Contributors

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has welcomed three new solicitors into its national Agriculture team.

Antonia Cosby has joined the team as a Managing Associate, based in the firm's Newcastle office. Antonia advises individuals, trusts and entrepreneurs on the buying and selling of estates and large or complex rural properties. She also works closely with the owners of rural properties on a wide variety of subjects - ranging from development projects and promotion agreements to remortgages and leases, whether business or farming – and is highly regarded for her expertise in equestrian legal issues.

Mary Foster and David Ramsbottom have both joined the team as newly qualified solicitors. Mary is based in Newcastle and David is based in Bristol. Both specialise in agricultural and rural property matters including sales and purchases of agricultural land, agricultural tenancies and leases of telecommunications sites.

Simon Kirkup, Partner and Head of WBD's Agriculture, Farms and Estates team, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome these excellent additions to our team. They will play an important part in ensuring the future growth and success of our team."

WBD's Agriculture, Farms and Estates team advises in relation to all aspects of rural land ownership – including capital tax planning, the sale and purchase of farms and estates, estate management, complex landlord and tenant issues, development, mines and minerals and charitable issues.

The team acts for a wide range of rural landowners including over 100 significant landed estates, private landowners, major landowning charities, PLCs and other bodies. Corporate clients include: National Trust, Grainger PLC, Church Commissioners, English Heritage, The Society of Merchant Venturers, St Monica Trust, National Farmers Union, The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation PLC and RWE.