Mirk Pot Woodland, a 37-acre sanctuary near Wensleydale, has been put up for sale with a guide price of £500,000 freehold price tag, as part of plans to secure its sustainable future.
The woodland offers not only beauty but also plays a vital role in supporting the red squirrel population—an endangered species in the UK.
According to the listing, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own land dedicated to conservation and ecological health”.
A red squirrel in Mirk Pot Woodland (Image: Vue3sixty) The woodland, originally planted in the 1960s with both conifer and broadleaf species, has been carefully managed to ensure that the red squirrel population can flourish.
Owning Mirk Pot Woodland means contributing directly to the preservation of this species, which has seen its numbers dwindle across the UK.
With a long-standing commitment to conservation, the woodland was once part of a nature reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The late owners, in collaboration with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority even established a public squirrel viewing area that draws wildlife lovers from all over.
This makes the woodland not only an ecological treasure but also a part of the region’s conservation history.
The public footpaths and dedicated viewing areas make Mirk Pot Woodland a favourite destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
The land for sale (Image: Vue3sixty) Barnard Castle based Jonathan Wallis, Chartered Surveyor, is looking after the sale of this unique piece of land.
“Mirk Pot Woodland offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to make a real impact on wildlife conservation,” said Mr Wallis.
“The red squirrel is an endangered species, and by acquiring this land, buyers will be helping to preserve a critical habitat for them to thrive.
“This sale is more than just an investment—it’s a chance to leave a conservation legacy for future generations.
“This sale offers more than just ownership of land; it’s a commitment to preserving a vital habitat for future generations.
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“The new owner will be taking over an English Woodland Management Scheme and a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier Agreement, which ensures that the woodland continues to thrive under sustainable practices.
“The woodland has also contributed to the spread of the red squirrel into surrounding areas, furthering the conservation impact.”
The reserve for red squirrels at Snaizeholme is one of 17 interspersed around Northern England and is the only location within the Yorkshire Dales National Park where red squirrels are known to exist.
The squirrels first arrived in the dale in around 2002 and are thought to have migrated from Cumbria and were encouraged by the current owners’ late parents who bought Mirk Pot Farm in 1967 and started a Christmas tree plantation and other forestry schemes which created a habitat for the squirrels.
A small part of the land is leased with the existing tenant looking after 1.5 acres on a periodic tenancy.
Further details can be found here.