CLA East AGMs 2023

Take a look at some of the venues we have visited so far this year

The CLA East AGMs are in full swing with members visiting a variety of spectacular locations.

A visit to Rothamsted Research, home to the oldest continuing agricultural field experiments in the world, was the first event of the season.

Members visited the Rothamsted Insectary, a specialised facility that maintains a range of both indigenous and exotic insect species. There was a tour of the Broadbalk and Park Grass experiments, as well as the Sample Archives (pictured), which has retained samples of crops, soils, fertilisers and manures from long-term experiments dating back to the 1840s.

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Soil samples at Rothamsted Research

In May, the Orsett Estate was the location for the Essex AGM. Located on the urban fringe, members heard of challenges facing the estate, including proposals for major road and electricity infrastructure projects.

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The rural-urban view during the Essex AGM and tour at Orsett Estate

In Suffolk, members heard about organic farming and agroforestry during a visit to Shimpling Park Farm and across the county border in Norfolk members visited Stody Estate, a family-run, diversified and ever-evolving estate in the heart of North Norfolk’s finest rolling countryside.

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John Pawsey showing members around Shimpling Park Farm
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the spectacular gardens at Stody Estate

The Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire CLA branch visited Luton Hoo, an estate that boasts an arable farm, parkland, residential properties, commercial units, a historic model farm and a small solar PV scheme.

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Touring the estate at Luton Hoo

In Lincolnshire, members toured Doddington Hall and Gardens and heard about a 100-year rewilding project to bring more nature back to the estate following a decision to end arable farming and let nature take over.

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Part of the rewilding project at Doddington Hall

There are two remaining AGMs and Annual Visits taking place in the autumn. In Nottinghamshire, a visit to Lapwing Estate/Pollybell farm will take place in September and in October members will take a tour of the Silverstone Circuit. You can book a place at these events via the CLA website.

Thank you to all our hosts, sponsors and members for helping to make these events so special.