Major farming business, the Velcourt Group, has invested in Oakbank Game and Conservation and will own 50% of the company.

A consultancy company, Oakbank operates across the UK with 17 staff involved in Countryside Stewardship, woodland creation, woodland management, habitat creation and regenerative agriculture. It also sell seed mixes for game covers, stewardship, and cover crops for soil health.

Velcourt manages 58,000 ha of land on behalf of clients turning over is £29.2m with 120 staff. Founded in 1967, the cross-sector farming company provides working capital and and advice on farm management, agronomy and livestock.

Velcourt’s executive chairman, James Townshend, said: “The skills around natural capital and the environment within Oakbank are entirely complementary to our long established track record of profitable farm management and land use and will create synergies with the existing farm management, advisory and livestock side of our business.

"We very much look forward to working with the Oakbank team in developing our respective businesses to meet the needs and aspirations of our clients.”