Mystery buyer will convert arable acres into woodland
Mystery buyer will convert arable acres into woodland
AN ANONYMOUS philanthropist is planning to convert 520 acres of recently purchased Essex arable land into a woodland wildlife haven.
The block of Grade 2/3 land was part of the 1600-acre Fordham Hall Farms estate, near Colchester, marketed last May by FPDSavills. Including some buildings and three cottages it was valued at £1.4m
Unusual purchase
Christopher Clarke of Clarke & Simpson, who acted for the mystery amateur naturalist, would not reveal the exact amount paid but it is believed to be in the region of the guide price. "It is most unusual for somebody to pay arable prices and then create woodland for the benefit of future generations."
Management of the site will be by the Woodland Trust, with whom Mr Clarke has negotiated a 99-year lease on a peppercorn rent.
Planting is due to start this autumn, but Mr Clarke says the identity of the benefactor is unlikely to be revealed. "This is an act of pure philanthropy and is really for the enjoyment of others. The owner will not be involved at all." *
Agent Christopher Clarke (right) and the Woodland Trusts Andrew Beer plant the first tree of a new 520-acre woodland scheme in Essex.