The British forestry market has never been more active. According to the Forest Market Report, launched by Savills and UPM Tilhill, 2013 has been a record year with 50% more forestry property bought and sold compared to 2012, to a total value of £97.3 million.

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The average value per stocked hectare is also up-£7,057-giving an annual average growth since 2002 of 15.4%. Savills’ Jonathan Henson explains: ‘Values of properties larger than 50 hectares [123 acres] have dropped in England, but prices in Wales are outperforming them for the first time.’

The rise was driven by investors seeking a sec-ure asset, but has been bolstered by potential tax reliefs, the rise of renewable energy and improved timber prices. Shirley Mathieson of rural accountants Saffery Champness in Inverness adds: ‘Investors consider the market to be a safe haven.’

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