Located in the north western corner of the Lake District National Park, Stoneybeck Wood is a rare find. Mostly level, the wood features a free flowing stream and an interesting range of native broad leaf trees.

Ash, sycamore and birch form the bulk of the larger tree species with hazel coppice and the occasional elm giving an interesting and varied aspect to the understory. The woodland floor is a carpet of dog's mercury in the Spring, which suggests that this landscape has been a wood since ancient times. Adding splashes of colour are bluebells, anemone and primrose, all plants that require a long time to establish their presence.

Our native red squirel can sometimes be glimpsed in the tree tops, with its distinctive chattering. At the steam side framed by lesser celandine and saxifrage, dippers bob on strategic stones before plunging in to search for small fish.

A woodland bench has been fashioned from local larch to give a view point over Coal Beck and nearby, a short steep bank leads to another level area overlooking local farm land. With views of the far side of Bassenthwaite lake on one hand and the majesty of Skiddaw on the other, this is a very special place to be.

The nearby village of Bassenthwaite takes its name from one of the many viking invaders who settled this area. The origin is believed to be from 'Bastun's clearing' from an Old English personal name Beabstan. Making a living from early settlement and farming and fishing, the fearsome norsemen left their mark across the landscape. In Victorian times, mining was an important local industry as was processing the wool of the Herdwick sheep, a breed this area is renowned for. Laterly tourism and recreation has become more important and the local area is well served by B+Bs, traditional pubs and outdoor activity centres.

Easily accessed from a hard surface track, a timber stacking area can be utilised at the edge of the wood behind the ridestop entrance. A great place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, Stoneybeck wood presents a rare opportunity to invest in the future and stewardship of our natural landscape.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant