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A rare opportunity to acquire an environmentally significant private nature reserve in County Durham covering 66 acres with potential for leisure, eco-tourism or strategic development, has come to market with a guide price of £700,000.
Escomb Nature Reserve, near Bishop Auckland, offers a rare combination of seclusion and an unspoilt natural character that is seldom available on the open market. It is set within the historic village of Escomb and includes two attractive lakes extending to approximately 10 acres and 2.6 acres within a thriving wildlife and wetland setting that features a biodiversity habitat supporting kingfisher, barn owl, buzzard, dipper and otter along the River Wear corridor.
The setting, which has created an exceptional haven for flora and fauna, has excellent access to Bishop Auckland and the wider County Durham area and already has in place Stewardship and SFI income schemes.
Katherine Wigham, Associate, GSC Grays said: “The current stewardship and SFI schemes, which are in place until 2027, have helped support the development of species-rich grassland, native vegetation and wildlife habitats, contributing to wider biodiversity and soil improvement. Alongside its environmental value, the reserve also offers potential for appropriate future diversification, including leisure and eco-tourism opportunities, subject to the necessary consents.”
The reserve’s close proximity to Bishop Auckland presents longer-term strategic opportunities, with areas nearer the existing settlement boundary potentially offering scope for sensitively designed residential development.
Other areas may serve a range of leisure, tourism and conservation-based initiatives including nature and wildlife trails, educational or outdoor learning facilities, eco-tourism or glamping uses, wellness retreats, birdwatching hides, fishing opportunities, conservation projects and community environmental enterprises.
The ongoing regeneration of the Bishop Auckland area, led by The Auckland Project to establish the town as one of the North East’s leading cultural and visitor destinations, further enhances the long-term appeal and versatility of this unique property.
The reserve is highly accessible to the A68, Durham City and the wider North East and nearby attractions include Auckland Palace, Binchester Roman Fort and Raby Castle.
Escomb Nature Reserve is offered for sale through the GSC Grays Rural Business & Leisure Agency Department with a guide price of £700,000. For further details, please contact 01748 897612.
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