Naturalised mature woodland is found within the central area, defined with a historic hedge bank. Untouched for decades, tall trees including birch, oak, ash and beech form the canopy whilst underneath species such as rowan, holly and hazel form a shrub layer.

The northern and eastern part of the woodland is predominantly planted conifer trees, around 40 - 50 years old. There are stands of larch, sitka spruce and douglas fir.

Further south the woodland has been cleared and replanted with a nice mixture of broadleaved trees including cherry, birch, sweet chestnut, oak, rowan and the occasional crab apple tree.

Sid valley hosts a multitude of wildlife with the mix of rolling pasture and woodland as well as streams that run near to Crafters Wood. Otter signs are found along the stream banks as they travel down the valley to join up with the river Sid. The sheltered trees also provide a tranquil environment for deer, badgers and foxes.

The wide variety of trees ensure a plethora of food for numerous bird species from the small song birds such as the wren, goldcrest and long-tailed tits to the larger woodland dwelling birds such as buzzards, tawny owls and sparrowhawks.

Interesting woodbanks surround the south and western edges and are topped by more ancient trees. Woodbanks which may be straight lines or more weird and wonderful shapes. Oliver Rackham in his book “The History of the Countryside” states all of them are at least two hundred years old.

The straight ones are likely to date from the enclosures in the early nineteenth century, which fits the description of the banks here although some are more irregular which would suggest they are medieval or even earlier.

Woodland owners had them constructed to mark their boundary in a permanent and immovable way, this being a sign of where an old estate has been divided up at some point.

A stoned access track leads to Crafters Wood from a quiet country lane not far from the charming village of Sidford.

The access track that borders the eastern boundary is a permissive path and leads to a bridleway, providing good access to a network of footpaths and bridleways from which to explore this stunning part of Devon.

There are no public rights of way within the woodland.

A lovely place to spend time, the peacefulness of the valley where the woodland is situated makes it perfect place to install a small wildlife hide and observe deer and other secretive creatures of the forest.

Plenty of clearings can be found within the older part of Crafters Wood and can host a variety of uses such as a green woodworking, outdoor kitchen and camping or the increasingly popular woodland yoga.

The nearby coastline around Seaton and Sidmouth is the beginning of a World Heritage Site consisting of 95 miles of Jurassic coastline that begins at Orcombe point which is not far from the wood.

There are a number of thriving, local small scale fishing industries based along the nearby coastline with day boats catching fish and crabs. The bass fishery attracts many anglers in season and there are a number of chartered fishing trips available.

Please do enjoy your visit to Crafters Wood, but take care of any undulating ground or trip hazards as well as standing or leaning deadwood which has been left as a wildlife habitat.

Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Stuart Brooking.