Who We Are
Mulberry Rural, Rural Practice Chartered Surveyors and Land Agents, have over 25 years’ experience in the profession.
Kevin Burree is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), an RICS Registered Valuer, a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV), a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (FALA) and a practitioner Member of the Society of Agriculture (PSAg). Kevin is also an RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Assessor and Chairman.
What We Do
We genuinely care about you and your land and property. We want you to get the best possible outcome so we work hard to give you valuable and accurate advice.
We have a deep understanding of the demands, pressures and problems which can arise around rural land and property.
When you work with us, we get to know you on a personal level, listen to the issues you are facing and provide the services you need or if we are unable to advise on a particular matter signpost you to someone who can.
Services including:
Land Occupation
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, we provide advice on tenancy matters for agreements under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 including the preparation and management of agreements. We also advise on succession, surrenders and regrants of tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. We also prepare seasonal grazing and/or mowing licences and other forms of short term agreements for grazing cropping or alternative uses.
Farm & Land Management
We advise landowners on ways to maximise the profitability of joint ventures, including contract and share farming agreements. In addition we manage land and tenancies, rent collection and liaising with other third parties as required.
Utility Schemes, Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, Telecoms, Wayleaves & Easements
When approached by private companies or statutory undertakers regarding utilities schemes, telecoms masts, site compounds, access requirements including site surveys and other undertakings we can act on your behalf to protect your interest, negotiate compensation, access and compound licences and agree reinstatement.
Agents fees are usually borne by party seeking the interest in land together with VAT if the claimant is not VAT registered.
Valuations
Mulberry Rural undertake valuations of agricultural and rural land and buildings, livestock and deadstock for all purposes. Most commonly, valuations are carried out for year-end farm stocktaking for Income Tax purposes, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. We liaise with other professional advisors and statutory bodies including The Valuation Office Agency as required.
Being RICS registered valuers all valuations comply with professional valuation standards.
Planning & Development (including Renewables)
We advise on the preparation and submission of rural planning applications and appeals including the construction of new agricultural buildings, change of use applications, creation of new accesses, manages, stables and dog walking areas.
Mulberry Rural also advise on option and promotion agreements together with conditional contracts working alongside other parties and professional advisors as required.
Sales and Purchase of Farms & Land
Advising on marketing land and property to maximise the value, we have close working relationships with national firms working with buyers, sellers, their advisors and solicitors from instruction through to completion of a transaction and handover.
We deal with a wide spectrum of property ranging from accesses and driveways to paddocks and small parcels of land through to larger blocks of land with or without buildings and farms.
Advising New Land Owners & Occupiers
For those new to farming or rural land ownership Mulberry Rural offer advice on statutory requirements and can assist in setting up with relevant government agencies including becoming a livestock keeper.
We can also advise on appropriate tenancies, licences, joint venture agreements, grant funding opportunities and implications for change of use of land and buildings.
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
With a pilot scheme launched initially in 2021 and subsequent versions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the scheme was closed without notice for new applications on 11th March 2025. With existing agreements running for their 3 year fixed term, the next application window has been announced as being in June 2026 for small farms and those without existing environmental land management agreements and September 2026 for all other applicants.
Mulberry Rural undertake SFI applications and submission of annual declarations and annual rotational actions declarations as required for live agreements.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme
We deal with preparation of annual revenue and capital claims and the transfer of agreements following a change of land occupation.
Although new Mid Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme agreements are no longer being offered, the scheme still offers capital grants (now with fixed application windows) and Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship by invitation from Natural England.
Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS)
Three new tiers under the Environmental Land Management Scheme forming the main future schemes are emerging to replace the Basic Payment Scheme and enhance the existing Countryside Stewardship Scheme:
- Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – The Pilot was launched in 2021 followed by the SFI 2022 with 3 standards. Holders of SFI 2022 agreements will be given notice to terminate their agreement and they will then be able to enter into SFI 2023 which was launched on 18th September 2023 on a controlled roll out before being opened up. SFI 2023 comprises 23 actions. Further actions are due to be added in 2024.
