About
Blackburn and Hartsgarth are two extensive upland farms in the Scottish Borders, totaling 11,366 acres, forming part of a spectacular landscape known as the Langholm Moor – an expansive moorland lying between the Eskdale and Liddesdale valleys, amongst some of South Scotland’s finest upland landscapes.
This glorious corner of the Scottish Borders is one of Scotland’s genuinely rural areas within a landscape characterised by undulating valleys interspersed with woodland against a backdrop of heather hills.
"Working in such close partnership with the local community to deliver positive environment and social impact is key to creating one of the biggest and most exciting conservation projects in the UK"
Environment
Extending to 11,366 acres in total, the Estate runs from productive holm fields in the valley bottoms at 120 m above sea level, up to a wide expanse of open moorland and the summit of Roan Fell with a high point of 568 m. Historically, the Estate has been managed as a driven grouse moor. In more recent years, there has been a transition towards in-hand farming operations. This has involved taking the initial steps in a long term process of restoring the land, through heather habitat management, new and upgraded fencing, and improved internal hill tracks, together with managed grazing patterns and a small scale peatland restoration pilot.
Our Plans
Our ambition is to continue the incredible conservation works across Blackburn & Hartsgarth to deliver a meaningful contribution to both the UK’s climate and biodiversity targets.
Working with the local community, we will protect and improve one of the most important breeding areas for the UK’s most threatened bird of prey – the hen harrier. Increasing these bird populations and wider ecological biodiversity.
