As a 'pioneer species', birch is the most common tree to re-establish itself within new woodland in Britain. In the natural world, pioneer species really come into their own and can give rise to a self seeded woodland after landscape changing forest fires, destructive flooding, or more commonly in Britain, after the destructive force of the clear-felling of some forestry practices. The policy of clear-felling is a blunt instrument with little regard to the long term effects on soil structure and wildlife. However in the right conditions, with the right seed bank, what follows in its wake can become a real haven for wildlife; as can be seen in Doric Wood and the other small woodlands at Broadley.

The scope of wildlife within a woodland can be directly linked to its ecological diversity and how much human interference there is. On both counts Doric Wood scores highly and is a haven for creatures small and large. Although the undergrowth is vibrant and dense in places, there are many animal trails criss-crossing the woodland.

A sturdy bench has been installed in the wood for those wanting to sit and watch awhile.

Access is very good off the public road with a large area of hardstanding is available for timber stacking or parking. A circular walk has been cut through the wood, however there is plenty of scope for opening up additional paths.

Sporting rights are included with the sale of the wood.

Self seeded woodlands are a bushcrafters paradise with a huge amount of variety within a small area; a flood of light on to the forest floor stirs the dormant seed-bank, allowing seeds dropped by birds or blown by the wind to flourish. Doric Wood could be a perfect outdoor classroom for young and old.

The Moray coast is a hidden gem of Scotland that has so far remained amongst the roads less travelled. From quaint fishing villages such as Portsoy and Findochty to hidden bays dotted along the 50 mile coastal trail, this is a fantastic place to have a woodland base.

There are a number of castles to explore such as the ruined Duffus Castle , to the magical Findlater Castle set looking out to sea and a reminder of time gone by, to the more formal gardens of the 'pearl of the north', Ballindalloch Castle.

Further up the coast is Elgin, Findhorn, Nairn and Inverness, that benefits from great train and plane links, as well as being the closest you will get to 'urban' for quite some distance.