Lot 3 – Kirkhill Forestry & Willow, Dalton, Lockerbie, Dumfries and Galloway, DG11 1DY

A ring fenced block of commercial forestry, farmland and willow extending to 119 hectares in total near to Dumfries

Location

The farms known as Kirkhill and Birset are situated in the heart of rural Dumfriesshire, an area renowned for its livestock and timber production which makes up a large proportion of the local economy. The landscape reflects this, with rolling farmland interspersed with forestry and woodlands against the backdrop of the Solway Firth.

The farms are located near to Dumfries, the county town, which provides a wide range of facilities including primary and secondary schooling, a university campus, sports and healthcare facilities as well as an extensive range of retail parks, high street shopping and professional services. The local primary schools are located in Carrutherstown (Kirkhill) and Collin (Birset), with secondary schooling available to both in Annan or Dumfries. Private schooling is also available near Carlisle at St Ursula’s School, Lime House School and Austin Friars St Monica’s School.

The A75, A76, A702 and M74 are all readily accessible by car linking the region to west and central Scotland and the north of England. There are railway stations at Dumfries, Lockerbie and Carlisle with regular services to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London. Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow international airports are approximately 79, 84 and 90 miles from the property respectively.

The southwest of Scotland is well known for its mild climate, attractive unspoilt countryside and the diversity of its recreational facilities and field sports including shooting and stalking as well as trout and salmon fishing on numerous rivers and lochs. A wide variety of beaches, coastal paths and beautiful walks are nearby. The location is also famous for excellent hill walking and cycling along a wide variety of world famous trails (7stanes available at nearby Mabie and Dalbeattie). In 2009, the International Dark Sky Association confirmed Dark Sky Status to the Galloway Forest Park, the first designated area in Scotland. The area is also ideal for the keen golfer with a championship standard 18 hole course at Southerness, further local courses at Powfoot, Lockerbie, Lochmaben and three courses in Dumfries.

Description

Lot 3, Kirkhill extends to 119.67 hectares (295.70 acres) situated between Kirkhill and Birset with two independent forest access routes from the public road. There are two large commercial Sitka spruce plantations principally established in 2010, with a number of smaller plantations (a combined 25.54 hectares/126.22 acres). There is a good core of timber and some parts of the crop have been thinned or restructured following Storm Eowyn. Growth rates across the site are determined by soil type and are generally good, recorded at up to Yield Class 20. A compartment schedule and maps are available from the selling agents.

Forests in southern Scotland are known to achieve excellent timber prices and the property is well located for regional timber markets. There are a range of timber milling and processing facilities with sawmills at Lockerbie and Dalbeattie, both within close proximity. The woodlands have independent access from the public road via two internal stone tracks, with the A75 trunk road being within 2 miles.

In addition to the established woodland there is an additional area of land extending to about 33.51 hectares (82.80 acres) which has potential for further woodland creation or may have interest for environmental purposes. It is classified as F4 and F5 on the land capability for forestry scale.

To the south of the parcel, an area of 29.62 hectares (73.19 acres) is growing coppice willow as an energy crop, on contract to Iggesund Paperboard. Further details are available from the selling agents.

Acreage: 295.7 Acres

Directions

From the A75 at Dumfries, head east towards Annan. After 3.3 miles bear left signposted Dalton (and Wee Dalton Kirk). Birset is around 2 miles along this road on the left hand side, with the entrance to the forestry and willow a short distance beyond (also on the left).

Nearest postcode (Birset): DG1 4JR
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