Case study: Getting involved with the CLA in the east

Alice Atkinson farms on the stunning North Norfolk Coast with land a mix of arable, grass and woodland, meadows and a beef herd permanently in residence.

Alice has made good use of her CLA membership by attending an array of CLA events including the CLA Women’s Network Reception in London, the Norfolk AGM at Stody Estate and a number of webinars on landownership topics.

In 2023, the CLA Land and Business magazine ran a double page article about an extensive woodland management project that Alice undertook on her farm. Following the work rare spoonbill birds began nesting in one of the woodlands overlooking the Cley Marsh. Alice had flurry of positive messages from people who had read the article.

In recognising the important role the CLA plays in supporting landowners and rural businesses, Alice has become a member of Norfolk Committee and is helping to feed in views on CLA policy matters at a local level, which are then shared with national committees.

“Our family has been in CLA membership since around the 1940’s and I was delighted to be invited to join the Norfolk Committee and to increase my engagement with the CLA,” says Alice.

“I have found attending webinars, and in particular events, very beneficial. The recent article in the Land and Business magazine, led to experts from many related fields getting in touch directly to discuss wildlife, farming and the environment. All of which has been fascinating and informative for me, with my training in landscaping rather than farming.”

“The CLA is not only a diverse collection of people across the country but importantly lobbies on a wide range of topics to ensure the vital rural voice continues to be heard.”