The Midlands team are delighted to invite you to a bespoke visit to Apley and Shropshire AGM by kind permission of Lord Gavin Hamilton.

Apley extends to 8,500 acres of land, including 300 residential, commercial, and agricultural properties combined and 40 businesses, from start-ups, farmers, manufacturers, independent retailers, and food and drink producers. 

The Estate is still in the ownership of descendants of the family who purchased it in 1868. 

Stockton House, built in 1702 and lived in by the family since Apley Hall was vacated in 1960. It has now been renovated and extended to create a bespoke wedding venue.

Apley farm 2,700 acres and have 100 acres of woodland. They have a wide rotation of crops, a suckler herd of 300 cows, with breeds of continental crosses and focus their farming on sustainability to maintain & improve soil quality. They are working together with the Forestry Commission on an approved Management Plan, working with Shropshire Wildlife Trust to manage woodlands, improve biodiversity and create wetlands in the River Worfe catchment. 

Apley is committed to reducing carbon and have installed solar panels and a solar field at Apley Farm shop generating most of the required energy sustainably on site.

The day will begin with the AGM being held at Stockton House, where you will also hear from a CLA Deputy President Victoria Vyvyan and Apley guest speakers Lord Gavin Hamilton and Marc Hornby. 

There will be one coach tour to the commercial development of Apley Free Range Egg Farm. You will be greeted by Rob and Jess Breakwell (father & daughter) who will explain the egg farm and Graeme Manton will explain the structure set up with the tenant. You will also explore Apley Farm Shop, with talks from Graeme Manton and Apley Farm Shop General Manager Lydia Arrowsmith. 

A second walking tour will explore the Mad Brook Ecological Improvement Project. This tour will be led by Lord Gavin Hamilton and supported by Luke Neal from Shropshire Wildlife Trust who will discuss the river restoration, tree planting and scrapes. Please note, you will be transported to these tours by coach.

A two-course hot buffet lunch will be served before the reverse tours in the afternoon.

Members will return to Stockton House for tea, coffee, and cakes before departure at 4.30pm.

 Programme
 9.30am Arrival & refreshments
 10.00am AGM - CLA Deputy President Victoria Vyvyan 
 - Apley speakers lord Gavin Hamilton & Marc Hornby 
 - Tours commence 
 - Two-course hot buffet lunch 
 - Reverse tours 
 - Refreshments 
 4.30pm Depart