FARMERS and countryside enthusiasts are to visit the estate of a County Durham landowner to see how to successfully combine a commercial approach with a commitment to the environment.
The 50 members of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (Rase) are to visit Raby Estate on April 23 for a behind the scenes look at the estate's woodlands and moors.
The estate is owned by Lord Barnard and the visitors will see the results of his long-term plan to support and encourage wild game and other wildlife.
The tour will include talks from the head gamekeeper, Lindsay Waddell, and the head forester, Hamish Jeffrey, as well as a tour of Lord Barnard's home, Raby Castle near Staindrop.
Andrew Lewis, Raby Estate manager, said: "Raby is a prime example of a traditional estate, combining Lord Barnard's dedicated commitment to conservation with a commercially-run business. We hope Rase members will be inspired."
The tour is the first of eight regional events organised by Rase to give members a chance to view some of the most distinctive and successful estates and farms in the country.
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