Kinlochdamph Estate, Wester Ross

LAND

Kinlochdamph Estate lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with dramatic rugged peaks, rocky mountain passes and extraordinary geological formations. The ground rises steadily from 250 feet above sea level to almost 2,300 feet at its highest point at Sgurr a Gharaidh, providing varied terrain on which to stalk. Extending to around 4,086 acres the Estate offers natural capital opportunities including native woodland creation, peatland restoration, habitat improvement and biodiversity prospects. The estate also offers mixed sporting opportunities and excellent holiday rental potential. The diverse Highland estate is perfect for those looking for a manageable modern mixed use estate with an established annual income from the newly constructed hydroelectricity scheme and some sustainable sporting opportunities.

NATURAL CAPITAL

The effects of climate change are considered to be far reaching and being felt on a global scale resulting in a drive to invest in long term environmental protection of assets via nature-based solutions. As a nation, Scotland hopes to achieve Net Zero by 2045 with focus keenly on renewable electricity, new woodland creation, peatland restoration projects and biodiversity enhancement. Kinlochdamph presents a great opportunity to restore and enhance internationally important habitats to increase carbon sequestration and increase biodiversity levels whilst also providing additional potential for improving water quality and decreasing air pollution.

PEATLAND RESTORATION

There is a 91.5 Ha (224-acre) peatland restoration scheme which was validated in December 2022. The feasibility project and validation process (in accordance with the UK Peatland Code) has to be undertaken by Land Carbon Ltd on a Joint Venture basis with the owner. The restoration works are due to be undertaken during the course of 2023. The project will potentially yield 16,470 tCO2e of carbon credits and these are potentially available to the purchaser by separate negotiation. The project consists of 3 areas extending to 91.5Ha and further details can be obtained on the UK Land Carbon Registry (project reference number[use Contact Agent Button]290).

WOODLAND

The Estate has approximately 375 acres (152 Ha) of recently planted woodland. The woodlands are largely native broadleaves interspersed with some productive Sitka spruce. These provide good shelter for the deer in inclement weather and serve as a long-term investment. The areas of the estate at lower elevations offer the better planting potential with fertile soils and better natural drainage. Land use in the area is undergoing a change with an emerging emphasis on new native woodland creation. There is a collective will amongst several neighbouring owners who are planning to expand their native woodland and accordingly there is potential to work with adjoining landowners to achieve this. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) aims to expand the UK’s forestry cover from 13% to at least 17% over the next 30 years. For Scotland, this has resulted in an annual tree planting target of 18,000 hectares by 2025. Kinlochdamph Estate lies within the Highland Council Woodland Strategy Plan area and has been identified as having some land outwith the designated area with the potential for further afforestation. This is supported by the land capability for forestry map series that shows the land as having F5 capability along the lower slopes reducing through F6 in the higher regions. Basic analysis of the soils present, on the site show a range of organic soils, predominantly peaty gleys with areas of deeper peat and peaty podzols scattered throughout. Based on desktop mapping and an initial field survey, it is considered that circa 55Ha hectares of the estate may offer potential for new woodland creation. Furthermore, an additional 22Ha has been highlighted for enrichment and natural regeneration, subject to detailed constraints, mapping and the requisite application process. New woodland creation provides the opportunity to expand native woodland with attendant biodiversity gains but furthermore new woodland creates the potentialu for the owner to benefit from woodland carbon credits.

RENEWABLES

There is a newly completed 1MW run-or-river hydro-electricity generation scheme lying on the Abhainn Dearg Burn on the northern boundary of the estate. The estate benefits from lease granted in favour of the third-party developer of the scheme. The developer has completed the installation of the infrastructure such as the pipeline, penstock and turbine/turbine house and is evaluating the electrical export connection to the National Grid. The third-party developer is currently paying a base rent which is £57,885 per annum which was calculated assuming that the development could have received subsidy support under the Feed-In Tariff Scheme.

ESTATE BUILDINGS

In addition to the lodge the Estate benefits from a modern storage shed, chilled portable deer larder and stone bothy.

SPORT

The varied ground at Kinlochdamph provides exciting stalking no matter what the weather conditions or wind direction. The steep ground to the northeast, known as ‘the Moonscape’, affords spectacular views whilst the more gentle central section known as ‘the Greenhills’ offer more accessible terrain to explore. With the dramatic Gorm lochs and steep north facing slopes of Sgurr a Gharaidh in the south the ground is diverse and varied providing exciting stalking for all abilities and the range of topography lends itself to stalking in most weather conditions. The Estate currently take around 12 stags and up to 30 hinds/calves per year. Sizes are commensurate with West Coast stags and often weigh in excess of 13 stone. Large trophy beasts are also frequently seen. The lower ground is largely all accessible by a tracked ATV with the peaks more suited to pursuits on foot or with a Garron pony. The undulating terrain combined with several natural bowls, corries and low ground not only embellish the sport but also provide an excellent habitat for holdings hinds.

OTHER SPORT

The Estate benefits from access to Loch Damph and is permitted to launch and fish from one boat. In addition, both Gorm Loch, as well as several smaller hill lochs, hold good stocks of wild brown trout and offer endless sport for the keen fisherman. Weights typically running to half a pound with the occasional larger fish being caught. On the hill ground there is a small population of grouse and ptarmigan on the higher ground as well as woodcock and snipe on the lower ground. Sea fishing is available locally with boats available to be chartered from nearby Kishorn or Shieldaig.