About Us
We are a professional firm of Chartered Surveyors, Chartered Foresters and Agricultural Valuers, based in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex. We founded Evergreen because we believed that rural advice and land management services are better delivered in true partnership outside of the corporate setting.
The intention from the outset has been to combine the breadth, knowledge and expertise of a larger practice, with the immediacy of a firm which truly puts its clients first. We recognise that our success as a firm is linked intrinsically to yours, and being an agile team, we pride ourselves on over delivering.
Matthew Bennison Director
MRICS, FAAV, MICFor
- +44 7496 677793
Matthew Bennison, founder of Evergreen Rural, grew up in Hampshire where an upbringing in the countryside working in forestry and arboriculture installed a lifelong passion for the countryside, farming, and rural life.
Matthew studied Rural Land Management at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, graduating with a first-class Bachelor’s degree. He went on to join a national firm of Chartered Surveyors in in 2013, where he built a distinguished career spanning over a decade. During this time he became a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, and a Chartered Forester — progressing to lead a local office of Land Agents in Sussex, with a particular focus on Estate Management and Forestry.
Drawing on his professional qualifications, deep rural knowledge, and a network of trusted contacts built over many years, Matthew founded Evergreen Rural Ltd in November 2024. His aim is straightforward: to deliver an expert, personal, and genuinely attentive service to every client.
What I value most in this work.
“Making a real difference to people’s lives with strategic advice.”
James Givons
Associate Director
MRICS, FAAV
- +44 7425 956167
James was brought up on a farm in Sussex and brings a passion of the countryside to his work. Throughout his career he has been involved with a wide range of management and consultancy work for a number of the most prestigious private clients in the Southeast. He also has experience working with public authorities and charitable trusts. Beyond estate management, James is also involved with forestry consultancy, including the sale of timber through harvesting operations, replanting projects, and securing grants.
“I believe the best asset is foresight. My job is to prevent mistakes before they happen, and to stand firmly by your side if the unexpected ever does.”
Annie Garner Hutton
Senior Surveyor
MRICS, FAAV
- +44 7741 423841
Annie is a Rural Surveyor with responsibility for residential, commercial and agricultural lettings, estate management and client liaison. As a key point of contact, she works closely with landowners and tenants alike, combining professional expertise with a practical approach to support the effective management of rural estates and property portfolios.
“No two estates are the same, which is why understanding people and their ambitions is just as important as understanding the land.”
Hannah Evaroa
Practice Coordinator
- +44 7741 852875
As Practice Coordinator and Personal Assistant at Evergreen Rural, Hannah plays a central role in ensuring the business runs smoothly on a day to day basis. She is often the first point of contact for clients, managing enquiries, coordinating appointments and supporting the team with the organisation and administration that keeps every project moving efficiently.
Olivia Bennison
Account Manager
Olivia oversees the full scope of financial administration for the company, bringing precision, structure, and accountability to every aspect. With a keen eye for detail and a strong grasp of financial processes, she manages day-to-day accounting operations, ensures accurate record-keeping, and maintains compliance.
Qualified. Regulated. Accountable.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The leading global professional body for standards in land and property
Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. The specialist body for agricultural valuation and rural practice.
Institute of Chartered Foresters. The required body for chartered forestry practice in the United Kingdom.
An independent organisation providing fair, impartial dispute resolution between property professionals and consumers across the UK
An independent dispute resolution organisation helping businesses and consumers resolve complaints through mediation and adjudication fairly.
Where we work
South East England
The practice is based in West Sussex, and the majority of our work falls within the triangle of the High Weald, the South Downs and the North Downs. We act with some regularity across the wider South East and the Home Counties.
The first conversation is on us.
We would be pleased to visit your land, or property, to discuss how we may be able to help you.