Silfur Wood is an attractive woodland of manageable size, comprised of mature deciduous and conifer trees, set within Goldsborough Wood. Conveniently located close to Knaresborough, the wood is within half an hour’s drive from Harrogate, and 40 minutes from central York and Leeds.

On arrival at the ride-stop entrance on the western side of Silfur Wood, the mature oak trees with tall silver birches between are immediately apparent. Here and there are hawthorns and goat willow adding to the general diversity.

A path leads directly off, curving to the left where a group of holly bushes create some excellent screening and a rustic bench overlooks a glade; a great spot to rest awhile and take in your surroundings, enveloped by birdsong at the right time of year.

Beyond this clearing stands a block of tall Scots pine trees and the occasional larch dotted about. These are now around 50-60 years old. The resident buzzards are often found perched in these pines as they provide a great lookout over the surrounding forest and farmland.

It’s pretty easy to get about on foot through the wood, which is set on level ground, apart from the odd ditch and hollow. Close to the eastern boundary, a public footpath runs north-south and in this belt at the edge of the wood, some felling has been carried out. This fringe is now replanted with saplings of oak and other native broadleaves (with stakes and guards) and the new owner will take on the felling licence obligation to establish this next generation of trees at the wood. Habitat piles have been created with the brash from the felling – perfect for nesting wrens.

There are some interesting feature trees at this edge of the wood including a group of wild cherries and some characterful boundary trees such as an oak, a sycamore and a really huge veteran ash tree, complete with holes and crevices – a living habitat with great biodiversity value, not doubt host to bats, invertebrates and a multitude of other species.

A stone track runs the length of the western boundary, and a grass track runs along the outside of the northern boundary, the new owner will have a right of access over both of these. The eastern boundary is a drain, (assumed the centre) and to the south a row of stakes through where it adjoins further woodland.

The ground is carpeted with dog’s mercury, arum lilies, wild garlic, blackberry, balsam, ferns and woodland grasses. There are also some bluebells and sunny celandines sprout in the damper spots. Taken all together the wood is a fabulous mosaic of different species and characters where there is much to explore and enjoy.

The wood takes its name from the Old Norse / Viking name for silver; after the remarkable find of the Goldsborough Hoard, more information below!

Please contact Liz Watson, the agent, if you would like to arrange a viewing of the wood.