There are some splendid trees in Bailey Wood – from the fine stand of very large mature Corsican Pine (planted possibly more than 50 years ago), to the veteran beech and yew trees. These trees give the wood a true sense of grandeur.

Beech, Scots pine, the occasional western red cedar (remaining from an older plantation), yew, ash, wild cherry, birch and hazel also feature in the wood.

Bailey Wood has been designated as Ancient Replanted Woodland (PAWS) by Natural England. This is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. It is also a SMINC (Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation), a local authority designation where the woodland is noted as ‘An ancient wood where the greater butterfly-orchid grows, a flower which is found in very few places in London’.

There is an approved Management Plan and Felling Licence for Crown Wood (of which Bailey Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request. The Management Plan is not mandatory, but it is full of good advice, and a lot of background information which will certainly be interesting and useful. There is a Tree Preservation Order on Crown Wood (details of this TPO are available upon request), though this does not prevent normal forest management when covered by a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan.

Bluebells flourish in the Spring in Bailey Wood, as well as other ancient woodland indicator species including Dog’s Mercury, and Butchers Broom.

It is noted in the management plan that there are viable habitats present for Bats, particularly in veteran and ‘future veteran’ trees with cavities or fissures. A wide variety of birds have been recorded locally including Bullfinch, Little Owl and Yellowhammer. A new owner could install some bird and bat boxes and build a simple hide to observe which species are present.

- A mixed ancient mixed woodland situated within the M25.

- Splendid mature trees including beech and Scots pine.

- Rustic bench in a small private clearing.

- Views across paddocks to the City of London.

Bailey Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Gorse Road), through a locked metal gate (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to Bailey Wood. A small area of hardstanding allows a new owner to park within the boundary of Bailey Wood itself.

There are no public footpaths within the wood itself. There is a public footpath outside the northwest boundary of the wood (not actually within the woodland itself).

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

The owner of Bailey Wood will be asked to enter a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the wood.

Bailey Wood provides the opportunity for a new owner to engage in family forestry. Managing a woodland and learning bushcraft skills is a great way to escape the trappings of modern life. Building dens and wildlife hides and installing bird and bat boxes are just some examples of outdoor activities can be done here. Other ideas can be found here: https://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood

It is worth noting that Woodlands.co.uk offer £300 towards a course for a new owner. Please note the £300 will be available for any course that relates in some way to managing or enjoying a woodland, for example introduction to woodland management, chainsaw training (strongly recommended by us especially if you are likely to use a chainsaw in the woods), bushcraft courses or craft courses such as hurdle making.

Bailey Wood is situated about 3 miles east of Orpington, near Bromley. The nearest train station is at Chelsfield, which is on the main line to London. This is approx. 3 miles (approx. 20 minutes’ cycle) from the wood.

Lullingstone Country Park is situated approx. 3 miles from Bailey Wood and offers over 460 acres of chalk grassland and ancient woodlands. For those who enjoy golf, the 18-hole Lullingstone Park Golf Course is only 1 mile away. For those keen to learn more about wildlife, one of the UKs largest Bird of Prey Centres is only 5 miles away - Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation.

Also, well worth a visit in the early summer – the incredible lavender fields at Castle Farm provide a visual spectacular. There are tours at certain times of the year, and a marvellous farm shop found here castlefarmkent.co.uk