Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Machine Gun Wood £99,000 Freehold

  • Riddlesworth, Thetford, Norfolk
  • over 4 ¾ acres
  • East Anglia

Description

Access is via a newly restored woodland track suitable for most family vehicles. The route takes you through areas of open wild meadow and private woodland. As you travel along the access track and take in the surroundings one already feels invigorated and relaxed as the husstle and bustle of modern day life is left behind.

Quiet and peaceful this area of natural woodland has a wonderful sense of permanence about it. Now fully protected by our covenants a new owner has the joy of owning a woodland that will continue to thrive for generations.

Venturing into the wood, the atmosphere becomes increasingly enchanting. The trees stand tall and majestic, their trunks adorned with patches of lichen and ferns. The forest floor is a tapestry of fallen leaves, soft underfoot, and an orchestra of rustling sounds as you tread upon them.

A bench has been placed in a glade, whilst visiting please do take some time to sit here and ponder. Listen to the birdsong and take in the atmosphere. This would also make a great spot to camp or picnic.

Located under one hour's drive from Norwich and being only a short drive from the town of Thetford and Bury St Edmunds the woodland is easily accessible offering a perfect rural retreat.

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

Trees

Predominantly made up of mature Scots Pine, this being a classic feature and typical of Norfolk woodlands. However Machine Gun Wood has so much more to offer with an array of classic English hardwoods, oaks, chestnuts, beech and ash occupy large areas of the woodland. Norway spruce and silver birch are also scattered in the southern end of the woodland.

Wildlife

If you approach the wood carefully you may be rewarded with a sighting of a deer.

A herd of red deer frequent the woodland and these along with resident roe and muntjac deer offer an opportunity to observe three of the six species of deer that inhabit the UK. On a recent visit a lone red hind stood barking ( a warning call to other deer ) at us before moving out of sight into the depths of Machine Gun Wood.

Deer are elegant, herbivorous mammals that inhabit woodlands. They are known for their graceful movements, long legs, and antlers (in males). Species like roe and red deer are commonly found in woodland areas.

The tree canopy hosts a variety of birds, these create a lively and captivating scene, adding colour, movement, and melodic sounds to the woodland environment.

Features

One of the most striking features of woodlands is the sense of tranquility and peace they offer. The rustling leaves, birdsong, and the absence of urban noise create a serene atmosphere, making woodlands ideal places for relaxation and reflection.

Woodlands are not only places of natural beauty but also vital ecosystems that play crucial roles in maintaining biodiversity, filtering air and water, and providing habitat for countless species. They are places where the wonders of nature are on full display, inviting exploration and appreciation.

A bench has been built under a canopy of oak trees, from this vantage point, you become an observer of the woodland's secrets. The forest is alive with activity—birds flit among the branches, squirrels dart playfully, and dappled sunlight dances on the forest floor. The gentle rustling of leaves above provides a soothing backdrop, a whispered symphony of nature's melodies.

Access, tracks and footpaths

From the main gate you travel along a newly stoned track for nearly a mile through other areas of private woodland. The track is suitable for most family vehicles, with full rights of access for the new owner.

The woodland is private with no public footpaths within the woodland.

Activities

A great family wood, good for camping and numerous outdoor activities. Amazing childhood adventures could take place within this woodland.

For those seeking a tranquil retreat the simple experience of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply. Perhaps the ultimate current lifestyle remedy.

Local area and history

The wild meadows and surrounding woodland adjacent to Knettishall Heath SSSI are cited for its large area of heath and grassland on calcareous soils. The wild meadows have great wildlife potential with numerous red, roe and muntjac deer residing in them.

Machine Gun Wood is named in honour of Polish Soldiers who fought so bravely at the battle of Monte Cassino with the allied forces and who were housed in this woodland at the end of the second world war. Riddlesworth Camp was one of five set up in Norfolk to receive 4,500 troops and housed the 3rd Heavy Machine Gun Battalion of the 3rd Carpathian Infantry .

In 1947 the Polish resettlement act which established in law the right of serving members of all Polish forces to stay and become British citizens. The Polish Resettlement Camps became mini Polish nations. Polish schools were established to teach English to adults and children alike, sports were arranged, Polish cultural life celebrated, gardens were planted and facilities repaired. The advance parties arrived in the autumn of 1946 and during early 1947 the main elements of the division arrived at Brandon Station, Thetford, Norfolk for transportation to their camps. The 3rd Carpathian Division was distributed between numerous camps in Norfolk . The woods at Riddleworth became home to 3rd Heavy Machine Gun Battalion. It is important that their history is not forgotten. A memorial is found on the edge of the main woodland by the road.

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. 144
  • Grid ref: TL 946 814
  • Nearest post code: IP22 2TE
  • GPS coordinates: 52.3969, 0.860169

Location map

Directions

  • Leaving Thetford take the A1066 heading east towards Diss.
  • After approximately 4 miles there is a small industrial estate on the left.
  • After approx. 500m take the next turning on the right at a small wooded triangle onto a single track road signed Coney Weston and Knettishall Heath.
  • Follow this road for approximately ½ mile
  • You will come to a straight road with woods on both sides and a Woodlands.co.uk sign on the right.
  • You will pass a small memorial on the right and after 200 metres turn right into a stone track.
  • After 100 metres you will see a parking area and a metal gate on your right. Park to one side of the gate making sure it is not blocked.
  • Walk around the side of the gate and follow the track in front of you.
  • After a couple of hundred metres turn left and follow the track trough the wood, past the edge of a meadow, then past an old pond and after another 100 metres turn right heading north.
  • After 300 metres the wood entrance is on your left.
  • The What 3 Words for the wood entrance are charm.insisting.vision.
  • Whats 3 Words for the main parking area are urgent.tributes.unable.
  • OS 1:50,000 Map No.144 Grid Ref TL 954 813 Nearest postcode IP22 2TE
  • Please note this is a long walk, the new owner will have full vehicular rights to the woodland.

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 woodland where the wonders of the natural world thrive in peaceful harmony.

Managed by Matt Marples

Telephone: 07979 755 118

Email: [email protected]