Ripley Estate Woodland, Ripley, Near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3

LOT 5 – Estate woodland, pasture and game cover extending to 188.08 acres (76.11 ha)

The Estate Woodland extend to approximately 188 acres (76 ha) and is split into compartments of varying sizes situated throughout the Estate.

An overarching Woodland Management Plan (WMP) informs the long-term management objectives being to enhance the sporting, conservation and amenity benefits of the woodlands coupled with management along commercial lines.

The woodland compartments include mixed broadleaves (oak, silver birch, poplar, sessile oak) and mixed conifer plantations (Scots Pine).

The current Woodland Management Plan is due to expire on 15th April 2025 thereby providing a purchaser with an excellent opportunity to shape the future management of the Estate Woodland through the commissioning of a new 10-year plan. Initial discussions with the Estates forestry consultants have indicated that the Estate Woodland would be well-placed to be supported by the current grant scheme regime. In addition to the day-to-day management of thinning, restocking and felling, a specific area of focus would include the maintenance of young compartments to create a conducive environment for the trees to establish.

Two further parcels of land are let to the sporting tenant by virtue of licence agreements. These include a parcel of grassland at the bottom of Cayton Gill and following Cayton Beck, extending to approximately 10.98 acres (4.4ha), and a parcel of arable land extending to approximately 6.55 acres (2.7 ha) at the top of Cayton Gill, used for game cover.

The sporting rights over the Estate Woodland are reserved from the sale.