Duchy Expands In Whitewell

As part of its strategic acquisition programme the Duchy of Lancaster has purchased a further 226 acres in the Forest of Bowland. Higher Lickhurst Farm marches with the Duchy’s Whitewell estate and the steading includes a range of modern agricultural buildings as well as an agricultural dwelling in need of refurbishment. In addition to the farm’s 226 acres of pastureland the acquisition also includes ownership of two-thirds of the adjoining Stanley Common which covers a further 96 acres.

Higher Lickhurst has now been let to John West, the owner of a neighbouring 120-acre farm where he runs a herd of pedigree Brown Swiss cattle.  Higher Lickhurst Farm will provide accommodation for his youngstock which are currently split between a number of short- term FBTs and grazing agreements.

Commenting on the acquisition, Duchy Head of Rural Christopher Sparrow said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the south western corner of the historic Whitewell Estate. This acquisition adds a significant quantum of pasture land to help us to redress the balance of upland grazing prevalent on the Estate and we look forward to working with John in the months ahead to integrate both steadings effectively and efficiently.”

The Whitewell Estate now extends for some 6,369 acres within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is the Forest of Bowland. It is part of the Duchy’s Lancashire Survey which also includes Estates at Myerscough, Salwick and Wyreside.