Abbeystead is a sporting and conservation estate in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lancashire.

The estate consists of heather moorland and upland hill farms that principally farm beef, sheep and dairy.

More than two thirds of the estate is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area which is carefully managed, striving to protect, enhance and restore its sensitive environmental habitats. 

More than 8,000 hectares of moorland is managed sustainably, helping moorland birds and waders to flourish. The estate is home to some of the strongest populations in the UK of red listed species such as curlew, lapwing and redshank.

Their on-going and decade long programme of peatland restoration has restored over 78% of bare peat identified in surveys, reducing the CO2 emissions they emit annually by 60%.

They are part of Grosvenor Rural Estates which is responsible for the long-term stewardship of three rural estates in the United Kingdom.

10.00am Registration at Over Wyresdale Parish Hall (tea and coffees served on arrival)

10.30am Formal AGM Ben Underwood, Director of Membership and Regions

11.00am Talk from sponsors Brabners LLP, Charles Hansford, Partner

11.30am Introduction and welcome to Abbeystead Estate Neil Kilgour, Estates Director Abbeystead

12.00pm Pre-lunch drinks in the Parish Hall

12.30pm Two course lunch served – Lancashire or Vegetable Hot Pot with Mushy Peas, Pickled Beetroot and Red Cabbage 
                 Gooseberry, Saffron and Honey Cake with cream

2.00pm  Leisurely walk through the beautiful surroundings to Abbeystead Reservoir with a talk on their Micro-hydro scheme and soil         research. 
       (Provisions will be made for attendees with mobility issues)

3.30pm Return to Over Wyresdale Parish Hall (teas and coffees served)

4.00pm Finish

Suitable footwear and waterproof clothing is required