Our Top Tier Legal 500 Agriculture Team assists individual farmers, rural landowners and their families in managing all aspects of their finances and personal lives. The Team are based at our dedicated agricultural office at Gadbrook Park, Northwich and operate across the whole of the North West.

Providing legal assistance to an extensive range of clients from estate owners to tenant farmers, smallholders and agri-business, we pride ourselves on building long- term relationships and get to know you and your objectives. We provide detailed, common-sense legal advice as well as practical assistance, tailored to your individual situation and needs.

We will work with you to ensure both financial security and personal peace of mind whether that be in putting in place succession plans for your business or during the breakdown of a relationship.

If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation, whether that be by video, telephone or in person, to discuss your requirements, please get in touch with any member of our team. Alternatively, complete our Enquiry form below and we will call you back as soon as possible.

How can we help you?

Whether a small paddock or a hundred acres of land, our team will share the load and guide and advise you through every step of the process. We will cover everything from the fundamentals of the transaction, to looking at rights of way, overages, subsidies, and tenancies.

Succession planning is an essential part of ensuring your assets, your business and your family are protected and able to thrive in the future. We will take time to learn about your situation and your goals, whether that be in respect of the business or personally and will create the best plan to achieve these goals.

 

Having a written agreement in place for the use of land is of paramount importance if you are to minimise the possibility of a dispute. Our team will assist with all manner of agreements from business tenancies to Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies, Grazing Licences to Sporting Rights. We also have the expertise to guide and advise on options and leases of mineral rights and renewable energy. We act for both landlords and tenants and will work with you and your land agent to achieve the outcome that best meets your objectives.

Butcher & Barlow provide an all encompassing legal service to the Equine industry including horse riders, horse owners and equestrian businesses and organisations. From property matters to contracts to disputes, the team have been personally involved with the industry for years and can therefore relate to, and fully understand, the issues being faced.

Farming families can be structurally complex, often with more than one generation or arm of the family being involved in the business and residing on the farm. Knowledge of the farming business therefore is essential to be able to properly advise if a relationship breaks down. The team at Butcher & Barlow have been personally involved with the industry for years and can therefore relate to, and fully understand, the issues being faced.

 

For further information on how Butcher & Barlow can assist if you are affected by HS2, click here.

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    Business, Succession Planning

    Succession Planning for Landowners

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    Succession Planning

    Succession planning for landowners

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    Succession Planning

    Who will succeed you in the farming business?

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    Business, Succession Planning

    Succession Planning for Landowners

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    Disputes

    Arbitration or expert determination?

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    Property matters

    Tenancy FAQ’s

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    Property matters

    Lease and tenancy agreement reviews

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    Property matters

    Tenant farmers and rent reviews

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    Business

    Who will succeed you in the family farming business?

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    Business

    Choosing the best business structure for your farming enterprise

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    Business

    Agricultural Property Relief: Making a sucsessful claim

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    Case Study: Untangling the farm business from the family home

    Background Barbara Thompson*  farmed with her son John and daughter-in-law Joanne in a three-way partnership. Over time, the partnership borrowed...

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    Tim Bailey

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    Michael Bracegirdle

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    John Hyatt

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    Meet the
    Agriculture and Rural Estates Team

    Our people are what makes Butcher & Barlow what it is. Each one of our team is committed to building a solid, long-lasting working relationship with our clients across Bury, Manchester and Cheshire.

    What our clients say about our Agriculture and Rural Affairs Service

    I can't recommend Mike Bracegirdle and Karen Miller from Butcher & Barlow highly enough. Our house purchase was completed quickly, smoothly and on-time thanks to their professionalism and diligence. They were patient, thorough and always quick to respond. Every step was explained in plain language, which meant we felt confident throughout the entire process. We are incredibly grateful for their expertise, dedication, attention to detail and proactive communication. A truly outstanding service, thank you! Highly recommended for anyone buying a property.

    Mrs N

    The team's knowledge of complex rural land transactions was outstanding, along with their ability to propose solutions to clauses that may not have been in the best interest of our family.

    The Legal 500 – 2026 Rankings

    Benjamin Davenport-Lawton was efficient in the way in which they dealt with instructions on behalf of mutual clients and were able to recognise and gave attention to the particular challenges which the work required, within tight timescales.

    The Legal 500 – 2026 Rankings

    A great team. Nothing ever seems too much trouble to any of the staff. Always a warm welcome when you arrive at their office. You trust their confidentiality completely.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Rankings

    Rebecca Jepson is always available when we need her and has been a great support. Her farming background has helped us when dealing with various complex Landlord and Tenant matters. She has very good client skills and ensures she does her upmost for our mutual clients.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Rankings

    They are fully aware of the difficulties that we face in the industry on a day-to-day basis, which we found refreshing and beneficial. We have used Butcher & Barlow several times in the past and we will use them in the future if we need to. We would highly recommend them as a team and a company.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Rankings

    They are fully aware of the difficulties that we face in the industry on a day-to-day basis, which we found refreshing and beneficial. We have used Butcher & Barlow several times in the past and we will use them in the future if we need to. We would highly recommend them as a team and a company.

    Legal 500 - 2025 edition

    I recently had the pleasure of working with Nicolas Ball during the sale of a small piece of land, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service provided. From start to finish, Nicholas demonstrated exceptional professionalism, expertise, and dedication. Nicholas guided us through every step of the process with clarity and confidence. I felt that all legal aspects were meticulously handled, giving me peace of mind throughout the transaction. Communication was seamless; Nick was always available to answer questions and provide updates, making the entire experience stress-free. What truly stood out was his attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Their strategic approach and thoroughness were instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful sale. I highly recommend Nicholas Ball to anyone in need of legal support for property transactions. Their exceptional service and dedication are truly commendable.

    Mr Sibbald

    I found Butcher & Barlow Solicitors by searching the internet. Mike Bracegirdle, Partner, made contact because of an enquiry I made to them. Several members of staff have been involved in a very complex process of selling our home, purchasing a new build property, and dealing with a rental agreement whilst we waited for our new home to be ready. Every member of staff we have dealt with, either on the phone or in person, has been extremely professional and knowledgeable. They have taken time to explain the stages we are up to and if we have been unsure on anything they have given advise. Each member of staff, including Mike Bracegirdle, have pulled out all the stops to ensure the three processes completed in a timely manner, sometimes under great pressure with tight deadlines. We cannot fault this company, excellent service every step of the way. Thank you to all involved

    Mr & Mrs Tams

    Mike Bracegirdle is extremely knowledgeable regarding the agricultural sector. He is always available when we need him and he has been a great support.

    Legal 500