Second Quarter 2026 Round-up
In our last quarterly update, we reported a cautious end to the first quarter but noted encouraging signs that activity was beginning to build, with many buyers indicating that offers were imminent. We are pleased to report that this optimism proved well-founded, with the second quarter delivering a strong level of activity across the business. While the market continues to present some uncertainty, both our sales and acquisitions teams have continued to perform well.
On the sales side, we were delighted to complete the sale of Bell Coppice in Shropshire, an exceptional oak woodland extending to just over 82 hectares. Other successful completions during the quarter included Holcombe Copse, a 21-hectare woodland in Somerset, Carreg y Big and Selattyn Wood in Shropshire, extending to 16 and 8 hectares respectively, Morben Wood, extending to 7 hectares in Powys, and two smaller woodland parcels from the Baddengorm Wood complex in the Scottish Highlands.
One of the defining characteristics of the current market remains the importance of realistic and carefully considered pricing. Timber prices continue to be subdued and a degree of caution persists among buyers, however, despite these conditions, Tustins has maintained a consistent rate of agreed sales across a broad range of properties, from smaller amenity woodlands to larger commercial forests. Overall performance throughout April, May and June has been comparable with recent years, reflecting the resilience of the market for well-presented and appropriately priced woodland.
On the acquisitions side, Anthony has made an excellent start since joining Tustins and has already been assisting clients with the purchase of woodland properties and planting land across northern England, Scotland and Wales, strengthening this growing area of our business.
This quarter has also seen the launch of several new properties, including Bryn y Pentre, Castell Mawr and Maesmaelor Wood in Wales, guided at £590,000, £100,000 and £490,000 respectively. More recently, Kentisbeare Wood and Paddock near Cullompton in Devon (£245,000) and Hawkins Rough Woodland, Orchard and Pasture near Canterbury in Kent (£205,000) have been brought to the market, both attracting encouraging early interest.
Looking ahead to the summer, we are excited to be launching several high-quality woodlands over the coming weeks. We hope to see the positive momentum of the past quarter continue and look forward to helping more clients achieve their woodland buying and selling objectives.
