Nature-lovers with a spare £8.6 million could own their own forest after a Perthshire estate was put on the market.
Moness Forest Estate includes almost 900 hectares of commercial forest land planted with Sitka spruce, grouse and deer shooting areas and planning permission for a windfarm.
The area has a long cultural heritage associated with productive conifer forestry stretching back to the historic “Planting Dukes of Atholl”, the legacy of which has given rise to its modern name of “Big Tree Country”.
With its breath-taking scenery and extensive network of walking and riding routes, the area is well also loved by both locals and tourists.
The property, near Aberfeldy, was purchased by the current owners in 2005, and during their period of ownership, the forest has been well maintained and a small area of crop has been thinned. Some moorland management, including heather burning, has been undertaken which has encouraged a healthy population of bird species including the iconic red grouse.
It is adjacent to the Calliachar Wind Farm to the south, and is being sold with planning consent for a further wind farm development, known as North Calliachar, which allows for six turbines of up to 3MW capacity on the property and a seventh to be located on a neighbouring estate.
A spokeswoman for Bidwells, who is marketing the property alongside John Clegg & Co, said: “Demand continues to be greatest for well-located, good quality, commercial Sitka spruce-dominated plantations. Market evidence suggests there is no lack of liquidity in the market place, with numerous willing purchasers seeking investment opportunities.
“Following strong trading in 2014 and 2015, 2016 has seen continued high levels of interest in the commercial forest market place, with Scotland retaining its dominance in the UK sector.
“Bidwells and John Clegg & Co continue to see demand for quality forestry and Moness offers an exceptional opportunity for investment in a sector which continues to see growth nationally and globally,” said the selling agents.
“It also provides excellent opportunities for red and roe deer stalking and walked-up grouse shooting, with sporting rights in-hand and un-let.”
