First Quarter 2026 Round-up

The first quarter of 2026 has marked a highly active and successful period for Tustins, with a number of significant property completions, a strong pipeline of agreed sales, and several exciting new launches brought to market.

Among the most notable completed transactions are Bainloch Hill Forest in Dumfries and Galloway, comprising 138 hectares of predominantly Sitka spruce, and Ranley Gill in North Yorkshire, extending to 115 hectares of similar composition. Both properties achieved sale prices well in excess of £1 million, underlining the continued strength of demand for well-managed Sitka spruce plantations. Additional completed sales include Drayton Drewray Forest, Hampden Bottom, and Quatford Wood, with property sizes ranging from 4 to 48 hectares.

Market activity remained particularly robust throughout January and February, with Tustins agreeing sales on a number of properties. We also advised a client on an off-market opportunity in Northumberland, culminating in a successful offer on the 50-hectare woodland. Although March has been a more cautious period for buyers, undoubtedly influenced by the conflict in the Middle East and increasing everyday living costs, there are clear signs of renewed momentum. Buyers have signalled that offers are close on several properties, suggesting the market is poised to rebound as the new financial year begins.
Alongside agreeing sales, Tustins has been actively inspecting new woodland opportunities and this has led to the recent launch of several properties, including Manby & West Wood, a 165-hectare mixed woodland with a high-quality building, guided at £2.295 million, Kilmington, a 38-hectare block of mixed-age conifers guided at £475,000, and Dreybury Lane Wood, a smaller mixed woodland offering strong amenity potential, guided at £130,000. Further details on these and other available properties can be found on our website.

Finally, Tustins was pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Geddes as Associate Director – Acquisitions. Anthony joins the firm following his role as National Manager for Wales at Confor and, more recently, as Investment Director at Euroforest. In his new position, he will focus on supporting clients in the acquisition of woodland and land. Clients interested in exploring acquisition opportunities are encouraged to get in touch.

Here’s to a successful second quarter!