Kennacraig Wood, Near Tarbert, Argyll

Location 

Kennacraig Wood is situated on the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll, next to Kennacraig ferry terminal overlooking West Loch Tarbert, 5 miles south-west of the popular harbour village of Tarbert. The woodland enjoys an outstanding elevated setting, sloping down towards the shoreline with panoramic views across the sheltered sea loch towards the Isle of Gigha and Islay to the west.

The woodland is separated into two sections by the A83 trunk road which provides excellent access for exploring the region and links to timber markets further afield. Lochgilphead lies 30 miles to the north and Campbeltown 33 miles to the south, with Glasgow and the central belt around two and a half hours' drive. The ferry terminal at Kennacraig offers regular sailings that connect with Port Ellen and Port Askaig on Islay, and with Colonsay in summer.

Tarbert offers a range of local shops, hotels, cafés and restaurants, along with everyday services, while the woodland's location provides an excellent base from which to enjoy Argyll's beaches, sailing, sea angling and its abundant wildlife.

Description 

Lot 1 – Kennacraig Wood - 54.11 hectares (133.70 acres)

Offers Over £475,000

Kennacraig Wood is an excellent example of a mixed-age and highly productive woodland in a stunning coastal setting set to deliver short-term income from timber harvesting along with significant long-term capital growth.

The timber crop was established in 1984 with Sitka spruce and mixed conifers, together with smaller areas of Japanese larch, on gently sloping fertile soils. Combined with the coastal moisture and humidity, these have provided excellent growing conditions. Restructuring of the woodland began in 2011 with the first felling and this continued through to 2018, followed by replanting which has focused on high-yielding Sitka spruce that is developing well.

The stocked conifer area extends to 42.13 hectares and the second-rotation crops, which account for 74% of this, could be thinned within the next five to ten years to generate income, or simply left to grow on to maturity.

At the northern end of the forest there is 11.08 hectares of high-quality mature timber ready to fell, offering a purchaser tax-free returns in the short term.  A section of the woodland was felled in 2021 and there remains 1.78 hectares that is due to be replanted with predominantly Sitka spruce (75%) and other species. The woodland will be sold subject to a replanting obligation over this area.

In addition to the highly productive woodland, there are areas of ancient broadleaved woodland of semi-natural origin, and the attractive Allt Rhu watercourse runs through the north-eastern section of the woodland. Along with the stunning coastal views, there may also be scope to build a cabin to enjoy the area, subject to consent.

Lot 2 – Kennacraig Oak Wood - 13.63 hectares (33.68 acres)

Offers Over £100,000

This coastal area of native oak woodland is situated along the edge of West Loch Tarbert. The land falls westward from the public road through mature ancient semi natural oak to the water's edge, where the views across the sea loch are spectacular. Most of the woodland is characteristic of the Atlantic Sessile oak woodland (rainforest) typically found on the west coast with significant diversity and supporting a range of habitats.

There are also areas of younger native regeneration establishing well, with small pockets of mixed conifers adding to the mixed nature of the woodland.  

The coastal woodland setting would be ideal for a cabin or development overlooking the sea loch, while ownership down to the foreshore enhances the amenity and may allow for a small jetty to be constructed, subject to obtaining the necessary permissions, marine consents and regulatory approvals.

Woodland of this character is rarely available and presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to acquire native woodland in a spectacular coastal setting with development potential.

As a Whole - Offers Over £575,000

For more details please refer to the online Sales Brochure and contact the Selling Agents for more information.