Along the western fringe of Sampson Brake Wood are towering conifer trees planted in 1967.
Species here include Japanese larch and Douglas fir which have grown very well, providing
the purchaser with a timber resource that can be used for small scale forestry and timber
projects or sold on the open market.
The rest of the woodland was originally planted with sitka spruce trees in 1968 with areas
along the eastern boundary a more naturalised mix of native broadleaved trees. Most of the
spruce has now been cleared as part of the Ancient Woodland Restoration and in some areas
trees including birch are regenerating well. The naturalised tree species include birch, beech,
rowan and hazel. Other cleared areas have been recently replanted with native broadleaved
trees that include sessile oak, rowan, silver birch, hornbeam and hazel.
In the central area of the woodland there is a grove of wild cherry trees that were planted in
1988.

The mixed woodland habitat and stream provide an excellent mosaic of habitats for wildlife. The stream is a water source for resident mammals such as red and roe deer. Badgers also frequent the woodland. The stream that runs south to north through the central part of the woodland is an excellent habitat for frogs and water loving birds.

A rustic picnic bench is located in a lovely open glade, this is a great spot to sit for family picnics.

An old hedge bank runs along the eastern boundary with important older trees, ideal for helping spread seeds for new trees.

There is a small footbridge over the stream.

From the main road there is a tarmac drive that takes you to the shared entrance gate. Inside the gate there is a shared stone forestry track and good sized parking area.

Within the woodland itself there is a internal private track down through the western side of the woodland.

Over the stream there is a pedestrian track up to the centre of the woodland, where this connects to another track through the centre of the trees.

There are no public footpaths through this wood ensuring privacy.

Peaceful enjoyment of the woodland for occasional camping with family and friends is a
perfect tonic to busy everyday life.
Wildlife is plentiful within the woodland and surrounding area and can be observed by
constructing a basic wildlife hide or by siting wildlife cameras to catch special wild moments.

A forestry store could be installed subject to permissions required as a place for tools and
equipment and to shelter during inclement weather.

Sampson Break Wood is well placed with many services nearby and is conveniently located to make visits around mid-Devon and see the north Devon coast. Unusually this is a woodland you can visit by train to reduce your "carbon footprint" - the Portsmouth Arms train station within a 10 minute walk! Portsmouth Arms station is part of the Tarka line which is famous for being one of the most beautiful train journeys in the country. It also links directly to Exeter. Even better is the fact that at the bottom of the main entrance which leads up to Sampson Break Wood is the Portsmouth Arms Inn, handily sited for refreshments after a day in your woodland.

If you fancy a treat as an alternative to camping, perhaps during colder weather, when visiting your woodland there is Northcote Manor country hotel within a 5 minute walk. You can also eat here in the evenings.

Sampson Break Wood is situated about 8 miles south from the busy town of Barnstaple which is the gateway to explore the rugged coast of north Devon with many beautiful beaches such as Westward Ho! and the surfing beaches of Croyde and Woolacombe. The City of Exeter is approximately 20 miles south and has many shops, the league one football team, Exeter City, and much history including an amazing cathedral and remains of the roman city wall.

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