26 / 36
Aspects of Land
Spring / Summer 2018
26
F
or Peter Wiggins-
Davies, CEO of
Revesby Estate,
his family home in
Lincolnshire, an
essential part of the job is
identifying what he calls the
estate’s “golden threads”.
“The golden threads are
what gives an estate its
unique sense of identity and
purpose – and they must be
understood, protected and
fostered if the estate is to
prosper,” he says.
One of the golden threads
at Revesby is its place at the
heart of its community.
“We’ve always had a strong
relationship – and very
positive ties – with the local
community and we take that
responsibility incredibly
seriously,” says Peter.
“Involvement and inclusion
is really important. They are
your community and indeed
your customers. Recognising
that this is an integral part
of what we do and who we
are has helped us shape our
decision-making in all aspects
of the business.”
The Wiggins-Davies have
enjoyed more than 300 years
of unbroken ownership of this
ring-fenced estate between the
sea and the city of Lincoln.
It is known for its beauty
and history, having gained its
identity for the first time in
1143 when a monastery was
built by Cistercian monks.
Later, when Henry VIII
dissolved the monastery and
gifted it to his brother-in-law,
it became a private estate.
Peter joined his father,
Gavin Wiggins-Davies, in the
estate’s management after
finishing his degree at Harper
Adams University in 2005.
While agriculture remains
the estate’s “engine” (about
50% of the estate is farmed in
hand with the remainder by
tenants), the family and estate
team have restructured and
diversified significantly since
Peter’s arrival.
Peter describes their
approach to agriculture
as focusing very much on
maximum efficiency, while
operating sympathetically with
the environment.
REVESBY
ESTATE
From farming to
lettings, it is being
true to their ideals
that drives everything
they do on this
Lincolnshire estate
Focus on…
HOW TO
DIVERSIFY