Graves Son & Pilcher: The surge in demand for a slice of nature and a greener future
Graves Son & Pilcher recently sold 34 acres of exceptional green space in Bramber, West Sussex, to Horsham District Council.
The site, known as Bramber Brooks, benefits from public access, a private nature reserve and a community orchard. The purchase is part of the council’s strategy to boost local biodiversity and help the district achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As part of their CSR initiative, Graves Son & Pilcher had previously been sponsors of the nature reserve and had funded works to protect the wildlife and improve the land. Nick Mills, Senior Partner, was instrumental in creating footpaths and culverted crossings, building fences, installing tawny owl nesting boxes and planting trees. As a result, the reserve became hugely popular with walkers and is well used by local schools and scout groups.
Nick Mills successfully applied for a grant from the Sussex Community Foundation (Rampion Fund) and ensured that the land was included in the ambitious Adur Landscape Recovery Project, which aims to reduce the flood risk in the surrounding area and create a new wildlife corridor.
The works carried out by the Graves Son & Pilcher team made the plot unique, attracting a variety of potential buyers, and resulting in its sale for £380,000.
“Although Bramber Brooks is destined for public use, demand from private investors for their own slice of rural paradise is also on the rise”, said James Haywood, Partner & Senior Commercial Negotiator. “Eco-conscious investing is definitely a growing trend, whether it’s an individual or the wider local community who stands to benefit.”
Another recent listing for Graves Son & Pilcher was Scrag Copse, a stunning 10 acre plot of ancient woodland, also in West Sussex. Previously owned by an accomplished wildlife photographer, the plot had featured in numerous wildlife documentaries worldwide. Untouched for the last 90 years, it is considered “one of the most beautiful broadleaf woodland settings you could find in southern Britain”. A sea of bluebells in spring, the thriving habitat attracts rare butterflies and numerous birds on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. After generating much interest, Scrag Copse sold for £135,000 to an overseas buyer.
You can view all current property listings from Graves Son & Pilcher on NovaLoca here.
