FARMER Will Higgs has called time on 31 years of farming on Black Robin Farm at Beachy Head.

Since 1987, and through the best and worst of weathers, Will has tended sheep, cattle and crops, along with managing holiday accommodation on the Beachy Head farm.

He said: “My wife Ali and I simply decided that the 6am starts in the depths of winter and the frequent late night finishes are getting a bit much for us and it’s time to let the next generation take the farm on.

“Black Robin will always have a very special place in our hearts and we’re happy that it will continue to be farmed in the same way. “

The farm has about 1,000 acres, making it one of the largest tenanted farms in the south east.

Strutt and Parker will be managing the process of re-letting the farm on behalf of the council.

Isabel Swift of Strutt and Parker said: “We are delighted to be involved in the letting of Black Robin Farm on behalf of the council.

“It is a fantastic farm and the letting presents a real opportunity for the successful applicant.

“We have received instructions from the council that applications will be assessed against various criteria.

“The uppermost of these is a commitment to conservation and public engagement, hopefully through educational initiatives.”