The final parts of Dumfriesshire’s Langholm Moor have been sold by Buccleuch to Essex-based Oxygen Conservation.
The deal, for 11,390 acres known as Blackburn and Hartsgarth, has been hailed as one that will complement neighbouring community ownership of the moorland and enhance environmental work.
Rich Stockdale, managing director of Oxygen Conservation, said: “We are delighted to be given this opportunity to support the ongoing restoration of Blackburn and Hartsgarth’s wonderful landscape and work with the fantastic local
community.
“We look forward to listening and sharing ideas with our new neighbours as we develop a plan for this unique area that builds on the excellent environmental work already delivered by Buccleuch on site, and at the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, to deliver genuine positive environmental and social impact.”
The Langholm Initiative has already bought 10,440 acres of Langholm Moor in a double community buy-out in 2021 and the following year with the land and buildings being transformed into the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.
And, in 2020, Newcastleton and District Community Trust bought 760 acres of land.
After the completion of the sale, Benny Higgins, executive chairman of Buccleuch, said: “Since opening discussions with Oxygen Conservation in 2022, Buccleuch has been delighted to work with a team whose aims and ambitions fit so well with existing work across the moor.
“We look forward to watching the positive environmental and social impact Oxygen Conservation will have on the area and within the local community as their work progresses.”
Buccleuch took the strategic decision to sell off the moor in 2019 after an assets review “to ensure the business remains sustainable for the future”.
Mr Higgins added: “The fit between Buccleuch and Oxygen Conservation could not be better; their work on the moor will build upon and enhance the environmental work undertaken over the years by Buccleuch and their aims and objectives complement the work being undertaken on the neighbouring Tarras Valley Nature Reserve.
“Buccleuch have long held the belief that the discussion around land ownership in Scotland should move from a debate about how much is owned by whom to an understanding of the beneficial impact that land management, delivered at scale, can have on both the environment and local communities.
