The CLA North team has set up this page for colleagues, members and friends who would like to make a (voluntary) contribution to Dorothy’s farewell gift. After more than an illustrious 20 years at the CLA, Director North Dorothy Fairburn announced her retirement earlier this year.

Dorothy Fairburn first joined the CLA more than 20 years ago, initially involving herself with farming and landowning matters across Yorkshire, before also taking in Lancashire, Cumbria and the North East.

A farmer’s daughter from the North York Moors, Dorothy has clocked up more than 40 years’ service to the rural economy since graduating from Wye College (University of London) with a degree in agriculture.

She qualified as a rural practice chartered surveyor (land agent) whilst working for Savills plc in London and York, dealing with sales and purchases of country houses and estates as well as the management of investment estates for financial institutions.

Prior to joining the CLA, Dorothy worked for the National Trust in Yorkshire. There she managed some 30,000 acres of outstanding countryside as well as being responsible for historic houses open to the public and the acquisition of major new properties.

As CLA Director North she is responsible for the provision of advice to, and lobbying on behalf of, some 6,000 members who manage more than 50% of the rural land in the North region.

Dorothy was awarded an MBE in the 2011 New Year Honours List in recognition of her services to rural affairs.

In Dorothy’s own words... “I have thoroughly enjoyed just over 20 years working at this tremendous organisation and take great pride in the passionate commitment of staff who, despite all the current challenges, are continuously working to represent and champion our members’ interests in rural areas, both locally as well as to Westminster politicians.”

“I will certainly miss so many valued colleagues and members, but will not be leaving until late spring this year and will certainly not be slowing down. The CLA has been resilient in continuing to support our members, and in order to achieve this in future, we have now embarked on a recruitment drive to ensure a smooth transition.”