Finances
So, in these times of both austerity and virus outbreaks when money is tight, just how much might this project cost?
Well, which ever way you look at it, it's a bit of a luxury - not for the earth or the wildlife, it is essential for that, but for me and probably a lot of people, this isn't a trivial purchase.
I have historically bid on land at auctions and with estate agents quite a few times and I was always outbid. Its expensive stuff at around £10k per acre in this area. Often wealthy locals who would like a horse for one of their kids will pay well beyond that sort of price for a small parcel of land, so it isn't easy. It doesn't come up for sale very often either.
My strategy was to try and find a land owner, with land for sale, that understood my dream and saw some value in it (or felt sorry for me). That took 20 years and Mr Armitage, the gent that finally made the dream come true , from our first conversation said "the last time I sold some land I didn't accept the highest offer" - which was a hint that I was in with a chance. He seemed to appreciate the objective and that I would never make any money on the project, it was in fact, going to be a constant drain on my finances.
True to his word, Mr Armitage (to whom I will be forever grateful) didn't accept his highest offer (I will never know what that was), but did accept my offer of £43,000. Which at £10k per acre on a 5.25 acre plot, is very good value. I couldn't afford any more than I bid so I was very lucky. Granted, it isn't prime pasture, but it does have road access and the most stunning views. It is also close to home. And I don't need prime pasture!
So , costs so far + anticipated costs, what might the final "damage" be?
It is hard to know and that will become clear over time. Perhaps another blog on this topic in 10 years time is needed?
Initially I thought I might have a huge bill for fencing to keep deer out - but now I am wondering if tree guards will do the job - I need to take advice on that. That would be £3k saved right off.
At £1 a pop for bare root trees, I could in theory plant the lot for a grand but I suspect a few shrubs and niceties might double that bill. An orchard and some nut trees, some hedging? Maybe a few hundred? Add another £500 for tree guards and stakes?
A few benches and maybe a shelter? A nice gate? A parking area?
My guess is, the initial outlay will be around £50k including land, legal,planting and initial setup.
There are ongoing costs though that won't go away.
Mowing? I reckon a farmer might mow me some paths a couple of times a year for £400-£500, there will be bits of boundary maintenance too. Then there is £100 for insurance each year. I would like to keep those sort of annual costs below £1k per annum. But I plan to die in the next 50 years and don't want to saddle my kids with a burden of finding £1k every year. My hope, over the next few years is to set up some sort of charitable trust with perhaps £30k in it. This money can then be invested, generating £1k of income each year to pay for maintenance. That may take some achieving, but it would be nice to know it can be cared for long after my time is up. It is good to have something to aim for. Feel free to send cheques :-)
Well, which ever way you look at it, it's a bit of a luxury - not for the earth or the wildlife, it is essential for that, but for me and probably a lot of people, this isn't a trivial purchase.
I have historically bid on land at auctions and with estate agents quite a few times and I was always outbid. Its expensive stuff at around £10k per acre in this area. Often wealthy locals who would like a horse for one of their kids will pay well beyond that sort of price for a small parcel of land, so it isn't easy. It doesn't come up for sale very often either.
My strategy was to try and find a land owner, with land for sale, that understood my dream and saw some value in it (or felt sorry for me). That took 20 years and Mr Armitage, the gent that finally made the dream come true , from our first conversation said "the last time I sold some land I didn't accept the highest offer" - which was a hint that I was in with a chance. He seemed to appreciate the objective and that I would never make any money on the project, it was in fact, going to be a constant drain on my finances.
True to his word, Mr Armitage (to whom I will be forever grateful) didn't accept his highest offer (I will never know what that was), but did accept my offer of £43,000. Which at £10k per acre on a 5.25 acre plot, is very good value. I couldn't afford any more than I bid so I was very lucky. Granted, it isn't prime pasture, but it does have road access and the most stunning views. It is also close to home. And I don't need prime pasture!
So , costs so far + anticipated costs, what might the final "damage" be?
It is hard to know and that will become clear over time. Perhaps another blog on this topic in 10 years time is needed?
Initially I thought I might have a huge bill for fencing to keep deer out - but now I am wondering if tree guards will do the job - I need to take advice on that. That would be £3k saved right off.
At £1 a pop for bare root trees, I could in theory plant the lot for a grand but I suspect a few shrubs and niceties might double that bill. An orchard and some nut trees, some hedging? Maybe a few hundred? Add another £500 for tree guards and stakes?
A few benches and maybe a shelter? A nice gate? A parking area?
My guess is, the initial outlay will be around £50k including land, legal,planting and initial setup.
There are ongoing costs though that won't go away.
Mowing? I reckon a farmer might mow me some paths a couple of times a year for £400-£500, there will be bits of boundary maintenance too. Then there is £100 for insurance each year. I would like to keep those sort of annual costs below £1k per annum. But I plan to die in the next 50 years and don't want to saddle my kids with a burden of finding £1k every year. My hope, over the next few years is to set up some sort of charitable trust with perhaps £30k in it. This money can then be invested, generating £1k of income each year to pay for maintenance. That may take some achieving, but it would be nice to know it can be cared for long after my time is up. It is good to have something to aim for. Feel free to send cheques :-)
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