Preserving the Past, Planning for the Future: Making the Most of Your Rural Heritage Assets

September is the month of Heritage Open Days, and for those of us who enjoy dabbling in the antiquarian, we might be found heading to our local town centre to explore some historic gems as part of this annual festival. But how often do we turn our thoughts to the heritage of the countryside, and the role that farmers play in preserving it?  

Stewards of Time: Farmers as Custodians of Britain’s Historic Countryside

We might enjoy the occasional National Trust Day out and vaguely acknowledge that much of the historic estate is farmed, while preferring to enjoy the house and gardens for the ‘real’ history. Farmland is rarely seen as part of a heritage exhibition, and we often overlook the relationship tenant farmers had with the lords and ladies of grand country houses through the centuries. . Nor do we reflect enough on the critical role that these farmers – all farmers – play as stewards and custodians of the historic landscape. The countryside we see today has been shaped by their hands. 

Our countryside is scattered with relics of the past, be it veteran trees, ancient field boundaries, moated medieval manor houses, or tumbling tithe barns. In some parts of the country, the marks of medieval ploughing can still be seen in ridge and furrow earthworks, while deserted medieval villages can be traced through old trackways and outlines of tofts and crofts. The majority of these features are privately owned, and their future can be uncertain. For farmers, they can be perceived as more of a liability than an asset, with no obvious returns on investment to take care of them, and restrictions placed on how the surrounding land can be profitably used. Uncertainty over the specifics of their protected status can further complicate plans for development. 

Every rural heritage feature is unique, both in itself and in its setting. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to heritage and securing a viable future for an asset may require some creative thinking.  

Ceres Group’s Investment in Heritage Asset Management  

Ceres Group have recently taken on a Higher-Level Apprentice Heritage Advice Assistant via Strode College, who works with both Ceres Rural and Ceres Property clients to help deliver solutions to often complex heritage proposals.  

This may include:  

• Identifying and applying for grant 

• Working with Historic England and Local Authorities to obtain special planning permissions (Listed Building or Scheduled Monument Consent) 

• Preparing Desktop Assessments or Statements of Significance to support various changes of use.  

With this specialist knowledge, we are now better equipped to advise on a range of heritage projects, including giving new life to derelict historic farm buildings.  

Rural office hubs, play barns, cafés and farm shops can all find a home within the walls of the crumbling barns and cart sheds that pepper the countryside but are unfit for modern farm use. These ventures can provide vital revenue for farm businesses and help fund ongoing heritage repairs and maintenance. Equally, Ceres Rural’s raft of grant funding specialists can advise on the most lucrative stewardship options available for land with designated and non-designated historic features.  

Our heritage environment, once lost, is lost for good and for all. Even a small-scale management plan for derelict historic buildings, or protective measures for archaeological field deposits, can safeguard the future of the historic environment and preserve it for generations to come.  

Looking for advice? We’re here to help.

If you have any concerns about heritage assets on your land or would like tailored guidance on creating a business strategy that would incorporate traditional farm buildings, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Heritage Open Days  

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.