Woodland for sale

The Scottish Borders is renowned for its high-quality timber producing woodlands and forests, which benefit from excellent ground and climatic conditions, numerous contractors and suppliers are present nearby. In addition, the area has fast and easy access to major high tech timber processing facilities. The region is regarded by forestry purchasers and foresters as the ultimate location within Scotland.

The forest is situated due south of Hawick, circa 10 miles by road. Lockerbie is 35 miles to the south-west and Carlisle 45 miles south.

To locate the property, please refer to location and sale plans within these particulars. The nearest postcode is TD9 9TZ and What3Words: escapes.trudges.chicken

Forest History

In 1974 the current owner’s father bought Kingsrigg, a 582 hectare upland livestock farm. In 1976 the adjoining 214 hectare Hawkhass Estate was acquired and a final purchase of 152 hectares being Shankend Hill took place in 1993. The three properties have been owned by the Norwood Partnership since 2007, originally a family partnership, with the charity joining in 2015.

Access

From Hawick, head due south on the B6399. After 9.3 miles you pass Langburnshiels Farm on your left and Shankendshiel on your right hand side. A further 0.4 miles further the principal forest access road is located on the right hand/west side of the B6399 shown as point A1 on the sale plan. The grid reference of the entrance is NT 53 10 42. From A1- A2 Norwood has a legally binding servitude right of access over land owned by Forestry and Land Scotland. Maintenance is according to user. This is the main access into and out of the property for all forestry purposes. The forest road has held up extremely well having previously transported thousands of tonnes of timber, with the owners maintaining all forest roads as required. The B6399 is an approved Timber Transport Route, although timber will generally head north as there is a severely restricted section south of Norwood at Hermitage.

In addition, there are two further access routes into Norwood. From the north, A3 – A4 via Shankend Farm benefits the majority of Norwood. A well-constructed farm road, suitable for management vehicles only. In the west, an access comes in via the adjoining forest, Priesthaugh, at point A5. This route is suitable for 4x4 vehicles and benefits the majority of Norwood.

Two quarries and several borrow pits provide large quantities of high-quality stone material for road creation and maintenance. All forest roads, ditches and verges have been maintained to an excellent condition.

Please contact Goldcrest Land & Forestry Group to arrange a viewing. All gates are locked.

Description

Norwood Forest | 937.74 Hectares / 2,317.16 Acres

Norwood comprises a large scale timber producing forest of the highest quality. The initial tree planting first took place in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The forestry covers a number of gently rolling hills and knowes. Along with Hat and Harwood Knowes the plantings wrap round the western and southern shoulders of Hillend in the north. At the south end of the property the lower slopes of Scarcleuch Edge, Greatmoor Hill and Berry Knowe are afforested. In addition, the land running up to the distinctive Maiden Paps was planted up to 460 meters.

Conifers comprise 735 hectares and felling of the first crops/restructuring started in early 2010. Large volumes/hectare of high quality timber have been harvested, with some coupes producing over 500 tonnes per hectare. Restocking has been carried out to a high standard and large areas of second rotation young crops are fully established.

The main species for restocking has been genetically improved Sitka spruce, selected for its suitability to the site and soil conditions, speed of growth, form and quality of crop. It is likely that these crops will be thinned in their teenage years producing significant revenue. There is over 200 hectares of mature crops, with the 1980s Sitka located at the northern end of the property. The forest has a diverse age class structure with an average weighted age of 19 years, dominated by Sitka spruce, the preferred conifer species.

The primary long-term vision has been to manage the property on a commercial basis, maximising sawlog content but also sequestering carbon. In addition, the owner has maintained and where possible enhanced the amenity and conservation value of the forest within the constraints of the primary objective.

Native broadleaves have been planted to improve biodiversity and add structural diversity to the landscape. They have been planted in positions advantageous to riparian areas and coupe boundaries. There are some small clusters of naturally occurring native broadleaves. The Maiden Paps, Harwood and other burns, ponds, the secluded situation and a section of the Catrail, a 11.5 mile long ditch and bank that is thought to have been constructed in the 4th and 5th centuries, create a most attractive and rare commercial holding.

The land generally comprises free-draining slopes with mixed aspect and forestry planted from 220 – 460m above sea level. The fertile ground, relatively gentle slopes and limited exposure combine to form excellent conifer growing conditions.

With the exception of some minor windblow the overall quality of the property is excellent. Establishment of the second rotation crops has been impressive, with some Yield Class measurements as high as 30+.

Renewable Energy Clawback Clause

The sale is subject to a Clawback Agreement in favour of the seller in respect of any future renewable energy development affecting any part of the property, including for access purposes.

The Agreement will require the purchaser to pay 25% of income derived from any renewable energy development, excluding any timber compensation payments for the life of the development, if established within a period of 25 years from the date of sale. A first ranking standard security over the property will be required to secure this entitlement to income.

Cross Border Connection

Scottish Power Energy Networks has just commenced a consultation process for a proposed 400kV steel tower overhead power line to run from Gala North Substation to the Scottish Borders. The route may affect Norwood. Further details from the Selling Agents.

Sporting Rights

Deer are currently professionally controlled by Tilhill’s in house Wildlife Management Team. Sporting rights are included in the sale and are unlet.

Forest Grants & Management

Following consultation the managers agreed a new Long Term Forest Plan (LTFP) in May 2024 – copy available from the Selling Agents. There are no other grants present.

Wayleaves & Third-Party Rights

The property will be sold with the benefit of, and subject to, all existing rights and burdens with the Titles. A private water supply within compartment 10 serves Stennishope Cabin, the neighbouring property.