Buyers for grouse moors are thicker on the ground than ever, says new research by Savills, with one recently getting snapped up before the official marketing began, leaving many would-be bidders waiting for the next opportunity to arise.

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As the grouse season comes to a close, many moors have seen a fantastic year, with grouse in fantastic condition and a low worm count as there has been for years, say researchers.

Unfortunately the news is not so good for wild grey partridges, which have seen a poor season, as terrible weather affected the young birds.

However, overall agricultural values remain buoyant, with a dozen estates over £10m sold so far this year, Savills says, with 50% of those purchasers coming from overseas. ‘It is clear that the demand for sporting property has never been stronger, and that new entrants to game shooting are on the increase,’ said director William Duckworth-Chad from Savills Farms and Estates. ‘All this year’s sporting sales have clearly illustrated that quality property is selling well, and where supply is limited, large premiums have been paid to secure the prize.’

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