Location
Ballybrennan Forest lies on the Mull of Kintyre in Argyll, approximately 5.5 miles south of Campbeltown along the B842 towards Southend. The surrounding countryside is an attractive mix of fertile farmland, forestry, sandy beaches and dramatic coastline, with the renowned Machrihanish golf links close by.
Campbeltown is the nearest town, with a good range of shops, services and hotels, and is home to the Springbank and Glen Scotia distilleries. Loganair operates regular flights between Glasgow and Campbeltown Airport at Machrihanish, and Glasgow is approximately 140 miles by road via the A83.
Kintyre enjoys a mild maritime climate which, together with the fertile soils of the peninsula, supports excellent tree growth. The area is well served by forestry contractors and hauliers, and Campbeltown provides a working port from which timber is regularly shipped.
To locate the property, please refer to the location and sale plans within these particulars. The nearest postcode is PA28 6PJ and the What3Words for the property is ///flagpole.entrusted.picnic
Access & Infrastructure
Access is taken directly from the B842 public road at point A1 on the sale plan, along a well-constructed forest and farm road which leads to the forest access gate at point A2. The B842 is an approved route for the transport of timber by road to Campbeltown and northwards on the A83.
The solum of the access road between A1 and A2 is included within the forest title. The owners of Ballybrennan Farmhouse and Steading and of the adjoining farmland have servitude rights of access over the road, with maintenance shared according to use.
From the forest gate, the road continues a short distance into the forest before forking to the north and to the south. Both routes are in good condition and can be readily extended to serve future thinning and harvesting operations, and a good source of stone is available.
Description
Ballybrennan Forest | 290.49 Hectares / 717.80 Acres
Ballybrennan Forest extends to 290.49 hectares (717.80 acres) in a single contiguous block. The productive area comprises 133.87 hectares of Sitka spruce, complemented by 18.97 hectares of broadleaved woodland, with the balance made up of 110.27 hectares of open hill ground and 27.38 hectares of other open ground.
The forest occupies an attractive and fertile site with a mild climate, on land that was previously farmed. The ground rises from around 65 metres above sea level to 235 metres, with fertile brown earths on the lower slopes merging into peaty podzols and gleys higher up, where the plantation gives way to open hill and peatland. Growth rates vary accordingly with altitude and soil type.
Sitka spruce is the principal species, with 49.82 hectares planted in 2012 and 84.05 hectares in 2013. The crop has established extremely well, with an excellent stocking level throughout a
well-designed layout, and is growing to a high Yield Class. As it matures it will build a substantial standing timber reserve, offering a purchaser thinning opportunities in the years ahead and a significant clearfell volume at maturity.
To enhance diversity, native broadleaves have been planted in three distinct areas, each protected within its own deer-fenced enclosure. These link with long-established riparian woodland along the main gully and burns, softening the landscape, adding a natural character to the forest and providing excellent habitat for wildlife.
The open hill ground on the upper part of the property adds further variety to the landscape and enhances the sporting and amenity interest of the forest. Together, these elements offer a well-balanced holding, combining a high-yielding commercial crop with environmental and recreational value.
Boundaries
The boundaries of the property are shown on the sale plan within these particulars and are registered in the Land Register under Title Number ARG18216. Boundary fences are mutual and are maintained at joint equal expense with the neighbouring proprietors and, where a burn forms the boundary, the centre line of the burn is the boundary.
Renewable Energy & Clawback
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 purchaser will pay 25% of the income derived from any such development (excluding any timber compensation payments) for the life of the development, if established within 20 years of the date of sale. A first-ranking standard security over the property will be required to secure this entitlement.
Sporting Rights
The sporting rights are included in the sale, with deer stalking through the forest and out on the open hill. There is a sporting lease in place, details of which are available from the Selling Agents.
Forest Grants & Management
The forest is managed on behalf of the owner by Scottish Woodlands Ltd. For information on current grants and regulations, please visit forestry.gov.scot and ruralpayments.org.
