Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Planetarium Wood £79,000 Freehold

  • Near Sidford, Sidmouth, Devon
  • about 4 acres
  • Devon

Description

Set upon the eastern slopes of the beautiful Sid Valley, within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Planetarium Wood consists of a mixture of conifer trees with fringes of broadleaved trees along the north western boundary.

The woodland was historically part of Harcombe Great Coppice and has been wooded for at least 120 years.

Less than 5 miles to the south of Planetarium Wood is the charming coastal town of Sidmouth with beaches, and a thriving town centre. Walking and cycling can be enjoyed directly from the woodland with excellent links to an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways and quiet country lanes to explore the surrounding countryside.

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

Trees

Planted in the 1960's as a predominantly mixed conifer plantation, Planetarium Wood has matured well and been thinned over time to form a well spaced woodland of impressive conifer trees.

The majority of the trees at the heart of the woodland are douglas fir - this is a very fragrant tree that attracts a host of wildlife. They can grow to 55 metres in height and can live for up to 1000 years! A highly durable timber tree, it is used in making decking, cladding and beams.

Other conifer tree species within the woodland are sitka spruce and a small fringe of larch.

Along the north western edge of Planetarium Wood are remnants of older broadleaved trees with species such as rowan, oak, hazel, alder, willow and birch.

Wildlife

Towering douglas fir trees are excellent habitat for larger nesting raptors such as buzzards, goshawks and sparrowhawks.

The longevity of the conifer trees leads to the formation of a good supply of deadwood and cavities that are used as nesting sites for smaller birds as well as bats.

Roe deer enjoy grazing on the ground vegetation and can hide themselves away in the dense scrub. Badgers and foxes also frequent the peaceful woodland habitat.

Features

Within the heart of the woodland is a very large level clearing - the history of how this came about is unknown - however it makes a very good focal point and an ideal area to use for camping and a host of other woodland activities such as setting up a green woodworking base or building camps. One can just imagine sitting around a camp fire here on a warm summers night and sleeping under the stars.

There are fine views to the north-west over the Sid Valley from the lower fringes of Planetarium Wood. Here also you will find a number of natural springs that trickle out of the ground.

Access, tracks and footpaths

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

An internal track leads to the large clearing within Planetarium Wood suitable for 4x4 vehicles.

The access track that borders the south 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.

Rights and covenants

The standard covenant applies to this woodland.

Activities

Planetarium Wood is ideally suited for family enjoyment, small scale forestry and as a nature haven.

The level, open nature of the woodland makes it a great place for children to explore and there is plenty of space to set up a tent or yurt.

Timber is plentiful thus allowing the owner to process timber perhaps for a forestry shelter or take logs for firewood. A small income could be made from thinning.

Local area and history

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.

Nearby there is also the Norman Lockyear Observatory, a fantastic place to visit for all the family. The Observatory began as a collection of instruments in the late 1800's and when Sir Norman Lockyear, a self taught astrophysicist, moved to Sidmouth he kept collecting equipment until the Observatory became officially recognised. Here you will find a number of telescopes for viewing planets and the solar system as well as a superb planetarium. The Observatory is open to the public.

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 Planetarium 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.

Wood maps

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Find this wood

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Location

  • OS Landranger: OS No. 192
  • Grid ref: SY 157 913
  • Nearest post code: EX10 0PR
  • GPS coordinates: 50.716, -3.19523

Location map

Directions

You can view Planetarium Wood at anytime by taking a copy of the details with you. The woodland can be accessed on foot.

- From Honiton take the A375 south towards Sidford & Sidmouth.

- At the top of the hill out of Honition turn left at Putts Corner onto Seaton Road, signposted to Seaton & Farway.

- Stay on this road for around 2 miles until you get to Chelson Corner Cross where you turn right onto Beech Tree Lane.

- Follow this road for about 1/2 a mile and take the first turning on your right at Chelson Cross, opposite 'Long Chimney Farm' which is signposted to Harcombe.

- Stay on this winding road for about 1.5 miles until you see a lay-by on your right at the top of a hill with 2 field gates. Carry on past these gates and down the hill until you see a forestry track in front of you on a left hand bend in the road. This is the access track and has a 'public bridleway' sign on a post here.

- Park on the left hand side of the track at the entrance and walk up to the main woodland entrance gate.

- Walk through the pedestrian gap in the gateway and take the left hand track.

- After about 50 metres you will see a parking area on the left at the top of a track that heads down to a gate with a small 'woodlands for sale' sign on it. Follow the track down to the gate, climb carefully around or over the gate.

- Walk down hill until you will see the entrance to Planetarium Wood on your right indicated by a 'Planetarium Wood' name sign on a ride stop.

- Satnav/GPS note: the postcode EX10 0PR is for the point shown by the red dot on the location maps number 2.

How we support our buyers

Membership of the small woodland owners’ group

£300 for a woodland course of your choice

One year's free membership of the royal forestry society

Please note this wood is owned by woodlands.co.uk.

Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on their mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.

Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.

These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.

An attractive mixed mature mostly conifer woodland set within a short drive of the east Devon coast.

Managed by Stuart Brooking

Telephone: 07801 789215

Email: [email protected]