Having graduated from Reading University with an honours degree in Estate Management in 1975, Judith Norris became an Associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 1977 and was elected to fellowship in 1987. Starting her practical training as a land agent with Strutt and Parker on the Beaulieu Estate, Judith then worked for the National Trust in Cornwall and the South-East region. Judith was responsible for managing a variety of iconic properties including The White Cliffs of Dover, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens and Cotehele.Judith has found her land management experience including forestry to be an important background to the rural planning work that has been her specialism for over twenty years.In 1987, Judith set up her own practice dealing predominantly with rural estate management, rural planning and compulsory purchase matters, particularly in the South of England. Following on from the success, Judith set up the The Rural Planning Practice. The RPP provides specialist planning advice for development in market towns, villages and the countryside. These areas have unique planning challenges which require specialist knowledge and bespoke planning solutions.Judith is involved with the Country Business and Land Association (CLA). A member of its Policy Committee, Chairman of its Planning Working Group and Equine Working Group, Judith was responsible for writing the first draft of the CLA’s Equine Policy and Equine Handbook. Judith holds an MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings, a Post grad diploma in Conservation of Historic Gardens and is a member of The British Institute of Agricultural Consultants and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.