Noble fir, larch and spruce still remain from the woods plantation heritage. Replanted species include sweet chestnut, oak and sycamore and together with a natural regrowth of hawthorn, rowan and wych elm. Several mature beech trees, together with their progeny can also be found throughout the wood.

The peaceful surroundings with a mix of open space, healthy young trees, very tall firs and the shaded railway embankment, are an ideal home for many species of birds and ground-dwelling creatures. Woodpeckers drumming and calling in spring and early summer are common sounds while small mixed flocks of woodland birds move through the tree canopy, feeding as they go. Down at ground level, browse lines in the trees and an occasional well-worn path indicate the presence of deer and sharp eyes may also spot red squirrel here. These native rodents are currently being actively protected by a local charity dedicated to their preservation.

Slow to colonise plants such as bluebell and primrose are found throughout Dandy Wood These are strong indicators that it has been woodland for many years and indeed it is designated a Plantation on an Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). The wood was cleared and replanted with larch and Scots pine in the 1960s. A current management plan for the wood has been prepared with the assistance of Cumbria Woodlands. This has been made available for any owner of the woods to use if desired.

Access to Dandy Wood is along firm shared tracks starting at Brampton Station. They then pass along part of the old Dandy Line before a spur forks left leading to the marked ridestop entrance. From here a firm level track leads to a turning circle and a small area within the wood useful for timber stacking if thinnings are to be taken for firewood.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

The variety within this woodland lends itself to a similar variety of potential activities. Wildlife watching coupled with conservation and gentle management, maybe the erection of bird and bat boxes or feeding stations for the squirrels. Overnight camping for a truly immersive wildlife experience or simply a collection of firewood for a domestic fuel supply.

Brampton Station is within easy walking distance making this the perfect woodland to access by train. The market town of Brampton is also close by and is well served by plenty of B+Bs and pubs. In the wider area is the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Geltsdale RSPB reserve, home to a large variety of both native and migrant species.The wood takes its name from the old coal line running from Alston via Brampton Station into the centre of town. The Dandy, as it was locally known, closed in 1923.