Norfolk County Council owns more than 16,000 acres of agricultural land, which is let to 95 farm tenants to open routes into the industry for new entrants, or potential expansion opportunities for existing farmers.

It is inviting applications from "forward‑thinking and enterprising individuals who wish to establish a foothold in agriculture while helping to strengthen rural businesses and improve the local environment." 

The three available properties are all classified as containing predominantly Grade 1 agricultural land.

Two are near Downham Market - with a five-year tenancy on 57.96-acre bare land holding at Ashtree Farm on the Southery Estate, and a 10-year tenancy available on a 136.38-acre equipped holding on the Welney Farm Estate.

The third farm is 255.61 acres of bare land at Bacton and Edingthorpe, also available for a 10-year tenancy.

Jane James, Norfolk's cabinet member for corporate services and innovation, said: “Norfolk’s County Farms estate continues to play a crucial role in sustaining a resilient rural economy.

“By making these new tenancy opportunities available, we are creating meaningful routes into the agricultural sector for aspiring and early‑career farmers.

“We remain committed to providing accessible opportunities that enable the next generation of farmers to establish themselves and contribute to the future prosperity of our county.”

All tenancies will start from October 11. Potential applicants must attend the viewing days, which will be on Wednesday March 18 for the two properties near Downham Market, and Wednesday March 25 for the land at Bacton.

For more information, see www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/43591/Available-farms. Applications must be submitted online via the council’s website by midday on May 15.

© Eastern Daily Press