SFI offers 3 year agreements with quarterly payments, a £20/hectare management payment up to 50 hectares and options can be added to an agreement on the 1st and 2nd anniversary. - Countryside Stewardship & Countryside Stewardship Plus – The existing Countryside Stewardship scheme is to be retained and enhanced.
- Landscape Recovery – Is for large long term projects on areas in excess of 500 hectares. An initial round was launched in 2022 with 22 projects selected. Applications for Round 2 ran from May to September 2023.
Farming Investment Fund
The Farming Investment Fund offers a number of grants.
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) enables the purchase of items that improve productivity, manage slurry and improve animal health and welfare.
We undertake applications and management of the whole process including making a claim for the grant. FETF is discretionary. Applications are point scored with annual application windows.
Other grants offered include the Water Management Grant, Slurry Infrastructure Grant, Adding Value Grant, Calf Housing For Health & Welfare Grant, Improving Farm Productivity Grant, and the Laying Hen Housing For Health & Welfare Grant.
Each grant has its own application window and requirements. Many application windows have past the initial stages and further rounds may be announced in the future.
Emerging Land Uses and Markets
Rural government policy involves strategies for planning and managing the countryside in order to address needs including housing, connectivity, services and economic development.
The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in 2024 requires developers to contribute a minimum 10% net gain on biodiversity on developments (with limited exceptions). The provision of BNG can be either on the development site or off site with credits being purchased.
Emerging markets are developing for environmental credits, carbon, BNG and nitrate offsets which are currently unregulated leading to debate over potential regulation.
Land Occupation
Whether you are a landlord or tenant, we provide advice on tenancy matters for agreements under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 including the preparation and management of agreements. We also advise on succession, surrenders and regrants of tenancies under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986. We also prepare seasonal grazing and/or mowing licences and other forms of short term agreements for grazing cropping or alternative uses.
Farm & Land Management
We advise landowners on ways to maximise the profitability of joint ventures, including contract and share farming agreements. In addition we manage land and tenancies, rent collection and liaising with other third parties as required.
Utility Schemes, Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, Telecoms, Wayleaves & Easements
When approached by private companies or statutory undertakers regarding utilities schemes, telecoms masts, site compounds, access requirements including site surveys and other undertakings we can act on your behalf to protect your interest, negotiate compensation, access and compound licences and agree reinstatement.
Agents fees are usually borne by party seeking the interest in land together with VAT if the claimant is not VAT registered.
Valuations
Mulberry Rural undertake valuations of agricultural and rural land and buildings, livestock and deadstock for all purposes. Most commonly, valuations are carried out for year-end farm stocktaking for Income Tax purposes, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. We liaise with other professional advisors and statutory bodies including The Valuation Office Agency as required.
Being RICS registered valuers all valuations comply with professional valuation standards.
Planning & Development (including Renewables)
We advise on the preparation and submission of rural planning applications and appeals including the construction of new agricultural buildings, change of use applications, creation of new accesses, manages, stables and dog walking areas.
Mulberry Rural also advise on option and promotion agreements together with conditional contracts working alongside other parties and professional advisors as required.
Sales and Purchase of Farms & Land
Advising on marketing land and property to maximise the value, we have close working relationships with national firms working with buyers, sellers, their advisors and solicitors from instruction through to completion of a transaction and handover.
We deal with a wide spectrum of property ranging from accesses and driveways to paddocks and small parcels of land through to larger blocks of land with or without buildings and farms.
Advising New Land Owners
& Occupiers
For those new to farming or rural land ownership Mulberry Rural offer advice on statutory requirements and can assist in setting up with relevant government agencies including becoming a livestock keeper.
We can also advise on appropriate tenancies, licences, joint venture agreements, grant funding opportunities and implications for change of use of land and buildings.
