Sandpit Meadow is a fabulous parcel of land containing a mixture of open meadow, ancient woodland and a stream. It would be of interest to all those looking for a secluded parcel of private land in a location easily accessible from Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. The mixed habitats that constitute the parcel make it an exceptional piece of land.

The main entrance to the site is directly from the A48 just north of the village of Blakeney in Gloucestershire. The entrance to the meadow itself is a few hundred metres down a stoned track, giving it a secluded feel well away from the road or any public footpaths. At the entrance there is an area of hardstanding and small square of grassland in between the hedgerow and the access track, which serves almost as an antechamber to the main meadow. A gap in the hedgerow, guarded by a giant Oak tree, leads the way into the main rectangle of meadowland which stretches out in an easterly direction towards the woodland at the bottom. As one emerges from under the cool shade the Oak provides, the full vista of grassland and woodland opens up before you. The northern and southern boundaries are demarcated by staked lines.

The meadow was once part of The Hawfield Estate in this part of Gloucestershire and in recent years has been grazed and cut for hay. It falls within the Woodland Priority Habitat Network (high priority) which means that it has been specifically designated by The Forestry Commission as a target area for new woodland creation. They are very keen to see existing woodland extended through the planting of new trees. For these reasons, it is well suited to anyone who is interested in planting trees and other conservation work, be that for carbon sequestration, personal amenity or for the benefit of wildlife. Many are motivated by a combination of all three.

As one heads east down the meadow, the woodland fringe presents as wall of green in the summer months, inviting you in to the wonderland beyond. Bluebells in the spring, a rich variety of species, a vibrant understory and a gently flowing stream make for the classical woodland scene. With light dappling through the mature canopy on to the woodland floor, this is a place to reflect and be close to nature. Local wildlife is abundant, including badgers and deer.

The established woodland does more than provide an enjoyable place to spend time and collect firewood. It’s rich collection of seeds will provide a lease of new life on the open land as they are blown in, or carried by birds, to naturally regenerate, or ‘re-wild’ the meadow. This can be harnessed alongside active tree planting to speed up the process of woodland establishment. The insects and fungi already found in the woodland will soon colonise the new trees, speeding up the process of ecosystem development.

Sandpit Meadow presents an opportunity to own a charming parcel of land set within the unspoilt expanse of the Forest of Dean, providing a canvas for conservation as well as a place to retreat to from the rhythms of everyday life.

In terms of finding the meadow, when heading south on the A48 from Gloucester towards the village of Blakeney, there is a “Woodlands” for sale signboard on your left shortly after the entrance to Valley View campsite (itself on your right hand side) and about 1/2km before the road turns sharply left into the village. Beyond the sign is a splay and pull in on your left-hand side with a field gate. Please park here and carefully climb the gate and follow the green route along the track on the wood map to find the entrance to the meadow. It is near the end of the track on the right hand side, where the Sandpit Meadow name plate can be seen.

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