Why We Buy Land

“Our work is about delivering positive environmental and social impact, making a profit as a result of what we do not the purpose”.

We’re often asked if we will consider leasing land in support of our mission to Scale Conservation and our answer is always the same – we only buy land. And here’s why buying land is integral to our ethos and practice.

Delivering Positive Impact is a Long-Term Commitment

Environmental restoration and social impact are not overnight phenomena but are gradual processes that unfold over years if not generations. Buying land allows us to commit fully to these long-term goals without the constraints of lease terms or the shifting priorities of different landowners. Our ownership ensures continuity in our efforts to nurture and protect the land, aligning with our vision of enduring positive change.

The Restoration of Natural Processes Requires Time and Space

Restoring natural processes, such as rewilding landscapes or rehabilitating ecosystems, demands both time and space. These processes cannot be rushed. Owning the land gives us the freedom to allow natural processes to evolve at their own pace, free from the pressures of lease expiration dates or the need to show immediate results to landlords.

Ownership Allows for a Holistic Approach to Land Management

When we own land, we can manage it holistically, considering all aspects of the ecosystem. This approach ensures that every decision we make is in the best interest of the land and its inhabitants, both human and non-human. We can plan for the long term, implementing sustainable practices that balance ecological improvements with community needs and financial return.

Development of Natural Capital as an Additive

Owning land allows us to focus on developing natural capital in a way that enriches the landscape and benefits rural communities. This approach sees the land not just as a resource to be used, but as a living, breathing entity that contributes to the well-being of the ecosystem and the people who live within it.

Investment Returns and Downside Protection

From an investment perspective, owning land offers tangible returns and provides a safeguard against potential losses as natural capital markets develop. As custodians of the land, we can ensure its value is enhanced through regenerative practices, increasing its worth not only economically, but ecologically and socially as well.

Simplifying Landscape-Level Change

Owning land simplifies the process of making significant changes at the landscape level. Without the need to negotiate with landlords or adhere to the restrictions of a lease, we can implement large-scale environmental improvement more efficiently and effectively.

Respecting Others’ Choices

When purchasing land, we believe this also achieves and respects the wishes of those who have owned and cared for it before us. Many landowners are emotionally attached to their land and the ways it’s used, often developed over many generations. Supporting a landowner’s wishes to sell, respects their right as an asset owner offering them the opportunity to pursue the next chapter of life and also avoids the emotional challenges that might arise from seeing the land used differently under a lease.

Why We Buy Land

Our commitment to buying land is rooted in our dedication to long-term positive environmental and social impact. It allows us the time, space, and flexibility needed to restore natural processes, develop natural capital, and implement significant landscape-level changes. This approach not only benefits the environment and rural communities but also aligns with our investment strategies. By owning the land, we become genuine partners with nature, working towards a regenerative, and hopefully, flourishing future.