Why buy a woodland

What attracts people into owning their own forest or woodland.

Owning a woodland is a privilege now enjoyed by an increasing number of people. Once the preserve of the rich and famous, woodland ownership has moved on, becoming far more accessible as many have found ways to finance their purchase and long-term stewardship. As a result, we have seen an expansion of private woodland ownership into every corner of Britain over the past 20 years. For many, the experience proves so rewarding that it naturally leads to the purchase of additional woodlands, creating a growing portfolio over time.

The diversity of woodland types, ownership and purpose is vast and there truly is a woodland for everyone with no two owners the same. Some, with modest means, buy woodland for the peace and tranquillity, whilst larger, wealthier investors often entrust the management of their substantial portfolios to others with the sole aim of maximising financial returns.

Whatever your interests, at Tustins we are always talking to people about the many benefits of owning your own woodland and some of these are outlined below. Please take a moment to read through them and feel free to get in touch if you’d like to explore the opportunity further.

Timber - Producing sustainable marketable timber and other wood products.

For most buyers, timber sits at the top of the list of reasons for purchasing woodland. Almost every woodland in the UK is capable of producing timber products, whether for sale or personal use. This reflects our long-standing relationship with trees - an instinctive connection shared by many. The UK supports a vibrant timber market, processing millions of tonnes each year into sawnwood, chipboard, fencing and countless other products and demand for this remarkable, perfectly designed structural material shows no sign of diminishing!

Financial – Long-term financial growth.

The primary economic reason for purchasing woodland is long-term financial growth. Tree growth underpins the value of this natural resource and whether cared for or left largely untouched, trees continue to grow. As they grow, so too does the capital value of the asset. Combined with the ever-rising global demand for timber, this results in each unit of growth therefore gaining increasing financial worth making woodland ownership highly attractive, whether that be a commercial plantation or a lowland native woodland. Crucially, this growth potential exists even on the poorest quality land.

Employment - Providing skilled opportunities of employment for rural people.

Alongside the physical and financial growth of woodland sits a wide-ranging industry that spans the entire lifecycle of wood, from the first sprouting acorn right through to the recycling of timber at the end of its useful life. Over the past century, Britain has seen significant expansion in forestry and wood processing and with that a rise in service and manufacturing businesses. Largely based in rural areas, this sector plays a vital role in supporting local economies, with well over 20,000 people now estimated to rely on the sector for their livelihoods.

Carbon - Being able to offset your carbon emissions

Carbon offsetting enables emissions to be balanced through the creation of new woodlands. Where woodland planting would not take place without the ability to offset carbon, the carbon sequestered by the newly planted trees can be claimed by the woodland owner. These carbon offsets may be sold to third parties to help them balance their emissions or retained for private or business use. Existing woodlands are not eligible for this purpose, as they are not considered to provide additional carbon sequestration.

Tax – Access to valuable tax benefits

Many woodland owners benefit from the relatively favourable tax treatment afforded to forestry. The Government recognises the national benefit of growing woodlands and continues to offer various targeted tax incentives to ensure the forestry resource continues to expand and improve in quality. Full details of the tax benefits available are explained in our FAQs - click here to be navigated there.

Woodscape - Restoring old landscapes

Our national woodscape is an integral part of our identity. Caring for existing woodlands and regenerating ancient and established forests plays a vital role in preserving our national identity and woodland ownership provides a meaningful way to protect and enhance this natural legacy.

Nature - Being part of the nature recovery programme

Few people realise that woodlands and commercial forests offer one of the fastest and most effective routes towards some level of nature recovery, now widely recognised as one of the most pressing challenges facing our countryside. Fewer still realise that sensitive timber production and woodland management, when guided by expert professionals, can coexist with and even support thriving forest habitats. New woodland owners will very quickly discover the opportunities available for biodiversity enhancement, protecting plants and wildlife whilst also supporting the long-term production of marketable timber. After decades of intensive, commercial farming and over reliance on chemicals, many plant and animal species are now at risk, making this balanced approach more important than ever.

Space - Privacy even in a small area of woodland

Even a small woodland can comfortably absorb a surprisingly number of people during the summer months, while still feeling entirely secluded from the outside world. The human desire for personal space and solitude is strong in most of us. Woodland ownership offers the opportunity to feel like you are truly alone, able to make considered decisions undisturbed by the busy world outside of the woodland fences.

Education - The ability to teach others lost woodland skills

Outdoor education has become increasingly important, with forest schools and green classrooms now widely recognised and playing a key role in reconnecting young people with woodland skills. Many of you may even have attended forest schools yourselves in the past to learn those woodland crafts and practices. This aspect of woodland ownership continues to grow in popularity year on year, driven by the appeal of introducing the next generation to this fascinating natural environment, teaching them practical skills, carving wood and cooking over an open fire.