Mazzard Wood is a mixed woodland with a good sized established wooded area at the south eastern and areas of planted broadleaved and conifer trees. The mature part of Mazzard Wood is a stunning mature native woodland with towering oaks, ash and beech trees with an understory of trees such as hazel.

Planted around 20 years ago, the native broadleaved trees have thrived in the south facing moist valley whilst further up in the woodland is a fast growing area of conifer with larch and douglas fir trees. There are also small copses of hazel providing a good source of hazel poles for making walking sticks, pea sticks or hazel hurdles.

At the entrance there is a beautiful spindle tree which bursts into pink and orange colour in autumn thanks to its popcorn type seeds.

Other planted tree species include ash and a number of wild cherry, which very locally have a rare variety called the 'Mazzard'. This unique tree originates from this very area and there would be scope to enhance areas of the woodland with some planting of this special tree.

Old boundary banks along the east and south are home to some magnificant mature broadleaved trees such as beech and oak.

The south facing aspect and moist air from the shade of the trees nearer the spring benefit numerous woodland dwelling wildlife. Slow worms bask in the open clearing near the entrance and frogs and toads travel up from the damper part of the woodland by the stream to warm up in the sunlight. Butterflies also skip through the grassy knolls.

Different aged woodland habitats and tree types and species provide a great nesting and feeding site for a variety of bird species such as long-tailed tits, siskins, woodpeckers and owls.

There are signs of deer, foxes and badgers all using the local area.

Along the eastern edge of the woodland are pleasant vistas over the local Devonshire landscape.

Historic boundary banks can be found along the eastern and southern borders as well through the central section of the woodland. These features are lined with an impressive selection of mature trees.

Glistening in the sun through the mature broadleaved woodland is a small spring fed stream that provides a natural water supply.

Access to the woodland is via a quiet country lane that leads to the entrance gate.

Once inside there is a stoned forestry track suited for 4x4 use that leads all the way to a shared parking area near the entrance to Mazzard Wood. For everyday vehicles there is a good sized area to park just inside the main access gate to the site.

There are no public footpaths through the wood.

The sporting rights are in hand and included in the sale.

Wildife watching and enjoyment can constantly be enjoyed within the bounds of this thriving woodland environment.

Family camping and fun days out building dens, rope swings and sitting around camp fires are great for all ages!

If the purchaser is looking to engage with active woodland management then there are plentiful opportunities including coppicing hazel, installing bird and bat boxes, removal of tree guards and gradually thinning the conifer trees and creating useful timber and firewood.

The woodland is just west of the village of Swimbridge. This former manor of Devon is located 4 miles south-east of Barnstaple.

A short drive away is the historic Castle Hill Estate, owned by the Fortescue family since 1684. Here you can explore the gardens within the grade 1 listed parkland and enjoy tea and cake at the tea rooms.

This part of Devon is a fascinating place to explore the best of the north Devon coast with beautiful surfing beaches at Croyde and Woolacombe.

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