Catcleugh Forest, Nr Rochester, Redesdale, Northumberland

Extending to 528.07 hectares (ha), Catcleugh is a large commercial conifer plantation located in Northumberland, one of England’s major timber producing regions. Sitting just outside the Northumberland National Park, Catcleugh is on the edge of the Redesdale Forest in an area typified by extensive, picturesque moorland and open hill, and large-scale commercial forests. Elevations range from approximately 280 metres above sea level on the northeastern boundary overlooking the Catcleugh Reservoir, to 520 metres at its southern boundary with views across Kielder. The Property benefits from predominantly gently sloping terrain, with northerly to north-westerly aspects. Felling of the first rotation crops commenced in 2016 and has followed the phased felling plan since, with approximately 62% of the mature crops remaining.

Catcleugh was originally planted between 1974 and 1978, mostly with Sitka spruce, with smaller stands of Lodgepole pine. Mature conifer crops are predominantly growing well and exhibit good form, with significant timber income due in the foreseeable future. Restructuring of the property commenced in 2016 and the property now comprises 38% young crops and 62% mature crops.

The forest is being sold on the basis that all felled ground, totalling 66.8 hectares, will be fully replanted by the current owner in line with the approved forest plan. All replanting works will have been carried out by the time of completion. This will provide the Purchaser with a fully stocked, Sitka spruce dominated forest, with approximately 77% commercial conifer crops, 4% broadleaved woodland, and 19% unplanted ground. Sitka spruce, the most important commercial timber species in the UK, accounts for 343.9 ha or 65% of the total forest area.

Internally, the Property benefits from approximately 5,250 metres of well proven forest road with excellent road frontage for presenting timber and a quarry with a good supply of pre-blasted stone for future road building and maintenance requirements.

The title to the whole of the Property is freehold and it is registered with freehold absolute. Mineral rights (excepting stone, slate, clay, gravel and sand as can be won from surface workings only) are reserved by a previous owner.