Goatfield Hill

Extensive upland hill-ground with afforestation and peatland restoration potential

• 708 hectares of open hill including areas of naturally established broadleaves plus 25ha of commercial forestry
• Significant opportunity to generate Carbon Credits and further enhance Natural Capital values
• Wonderful far-reaching views over Argyll

Goatfield Hill is an attractive and extensive area of open hill with scattered scrub, native broadleaves and a commercial Sitka spruce plantation on its lower slope, extending to 25Ha. Although currently grazed, there are many opportunities including forestry conservation and sporting. Afforestation projects present great opportunities for the creation of carbon credits. The property rises from approximately 50m above sea level to the summit of Beinn Glass, 420m above sea level. The soils are shown on the Soil Map for Scotland and comprise three main types. The lower slopes along the Loch Fyne side of the hills is mineral gley soil which is classified as F4 for forestry with an area of approximately 100Ha. The highest ground around Beinn Ghlas and the ridge running northeast along the length of the property is of peaty gleys, classified as F5/F6 for forestry use and about 150Ha. The remainder of the property is classified as F5 for forestry use. Parts of the land have been colonised by native woodland, notably on the mineral gley soils at the eastern end, above Drinliath and Sandhole. There is approximately 150Ha of this native cover at varying densities. This would not be suitable for new planting as it is already tree covered. Species include alder, birch, hazel, willow and oak. On the slopes facing Gallanach there are the beginnings of scrub colonisation with “buttons” of willow showing through. The average annual rainfall of approximately 1,983 mm is recorded at the nearest Met Office Station in Inveraray indicating that local rainfall is sufficient for the growth of native broadleaf tree species and a range of conifers.