THE Sussex branch of the CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has elected Sir Sebastian Anstruther as its new chairman.

He owns the Barlavington Estate near Petworth where he runs a diversified rural business which includes agricultural, residential and commercial property, tourism, woodlands and environmental management.

He is a Secretary of State-appointed national member of the South Downs National Park Authority.

He helped set up the South Downs Land Managers’ Group which represents farmers and land managers based within the National Park boundaries.

Sebastian is also the founder of the Arun and Rother Rivers Trust.