What are the key characteristics of woodland valuation?

The value of woodland in the United Kingdom has increased over the last five years. This growth can be attributed to the need for carbon offsetting, new markets surrounding natural capital and a growing market of amenity and lifestyle buyers. The land area covered by woodland has increased from 9% in 1980 to 13.3% in 2022, with most of that in Wales and Scotland (source: Office National Statistics).

Commercial or amenity woodland?

The UK market is broadly divided into two areas. Commercial woodland and amenity woodland. Size and profitability of timber stock are the key differentials in establishing if a woodland holds any commercial value.

Other characteristics that are compared and contrasted include, how easily it can be accessed via a public highway, its topography, and its geographical location. Plus, the emerging market of natural capital.

Buyers of commercial woodland are most interested in the plot’s ability to generate regular revenue and good profit. Investors will also purchase commercially viable woodland for tax savings and carbon offsetting. With values ranging from £3500/acre to £6000/acre.

Purchasers of amenity woodland, which are often the smaller blocks located on farms throughout the country, will give more emphasis to recreational opportunities and cost of any short-term management requirements. When valuing small blocks of woodland there is greater emphasis given to the total value and less to the £/acre figure. As guide you might expect values of between £7,000 and £10,000 an acre. Once the total value of the property exceeds £50,000, the potential market will start to get smaller.

Looking for land and property advice? Speak to the team at Forge today.

Tom Mason

Director