Description
The iconic Hambledon & Hod Hills, comprising two blocks of pasture extending to 200.76 acres (81.24 hectares) in total, available to let on an initial term of 3 years.
Introduction - The land is to be let on a Farm Business Tenancy Agreement, offered as a whole. The land will be available to occupy on an initial term of 3-years commencing 1st April 2025.
The land offers local farmers an opportunity to expand their current farming enterprise by acquiring two substantial blocks of pasture and working in partnership with the Landlord to deliver conservation benefits. The property has historically been used for cattle and sheep grazing.
There are no dwellings or farm buildings included and the Landlord will be actively managing the property throughout the year for conservation purposes.
Permitted Use - Use for agricultural purposes only as a livestock farm however, no calving is to be carried out on either hill and the following stocking periods apply:
.Cattle: 1st May - 15th October, maximum number: 40
.Sheep: 15th January - 1st march, maximum number: 200
No other stock may be grazed on the land at any time and calves must be a minimum of six weeks old before grazing either hill.
The tenant will be required to manage the associated risks with livestock situated on the land and provide the landlord with livestock movement records.
Situation - Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill are situated north of Blandford Forum, southeast of Sturminster Newton and south of Shaftesbury.
Hambledon Hill - Sloping downland pasture extending to 121.05 acres (48.99 hectares). At the top of the hill there is a gently sloping/level area of productive pasture. Access to the land by vehicle is gained via a track owned by the landlord; the track can be accessed off the council-maintained highway (see plan).
Hod Hill - Downland pasture extending to 79.71 acres (32.26 hectares). Within the ancient ramparts of the hill fort, there is a substantial gently sloping/level area of good pasture. Access to the land is gained by vehicle via a track to the southeast of the land, the track can be accessed off the council-maintained highway known as Manor Road situated within the village of Stourpaine. (see plan).
Tenancy - There will be a standard 3 yearly Rent Review Clause with the first possible review date being 1st April 2028.
Basic Payment Scheme & Stewardship Schemes - Both sites are in Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) schemes due to expire 2028; these are held by the Landlord. The tenant would not be allowed to enter into a Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreement.
Services - There is mains water connected at Hambledon Hill, located in the southwestern corner near the access point. At Hod Hill, there is a mains water trough in the south western corner. This is supplied by pump and a contribution will be required towards pump maintenance. The tenant will take on the cost of water consumed.
Ingoing Valuation - There will be no ingoing valuation. The Landlord and Tenant shall be responsible for their own costs relating to the preparation and completion of the Agreement, but the Tenant shall be responsible for paying any Stamp Duty Land Tax if applicable.
Wayleaves, Easements & Reservations - The property is let subject to, and with the benefit of, all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way whether public or private, specifically mentioned or not.
Sporting Rights - All sporting rights, including pest control are reserved by the Landlord.
Tender - Tenders are to be submitted on the approved form and to arrive no later than 12 noon on Friday 17th February 2025 at the office of Symonds & Sampson, Agriculture House, Market Place, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 1AR. The envelope should be marked "Land at Hambledon & Hod Hill" or emailed to shaskell@symondsandsampson.co.uk with "Land at Hambledon & Hod Hill" as the subject. Please note the landlord is in no way bound to accept any or the highest tender. As much detail as possible should be provided in the tender to allow the landlord to consider the quality of the proposal.
Additional Information - Hambledon Hill is designated as a National Nature Reserve, an SSSI and a scheduled monument. Hod Hill is designated as a SSSI and scheduled monument. Both Hills are situated within the Dorset National Landscape.
What3words - Hambledon Hill: ///rephrase.overlaid.dirt
Hod Hill: ///marketing.stove.owls
