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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to buy a forest as something to use and a store of wealth

38 replies

medona · 17/04/2015 15:52

I'm really taken with the idea of buying a small forest, just somewhere where I can go to relax, camp and help the environment. Also as a store of money as my cash is getting nothing in the bank and worried about having so much in there.

Everyone IRL thinks this is silly, as I can just go and walk in a forest for free. I think it would be very different if I owned it and could do more to improve the ecosystem.

More a am I being crazy to buy s forest as an investment and a hobby?

OP posts:
mijas99 · 17/04/2015 15:57

If you want to then why not

I'm not sure what you could do to "help the environment" though, unless you mean increase biodiversity or reduce the impact of man. In which case the best thing you could do is buy it and then make sure nobody visits :)

You might also consider buying some rustic land where if the whole economy explodes you could grow vegetables or sleep in a caravan etc. That's a good insurance policy and you can actually enjoy visiting and living in your own private field

whatsthatcomingoverthehill · 17/04/2015 15:58

Have you done any research as to what sort of return you'd get on such an investment? I can understand buying it for a hobby, and being able to look after the woodland could be a satisfying thing to do. It is very strictly regulated what you can do with it, and I can't really see how you expect to make money.

mijas99 · 17/04/2015 15:58

If you want to then why not

I'm not sure what you could do to "help the environment" though, unless you mean increase biodiversity or reduce the impact of man. In which case the best thing you could do is buy it and then make sure nobody visits :)

You might also consider buying some rustic land where if the whole economy explodes you could grow vegetables or sleep in a caravan etc. That's a good insurance policy and you can actually enjoy visiting and living in your own private field

NormHonal · 17/04/2015 15:59

Sounds fabulous, it's something that my DMum has always wanted to do, if money had permitted.

Sparklingbrook · 17/04/2015 16:00

Not sure AIBU is the best place for financial advice about buying land TBH.

macdaddydoodah · 17/04/2015 16:03

I have wanted to do the same since noticing woodland for sale signs. Would be lovely to have a little wood to call your own.

TimeToGetUp · 17/04/2015 16:05

I would, but don't forget it would need to be maintained (think storm damage felling trees etc.). Also if it were away from where you live, how would you keep it private? (You wouldn't want it to be used my dog walkers as a dog toilet etc.).

squoosh · 17/04/2015 16:05

It sounds lovely and relaxing.

Would there be deer and maybe some woodland nymphs?

Hassled · 17/04/2015 16:05

Sparkling - what are you on about? Surely everyone knows that AIBU is the first point of call for specialist woodland investment advice?

FlappertyFlippers · 17/04/2015 16:13

I inherited a forest, it was kept in trust till I was 24. I sold it after 2 years. Its a lit of faff being responsible for trees with branches that overhang public roads!

Bear in mind that a Forrest can be difficult to value accurately too so if using it as an investment get at least 3 separate valuations done, and only proceed if you can afford to lose money.

Sparklingbrook · 17/04/2015 16:16

Hassled you are right of course. Blush Grin

Eigg · 17/04/2015 16:19

A friend of mine did this. She loves it but there is quite a bit of maintenance required and regulations about what you can use it for. It would need to be insured as well of course.

KottonKrown · 17/04/2015 16:38

I heard rumours that during the worst of the financial crash in 2008, it became a bit of a thing among city traders to invest in plots of rural land and forests - partly as an investment and partly as somewhere to escape to if society collapsed.*

(* - I can't think what might have been fuelling said traders' paranoia about imminent collapse... Hmm)

TheSpottedZebra · 17/04/2015 16:40

I read that Macenzie Crook had always wanted a forest. So he bought one when he had a bit of money.
I liked him after that.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 17/04/2015 17:27

Forest Envy

I would host Cross Country Events for riding clubs or stables then do awesome Hallowe'en Parties ( all those trees, I could hang creepy decorations) bonfires in a clearing.
Maybe Summer Camp stylee camping (harnessing my inner Barney here)

Haven't given any thoughts towards Health and Safety or Public Liability Insurance though...........

ChopperGordino · 17/04/2015 17:31

A relative has one. She is Wiccan and use it for that. A number of her Wiccan friends have been buried there, and she also had a hand fasting ceremony there. It was rather lovely.

claravine · 17/04/2015 17:31

I'd aim higher and go for an island personally

ItsAllKickingOffPru · 17/04/2015 17:35

It would need land management as a pp said, but yes. it's a lovely idea.

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 17/04/2015 17:36

I've always wanted to do this too...

Something like this

Coumarin · 17/04/2015 17:36

Only if you plant bluebells. Hundreds of them.

Fairenuff · 17/04/2015 17:44

If you were going to camp on it, what would you do for a water supply?

What return would it give on your investment? Presumably you mean an increase in the land value but if the land has no chance of planning permission it might not increase much at all.

Also, if the land attracts protected species you might find it difficult to sell when the time comes.

If you just want a woodland to muck around in, don't intend making money on it and can't see the need to ever sell it again, then go for it.

If not, you really need to do more homework.

HSMMaCM · 17/04/2015 17:58

Most of the reasonably priced woodlands I saw had public rights of way across them. I don't want to see anyone while I sit in my own piece of forest, so I didn't buy one. I did bid on a small one last year, but someone else got it.

AnyFucker · 17/04/2015 18:00

if you need to waste get rid of some money, I can let you have my account number Wink

SaucyJack · 17/04/2015 18:04

DP and his brother rented one for a bit to clear and turn into firewood to sell.

We never camped there. It was a bit too feral. You'd wake up with sticks digging in your backside.

larrygrylls · 17/04/2015 18:08

There are big tax breaks buying forestry. That is why it is a popular investment.