OVER 11,000 acres of Langholm Moor is set to be sold to conservation firm Oxygen Conservation.
Buccleuch announced yesterday that it has concluded legal procedures with Oxygen Conservation in relation to the sale of 11,390 acres of the Langholm Moor, known as Blackburn and Hartsgarth.
The official sale of the land is due to take place next month, and will see enhanced conservation work within the moor that will complement the neighbouring community owned land.
The Langholm Initiative finalised its landmark purchase of 5246 acres back in November, thus doubling the size of the Tarras Nature Reserve.
And Buccleuch were delighted when Oxygen Conservation expressed an interest in the remaining area of the moor, especially so as their commitment to the environment and the community are so closely aligned to Buccleuch’s values.
Executive chairman of Buccleuch Benny Higgins said: “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. To see this mirrored in the aims and objectives of diverse newer landowners such as Oxygen Conservation and The Langholm Initiative will help to open up this discussion.”
Managing director of Oxygen Conservation, Rich Stockdale added: “Oxygen Conservation 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.”
