A property consultancy has won a contract to manage the Woodland Trust's largest estate in England, which is situated in Bolton.

Fisher German, based in Knutsford, will be handling the estate management of the vast Smithills Estate.

The three-year contract was awarded after a competitive tender process.

The 1,700-acre estate, a blend of woodland, farmland, grassland, ravines, and peat bogs, is meticulously maintained by the Woodland Trust.

The trust ensures a balance between supporting wildlife and sustainable farming.

Fisher German's responsibilities will include managing the estate's property portfolio, which comprises 12 farming tenancies.

The firm will also be advising on diversification opportunities and conducting regular asset reviews.

This contract win comes after Fisher German's successful management of land owned by the National Forest in Leicestershire over the previous two years.

Matthew Burton, associate partner at Fisher German and leader of the contract, said: "This is the first time we’ll be working on an estate managed by the Woodland Trust, and we’re really looking forward to helping the estate more efficiently managing its property while allowing it to focus on preserving the wonderful natural environment.

"Our previous experience in managing land owned by the National Forest impressed during the tender process and helped persuade the Woodland Trust to award us the contract.

"We have got to work straight away on site, and we hope this will be the start of working on further sites with the Woodland Trust in years to come."