The COUNTRY Land and Business Association, which represents farmers, landowners and rural businesses has appointed Helen Dale as the new Midlands Rural Adviser.

Helen joins from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust where she gained more than 20 years’ experience dealing with a wide range of land management and environmental issues.

CLA Midlands regional director Mark Riches, believes helen will prove to be a welcome addition to the team.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Helen to the Midlands Team.

"She brings wide-ranging experience in land management and rural business that will prove invaluable as we negotiate Brexit, the Agriculture Bill and environmental factors that will all affect the way we farm and do business in the future.”

Helen added: “I am really excited to be joining the CLA at such a crucial time for landowners and the rural sector. Having previously worked in the conservation sector I fully appreciate the role that farmers and landowners play in shaping our landscape and protecting wildlife.

"I passionately believe that we can produce high welfare, high quality food whilst also ensuring a countryside that is rich in wildlife.”

Outside of work, much of Helen’s spare time is taken up with running a smallholding with husband Andy, and developing an artisan charcuterie business, selling their produce direct to customers at farmers’ markets.

Helen can be contacted on 01785 337010 or helen.dale@cla.org.uk