • £20 million for ...

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2026 marks 150 years of PFK

An historic anniversary that marks PFK as one of the longest-standing land and property companies in the region. Founded in 1876, this milestone reflects a century and a half as trusted professionals providing best advice to all our clients, the very foundations on which PFK was built and which we still stand by today. We would like to take this op...

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Making Tax Digital: Requirements and Key Implementation Dates

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC's) long-term programme to modernise the UK tax system. The goal is to move away from annual paper or manual accounting towards digital record-keeping and regular digital reporting. MTD has already reshaped how many businesses handle VAT, and its scope is now expanding to Income Tax Self As...

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SFI 2026 – welcome announcement

At the Oxford Farming conference today, Emma Reynolds, Environment Secretary, has made a welcome announcement with regard to the future of SFI. She has confirmed that DEFRA will open 2 application windows for SFI in 2026 – with the first window opening in June for farmers with small farms and farmers without existing environmental land management a...

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Tree Safety Surveys for Landowners and Land Managers

What is a Tree Safety Survey A Tree Safety Survey is an assessment of the health and condition of trees within a defined survey area to identify any potential hazards, usually through a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) by a suitably qualified person who holds a Professional Tree Inspection qualification. The end product is a report that summarises the ...

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Countryside Stewardship Update

DEFRA have this morning (15th October 2025) announced that farmers with Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements due to expire this year will be offered a one year extension.  This will allow over 5,000 farmers to continue their environmental and sustainable farming activities while more long-term schemes are reviewed.  The Rural Payme...

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Commercial Leases: The 1954 Act and Rent Review Reform

Commercial leases in rural areas are evolving. As farms and estates diversify into new income streams - from farm shops and offices to repurposed agricultural buildings and holiday lets - the rules governing these leases, including potential reforms are gaining renewed significance. A clearer understanding of the legal and practical considerations ...

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A Glimmer of Good News

The long-awaited opening of the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Scheme is now upon us. It is a glimmer of good news for those who have been lucky enough to be invited to apply for a scheme. DEFRA have opted to have a controlled roll-out of the application process as they are wanting to ensure that the service runs smoothly from the outset, inst...

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Capital Grants - Update

Defra has confirmed that the £150 million budget for the 2025 Capital Grants scheme has been fully allocated as of Friday 1st August, just four weeks after applications opened on 3rd July. This is following a sudden closure of the grant offer last November. Over 8,000 applications were received and DEFRA commented "this is the fastest uptake ever f...

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Julie Liddle elected President of The CAAV

The 81st Annual General Meeting of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), was held at The Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh on Friday 27th June 2025, where members elected Julie Liddle a Director of PFK Rural to the position of President, meaning Julie becomes the first woman to hold this position in the Associations long history. The CAAV...

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For Sale - Land Opposite Inglewood Edge, Skelton

This sale of land opposite Inglewood Edge offers an opportunity to purchase some good quality mowing land which would be capable of being ploughed but which is all currently sown down to grass.  Both Lots of land benefit from roadside access with a mains water supply. Approximately 17.64 hectares (43.59 acres) or thereabouts of grazing & m...

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Dual Approval for A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Upgrade Secures Full Funding

The Department for Transport has officially confirmed full funding for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine dualling project, which will upgrade the route between Penrith and Scotch Corner. The announcement forms part of a wider £92 billion national infrastructure investment package. This significant milestone means the long-awaited improvements to the A...

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