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
With a pilot scheme launched initially in 2021 and subsequent versions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, the scheme was closed without notice for new applications on 11th March 2025. With existing agreements running for their 3 year fixed term, the next application window has been announced as being in June 2026 for small farms and those without existing environmental land management agreements and September 2026 for all other applicants.
Mulberry Rural undertake SFI applications and submission of annual declarations and annual rotational actions declarations as required for live agreements.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme
We deal with preparation of annual revenue and capital claims and the transfer of agreements following a change of land occupation.
Although new Mid Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme agreements are no longer being offered, the scheme still offers capital grants (now with fixed application windows) and Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship by invitation from Natural England.
Farming Investment Fund
The Farming Investment Fund offers a number of grants.
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) enables the purchase of items that improve productivity, manage slurry and improve animal health and welfare.
We undertake applications and management of the whole process including making a claim for the grant. FETF is discretionary. Applications are point scored with annual application windows.
Other grants offered include the Water Management Grant, Slurry Infrastructure Grant, Adding Value Grant, Calf Housing For Health & Welfare Grant, Improving Farm Productivity Grant, and the Laying Hen Housing For Health & Welfare Grant.
Each grant has its own application window and requirements. Many application windows have past the initial stages and further rounds may be announced in the future.
Emerging Land Uses and Markets
Rural government policy involves strategies for planning and managing the countryside in order to address needs including housing, connectivity, services and economic development.
The introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in 2024 requires developers to contribute a minimum 10% net gain on biodiversity on developments (with limited exceptions). The provision of BNG can be either on the development site or off site with credits being purchased.
Emerging markets are developing for environmental credits, carbon, BNG and nitrate offsets which are currently unregulated leading to debate over potential regulation.
Why You Can Trust Us.
We have developed long-term working relationships with many of our clients, during which we get to know them personally. We develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of their businesses and put their best interests at the heart of everything we do.
Working with land and property often requires discretion. Sensitive issues can arise which need careful handling.
Regardless of the circumstances or the sensitivity of an issue, Mulberry Rural will act as a reliable third party. Our aim is also to dispel tensions and reach an amicable outcome which suits all parties.
Completed Property Sales
Aldermaston, Reading
Having provided the valuation for Inheritance Tax, Mulberry Rural assisted in the joint marketing and sale of a ring fenced farm comprising a farmhouse, farm yard, buildings and pasture land extending to 80 acres (32.5 hectares) with redevelopment potential in 2025.
Old Windsor, Berkshire
We were pleased to be involved in marketing well established grassland together with a semi-detached house in a rarely available location at College Farm, Old Windsor, Berkshire.
Extending to about 67.32 aces (27.26 hectares), the land borders Windsor Great Park in places to the North.
The property was sold by private treaty in 4 lots in excess of the guide of £1,350,000 in 2023.
Beenham, nr Reading
We were involved in the joint marketing and sale of a block of mainly pasture land extending to approximately 85 acres (34.40 hectares) by private treaty in 2021.
Finchampstead, nr Wokingham
Having provided the valuation for Inheritance Tax, Mulberry Rural assisted in the joint marketing and sale of a small holding extending to 10.5 acres (4.28 hectares) in 2021 which sold substantially in excess of the guide price of £750,000.
Burghfield, nr Reading
Mulberry Rural assisted as joint selling agent in the marketing and sale of a 156.2 acres (63.25 hectares) farm at Burghfield, Berkshire.
We provided a marketing appraisal with advice on the value of the property and lotting for sale. Once instructed, we were involved in marketing the property, dealing with enquiries and offers, advising on offers received, advising on all other practical matters relating to the sale. We also arranged for a farm machinery dispersal sale and ensured that the farm buildings were cleared prior to completion.
The farm was brought to the market in summer 2018. It was successfully sold by private treaty in four lots and sold around the guide price of £2,600,000.
Contact Mulberry Rural Today.
If you’re an agricultural or rural land and property owner or occupier and need advice from an experienced Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, get in touch today.