At Woodhall Estate, we believe the countryside is at its strongest when people come together to share knowledge, ideas and a common purpose. That’s why we were delighted to welcome members of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) East for their Hertfordshire & Middlesex AGM.
As an organisation dedicated to supporting landowners and rural businesses, the CLA plays an important role in championing the future of the countryside. Bringing together members from across the region, the AGM provided an opportunity not only to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, but also to hear first-hand about the work taking place across the Estate.
The morning’s AGM provided an opportunity for landowners, farmers, rural businesses and industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas and discuss the future of the countryside. Following the formalities of the AGM, Executive Trustee-Director, Thomas Abel-Smith, shared Woodhall Estate’s long-term vision, highlighting the importance of balancing heritage, biodiversity, farming and stewardship to create a resilient landscape for future generations.
Guests were then invited to explore Woodhall Park through guided e-bike tours and walking routes, experiencing first-hand the projects shaping just a small part of Woodhall today. Delegates visited The Walled Gardens to learn about their ongoing restoration before stopping at Tumbling Bay to hear about our river restoration programme and wider commitment to enhancing biodiversity in conjunction with Affinity Water. At The Stables, conversations continued around the future of the Estate and the role responsible land management plays in caring for the countryside.
Opening just a small part of the Estate in this way is an important part of our purpose. By sharing the work taking place across Woodhall, we hope to inspire collaboration, encourage learning and demonstrate how historic estates can evolve to meet the environmental and social challenges of today.
Many of the themes discussed throughout the day are central to our own work. Supporting rural enterprise, investing in nature recovery, restoring heritage landscapes and creating opportunities for collaboration are all part of our long-term vision for Woodhall Estate.
Hosting organisations such as the CLA allows us to contribute to these conversations while strengthening relationships across the rural sector. Bringing together people with shared values creates opportunities to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation and build partnerships that benefit both the countryside and the communities connected to it.
We are grateful to have hosted the CLA East AGM and to everyone who joined us on the day. It was a privilege to welcome so many people who care deeply about the future of our rural landscape.
As we continue to evolve at Woodhall Estate, we look forward to welcoming more organisations, schools, community groups and conservation partners. By opening our gates and sharing our story, we hope to inspire collaboration, champion responsible stewardship and help shape a thriving future for the countryside.
