TO LET - A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO RENT A LARGE ACREAGE OF GRAZING MARSHES ON A FARM BUSINESS TENANCY FROM 1ST OF MARCH 2024.

TENDER DEADLINE NOW TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER AT 12 NOON

Introduction - Saltholme is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) who are seeking an environmentally minded farm tenant to graze the land in a way that meets with their management objectives. The land is to be offered as a whole from the 1st of March 2024.

Situation - The land is situated approximately 6.5 miles north of Middlesbrough and 8 miles to the east of Stockton-on-Tees. Access is predominately off Seaton Carew Rd and Cowpen Bewley Rd. The inner parcels are accessible from the reserves internal road network.

Land - The land extends to approximately 608.54 acres (246.27 Hectares), 552 net farmable acres of grazing marsh surrounding reed beds and wetlands. The land is classified as Grade 4 and 5 according to Natural England's Agricultural Land Classification. The land forms part of the RSPB Saltholme nature reserve and is a well-managed wetland habitat. The grazing is split into 12 compartments each of which are accessible either from the roadside or interconnecting parcels.

The boundaries are generally in good, stockproof condition and the parcels have predominantly natural water supplies. A number of the parcels have predator fencing surrounding them.

Environmental Schemes - The land is subject to a Countryside Stewardship (CSS) Higher Tier Agreement held by the RSPB and expiring on the 31st December 2025. The agreement is managed by the RSPB and the successful tenant is expected to comply with the management prescriptions of the agreement.

The agreement options include:
. CT3: Management of Coastal Saltmarsh
. GS10: Management of Wet Grassland for Wintering Waders and Wildfowl
. GS13: Management of Grassland for Target Features
. GS6: Management of Species Rich Grassland
. GS9: Management of Wet Grassland for Breeding Waders
. WT6: Management of Reedbed.
The incoming tenant is expected to have a close relationship with the site manager to carry out the aims of the agreement.

Grazing - All grazing must comply with the management prescriptions of the CS scheme and the agreed stocking calendar. All grazing must be done with cattle (preferably native breeds) aside from the thin strips of land located adjacent to the predator fences where sheep grazing is required. A full grazing schedule can be found below.

Handling Facilities - There are a number of handling facilities located across the land which assist in moving stock between parcels and unloading. The RSPB have a mobile cattle handling facility which the successful tenant is permitted to use.

Please note it is preferred that cattle movements are undertaken outside of the Reserve opening hours where possible.

Tenancy - The land is available on a Farm Business Tenancy from the 1st March 2024 for a term of 2 years. It is to be let by informal tender as a whole. A tender pack including a tender form is available from the letting agents, GSC Grays. Tender applications should be received no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 31st October 2023.

Possession - Possession of the land will be provided on the date the tenancy begins.

Term - Applicants should tender an annual rent for a term of 2 years.

Repairs - Repairing obligations are outlined in the Draft Farm Business Tenancy. Available from the letting agents upon request.

Rent - Rent will be paid half yearly in arrears from the start date of the agreement.

Uses - The use of the holding is restricted to agricultural use only, specifically cattle grazing. There shall be an absolute covenant prohibiting assignment or sub-letting on the whole, or any part of the farm.

Basic Payment Scheme - The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements and monies will be retained by the RSPB so far as it exists.

Designations - The land forms part of The Teesmouth & Cleveland Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area.

Public Rights Of Way And Access - There are no designated public rights of way across the land. However, as it forms part of an RSPB Nature Reserve, public access is given across certain trails.

Plans - All plans, schedules and measurements have been prepared as carefully as possible and are based on the Ordnance Survey National Grid plans. These plans are published for administrative purposes only and although they are believed to be correct, the accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Viewings - Viewing is advisable and is strictly by appointment only with the letting agent, GSC Grays. Please contact GSC Grays on[use Contact Agent Button] for further information.

The location of RSPB Saltholme is shown on the location map, further details and directions can be obtained from the letting agent's office. The postcode of the property is TS2 1TU.

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Particulars Information - Particulars written August 2023.
Photographs taken August 2023.