New Tenants Move Into West Blansby Farm

A new young farming family has been awarded the tenancy of West Blansby Farm on the Pickering Estate in Yorkshire.

Chris Timm is a farmer’s son and has previously farmed across a number of tenancies around Appleton Roebuck near York. Now, he and his wife Lisa have consolidated their business to a single Duchy farm spread over 284 acres to the north of Pickering.

Chris and Lisa have built up a successful business over the last 10 years, focusing on producing quality pedigree stock and environmental sustainability. They currently own flocks of Charollais, Beltex and Suffolk ewes and a herd of Aberdeen Angus suckler cows along with commercial suckler cows and store lambs, all of which are now relocating to West Blansby.

Commenting on the move Chris said: “With three young children at home a comfortable family home was as important to us as the quality and acreage of the land on the farm. This move to West Blansby has allowed us to consolidate our business in a single tenancy in a beautiful spot on the outskirts of Pickering. We are looking forward to putting down roots here and making this our home.”

Duchy Head of Rural Christopher Sparrow welcomed Chris and his family to the Pickering Estate: “We are always keen to help young farmers who are building successful businesses and who need more space as well as a longer term tenancy to allow them to invest in their businesses and indeed the holding. The Duchy seeks to partner with its farming tenants, working with them to look after the land, introduce new farming methodologies and encourage best practice, particularly with regard to improving soil health and enhancing biodiversity. We are delighted that Chris, Lisa and their children have chosen to make their home within the Duchy and have every confidence that their business will continue to thrive in the months and years ahead.”

West Blansby is a 284-acre holding which includes a 4-bedroomed farmhouse, along with a range of traditional and modern farm buildings. The Pickering Estate, which today covers some 800 hectares, is one of the original assets of the Duchy having been part of the ancient inheritance in 1267.