>
Land for sale
Balnacoil Estate, Brora, Sutherland, KW9
£8,500,000
Balnacoil Estate, Brora, Sutherland, KW9
£8,500,000
Our Summary
- Extensive peatland restoration opportunity in Scotland’s Flow CountryDescriptionBalnacoil comprises about 6,163 hectares (15,230 acres) of magnificent rolling hills, moorland and native woodlands, rich in natural assets and offering significant potential for carbon and biodiversity-based projects
- The proposed restoration project at Balnacoil is estimated to result in projected emission reductions of 334,908 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the 95-year lifetime of the project, producing a corresponding number of Peatland Carbon Units which can be sold or used to offset other business emissions
- Large-scale peatland restoration projects require a considerable volume of detail and time-consuming assessments, surveys and applications before work commences, resulting in long lead-in times to get projects underway
- No formal planting assessment has been undertaken for additional woodland creation but an initial desktop appraisal suggests there may be potential for further native woodland creation on the estate in isolated pockets
Description
This property description for Balnacoil in Scotland's Flow Country presents a comprehensive opportunity for environmental restoration and conservation. The estate is characterized by its extensive peatlands, which are of significant ecological and carbon sequestration importance. The peatlands, primarily made up of Class 1 and Class 2 carbon-rich soils, are in need of re-wetting and vegetation restoration to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. The proposed restoration project is projected to sequester a substantial amount of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, with an estimated reduction of 334,908 tonnes, and could potentially generate Peatland Carbon Units for carbon offsetting. Additionally, the estate includes a 144-hectare native woodland planted in 2020 under the Forestry Grant Scheme, which is already validated under the Woodland Carbon Code with an estimated carbon sequestration of 25,909 tonnes over 65 years. The woodland not only provides carbon sequestration benefits but also enhances habitat diversity and contributes to the estate's biodiversity. The estate is also home to a rich array of wildlife, including rare and protected bird species, and supports a proactive deer management plan to ensure the balance of the ecosystem. The opportunity at Balnacoil represents a significant environmental restoration project with potential for long-term carbon offsetting, habitat creation, and biodiversity conservation.