Christopher is a key advisor to landowners, farmers and rural land-owning institutions. He prides himself on providing clear advice in simple terms, offering solutions to both complex and everyday problems encountered by farmers, landowners and their families. He guides farming families through issues relating to succession to key assets and tax planning and, over 40 plus years, continues to guide the 3rd and 4th generation on their affairs.
Christopher has a particular specialism in advising on strategic land projects. He advises landowners on a wide range of option and promotion agreements to bring forward land for development and is experienced in advising groups of owners on equalising development gains and the property and tax intricacies of selling land for development.
He also boasts expertise in relation to farms and landed estates transactions, offering over 40 years’ experience in agricultural landlord and tenant problems and tenants as well as freehold owners on business restructuring for inheritance tax planning purposes.
The growing climate change emergency places renewables at the top of the agenda for governments and energy companies, so there are plenty of opportunities for those with land in the right place and the willingness to make a long-term commitment.
We have extensive experience in guiding landowners through the tricky but potentially lucrative process of agreeing a renewable energy project with an energy company or developer. By renewables, we mean all types of renewable energy including solar parks, offshore and onshore wind turbines, hydro-electric schemes, and anaerobic digesters.
We have advised landowners in the UK on dozens of renewables agreements, from start to finish. Consequently, we can advise on the both the key commercial points and the more specialist concerns of landowners and farmers. For example, on the one hand we can ensure that they benefit from future advances in technology that could increase the generating capacity of the project, or push back against unreasonable demands not to negotiate with other developers on neighbouring land. On the other hand, we can create and unravel tenancy structures, so land is held efficiently, or ensure that ancient trees are protected.
When acting for landowners, we work closely with their existing advisers (including the retained lawyers, agents, and accountants) to bring complicated deals over the line. We meet landowners, inspect their potential sites, and help with the process of interviewing and selecting a business partner, whether it be a land promoter or an energy company. We offer a dedicated team who will see the project through all its stages, providing continued support and advice as it progresses.
What we advise on:
Acquiring strategic land and assembling suitable sites for renewable energy projects
Advising on approaches and initial approaches from developers
Pro-actively approaching energy companies and other interested parties
Coordinating with fellow landowners on joint renewable energy project
Advising on title issues including restrictive covenants, easements and wayleaves
Negotiating option agreements and leases that set out the renewable energy project terms
Surrendering and granting tenancy agreements to fit with the renewable energy project and ensure land is held most efficiently
Planning advice on the planning application and implementation of planning consent
Tax advice to manage the most efficient use of the proceeds from the renewable energy project
Ongoing monitoring of the agreement, implementation of its terms and handling disputes arising from it
Enforcing decommissioning provisions at the end of the term
As a former farmer, Andrew has unique insights into the needs of agriculture clients. Ranked in ‘Hall of Fame’ Legal 500 for agricultural and estates work and Band 1 in Chambers UK, Agriculture and Rural affairs, Andrew is famed for his highly strategic approach, founded on his huge experience and knowledge.
Working with a range of individuals, families, landowners and trusts, he has handled some of the largest and multi-faceted land transactions in the market, many of which have complex tax elements. His expertise is frequently applied in multidimensional projects, where, if necessary, he is also able to draw together experts to solve complex legal and regulatory issues for clients. He frequently works alongside Forsters colleagues in the Family, Corporate Tax, Private Client and Landed Estates teams, among others.
His expertise is frequently applied in multidimensional projects (often with multi-jurisdictional considerations) where, if necessary, he is also able to draw together experts to solve complex legal and regulatory issues for clients.
Andrew acts as a trustee for a number of large family trusts and landowning families. He is also a Director of numerous family-owned businesses.
With a focus on advising landowners, Polly has extensive experience in negotiating agreements for development and renewables projects, including small scale through to larger scale schemes. She has a deep understanding of the sale and purchase of rural properties, ranging from commercial farms as investment assets to country estates, rural properties and heritage assets. Polly also specialises in natural capital, advising landowners on biodiversity net gain (BNG) agreements and contracts for natural capital projects.
Always ensuring that her client’s interests are protected and preserved, Polly is commercial and practical, anticipates potential roadblocks and meticulously negotiates fully operational agreements that mitigate risk and establish clarity at the outset of a project or transaction. Passionate about collaboration and team working, Polly liaises closely with peers and colleagues, including experts in private wealth planning, tax, corporate, planning and banking.
Recognised as a ‘Top Recommended Lawyer’ in the Spear’s 500 2023 directory, Polly is a committed member of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), enabling her to keep abreast of rural policies and the constantly evolving rural economy.
Praised by clients for his ‘vast array of experience in high‑value acquisitions and disposals in the agricultural sector’ (Chambers 2024), Henry is a Partner and Head of Rural Land and Business.
A ‘Hall of Fame’‑ranked partner (Legal 500 2025), he is at the forefront of high‑value estate, farm and country house purchases, and other related property issues. He is very closely involved with succession and estate planning, along with tax matters. Henry lives and breathes the countryside, with a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities that rural landowners face. He has an extensive network that he is constantly developing to support his clients.
Henry’s depth of knowledge, experience and skill is complemented by his enthusiasm for client care, communication and building long‑term relationships. Maintaining a positive mindset, he is pragmatic and efficient, an effective problem‑solver who always aims to expedite transactions.
Henry is a team player who enjoys working alongside colleagues, other advisers and clients.
