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Wanted: farmer with a difference to run Woodland Trust Scotland’s former royal hunting estate

The Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity, is offering a unique individual one of the most exciting and challenging opportunities in Scottish agriculture and land management.

The Trust, which since it was founded in 1972 has acquired more than 20,000 hectares of woodland sites, nearly half of which is in Scotland, is looking for an agricultural and environmentally-minded enthusiast to take responsibility for the grazing operation of its biggest property.

It has instructed Baird Lumsden, one of Scotland’s most prominent country property and estate specialists, to identify a grazing manager with impeccable credentials for Glen Finglas Estate, which lies in the heart of the country’s first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs.

Michael Blanche, Baird Lumsden’s Farm Management Consultant, who has been asked to lead the recruitment effort, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with a passion for farming and a keen interest in conservation work to become involved in the day to-day running of one of the country’s most interesting estates.”

Glen Finglas, near Brig O’Turk, covers 4863 hectares (12,016 acres). It is steeped in history, at one time forming part of the royal hunting forest. It attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to marvel at the panoramic mountainous landscapes.

The Trust has been managing the stock on the estate in-house, but is now seeking to focus on its targets for managing the for recreating woodland pasture. It will create a Contract Farming Arrangement to facilitate the new appointment.

However, said Michael Blanche, it will not be an ordinary farming arrangement. He said: “The Trust is looking for a quite special individual for a very special estate. He, or she, will have knowledge of agriculture and stock management, but equally importantly will be conservation-minded and receptive to a positive working relationship with the Trust.

“The post could suit a new entrant to the profession, without a lot of capital or inherited land. The cattle herd is 60 strong, going up to 90, and there is a lot of machinery readily available on the estate.

“The Trust’s aim is eventually to give the right candidate a share in any surplus made by the farming enterprise, but its overwhelming imperative is to get Glen Finglas properly operational and create a woodland pasture system fit for the 21st century.”

Philip Gordon, the Woodland Trust Scotland’s Estate Manager at Glen Finglas, said the appointment would be in line with the Trust’s objectives of enhancement and expansion of native woodland cover and encouraging the public to engage with the land.

He said: “The key at Glen Finglas is the creation and maintenance of wood pasture – that is, landscape dotted with trees and with animals grazing in between. It will support both wild animals such as deer and domestic animals such as cattle.

“In the 14th and 15th centuries, when this land was royal hunting territory it would have been grazed by deer, cattle and horses, as well as sheep and goats. Our aim is to integrate livestock with woodland.”

Mr. Gordon pointed out that the new manager would be expected to maintain the herd with as few fences as possible, allowing them to roam, forage and get to know the land.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for managing livestock in an innovative way and a terrific chance for someone with a deep-seated understanding of, and interest in, conservation, habitat and wildlife.”

For further information, contact Baird Lumsden at 17 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6DD. T. 0131 477 6001. F. 0131 477 6016 E. edinburgh@dmhbl.co.uk or The Mill, Station Road, Bridge of Allan, Stirling, FK9 4JS. T. 01786 833800 F. 01786 834382. E. bridgeofallan@dmhbl.co.uk. W. www.bairdlumsden.co.uk

 

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