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Spring / Summer 2018
Aspects of Land
“We’re between economies
of scale at present, so we’re
looking at ways to grow the
arable unit,” he says. “We’ve
got a very good team with
great knowledge and modern
machinery with state-of-the-
art technology so we’ve got a
good chance of success.”
After agriculture, lettings
is the second string to
their business, with others
such as fisheries, firewood
and venison playing an
increasingly important role.
The main motivation driving
their diversification is to
make better use of all the
estate’s assets.
The team grew the lettings
side of the business by looking
at the buildings on the estate
6,320
acres
11
enterprises. Mainly
arable farming, but also
includes lettings, forestry,
energy and fisheries
2005
The year when Peter
Wiggins-Davies joined the
family business and
diversification began
to gear up
35
lbs
The size of some of the
carp in one of Revesby’s
two fishing reservoirs
and deciding on the best use
for them.
“We’ve done a lot with
turning derelict properties
into habitable ones and
converting barns into houses,”
Peter says. “You learn a lot
from the process especially
how important it is to
involve officials and other
interested parties early on in
the proceedings. Whether it’s
planners, building regulations’
officers or heritage experts,
the sooner we talked to them
the better. When they see
you’re trying to do the right
thing, they get behind you and
work with you.”
When it comes to the shows
and events that Revesby hosts,
such as point-to-points and
country fairs, Peter always
uses these as an opportunity
to promote the rest of the
estate’s businesses. “We’ve
invested in the idea of brand
strongly and that helps us a
lot in getting the message out
there and finding the right
customers and tenants,” he
says. Having a brand identity
also helps them focus on what
is important.
“Any new venture has to
be sustainable and you want
that fit – so that you keep the
estate’s identity, which is
unique and so difficult to build.
“One of the lessons I
learnt from my Nuffield
Farming Scholarship (see
boxout on page 28) was that
diversification will help you
AT A
GLANCE
1
Revesby Esate with the main
house seen through the parkland.
2
The Wiggins-Davies family own
and run the estate.
3
Events are an
important part of diversification.
4
Classic car events are always
popular.
5
The estate has two
lakes that are popular for fishing.
6
These lakes are a valuable
commodity for leisure activities
for the local community.
2
3
4
5
1
6
TOMMY LOUTH / ALAMY