SOLD: Settle Wood £85,000 Freehold
- Beckley, near Rye, East Sussex
- about 5 acres
- South East England
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Mature oak standards
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Broadleaves along the edge of the conifer
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A rustic bench situated by the conifer
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The sunny southern edge of Settle Wood
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Field views to the south
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Wood anemone
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The ride stop entrance to Settle Wood
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Hornbeam along the boundary
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A mature Scots pine in the open area
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Foxgloves
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Birch - natural regeneration
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Old pollarded hornbeam
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A Forestry Research trap
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Birch - ready for a camp fire
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Bluebells
Description
Settle Wood is an unusual woodland, offering an exciting opportunity for a new owner looking to establish their own woodland. The woodland also features established mature trees. Ancient woodland indicators including bluebells and wood anemone can be found on the forest floor, as well as foxgloves and violets. There is evidence of an old woodbank inside the eastern boundary.
A rustic style bench has been installed at the edge of the conifer. Here an owner can sit and enjoy the afternoon sunshine and observe the wildlife. A stream which attracts lots of wildlife is located to the east of the wood (just outside the boundary).
Settle Wood lies to the south of the village of Beckley and is approximately 3km west of the village of Peasmarsh, 7 miles north from the coastal town of Rye. The woodland sits within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). A stoned track leads from the gate to the ride stop entrance to Settle Wood. Here an owner is able to drive in and park a car.
The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenantTrees
The west of the wood was clear-felled in early 2022, following a Statutory Plant Health Notice from the Forestry Commission for the Norway spruce. Mature oak standards remain, a mature Scots pine features and there is birch along the north boundary. There are mixed broadleaves along the southwest boundary. The clear-felled area will naturally regenerate over time (birch are already beginning to appear); however, a new owner may decide to plant their choice of new trees. There are a couple of seasonal Forest Research traps located in this area which are understood to be in place until the end of 2025.
The east of the wood features conifer (identified as Western red cedar and Lawson cypress in the management plan). Mixed broadleaves including birch, hornbeam and wild cherry also feature in this compartment. There are several splendid mature oak standards throughout this area.
Settle Wood has been designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) by Natural England. However it is noted in the management plan this would more accurately be described as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). This is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity and historic features.
Wildlife
There is an opportunity to develop permanent glades in the clear-felled area. These would provide fabulous habitats for butterflies and insects. The open area also would allow a new owner to potentially dig and establish a small pond, which would no doubt attract birds and insects. The installation of bird and bat boxes would also enhance the habitat for wildlife.
Features
- An ancient mixed woodland within the High Weald AONB.
- An opportunity to plant and establish a new area of woodland.
- A rustic bench situated on the edge of the established conifer.
- Privately owned woodlands to the north, east and west and an open field to the south.
- Good vehicular access and partly fenced (northwest and north sections of the boundaries).
Access, tracks and footpaths
Access to Settle Wood is via a single metal gate off Horseshoe Lane. A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to the wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car.
A public footpath abuts the north boundary of Settle Wood.
Rights and covenants
The wood is sold with the sporting rights.
The owner of Settle Wood will be asked to enter a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the wood.
Activities
- Planting new trees.
- Digging a pond.
- Establishing glades for butterflies.
- Alternatively, a new owner could simply immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquillity of this ancient woodland.
Local area and history
Beckley village was part of the Wealden iron industry back in the 16th century. An iron furnace was built at Beckley Furnace, which is south of the woods – this ceased production in the 18th century. The surrounding area is heavily wooded - including Beckley Woods and Flatropers Wood. Bodiam Castle is approx. 7 miles west of the wood – this wonderful 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. The village of Northiam is about 3 miles away - and in the summer steam trains run from the station here. Rye is approx. 7 miles away down on the coast – this wonderful medieval town has lots to explore amongst the cobbled streets.
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. 199
- Grid ref: TQ 849 234
- Nearest post code: TN31 6SD
- GPS coordinates: 50.9811, 0.632956
Location map
Directions
Please note, for satellite navigation, use the post code TN31 6SD. This will take you to within approx. 50 meters of Milldown Wood (of which Settle Wood is a part) as shown by the red dot on the map. Coordinates to the main entrance gate leading to Settle Wood (off Horseshoe Lane) are: 50.97882, 0.62901. To find the wood follow the instructions below.
Heading south on the A21
- At the traffic lights at Flimwell, take the A268 east towards Hawkhurst / Sandhurst.
- Continue through Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Newenden (where you cross the river Rother).
- Continue onwards, on what is now Station Road, south towards Northiam.
- Pass through Northiam, and once you pass Northiam Primary School on your right, take the B2088 to the left signposted to Rye and Beckley. Pass the Rose and Crown pub on your left, heading to Beckley.
- After approx. 1.3 miles, just before you get to Beckley, take the turn to your right called Horseshoe Lane.
- Approx. 500 meters down this road you will reach the single metal gate entrance to Milldown Wood on your left with a ‘Woodlands for Sale’ sign on it.
Heading north from Hastings on the A21
- Heading north out of Hastings, follow White Rock Road to Bohemia Road / A 21
- Take a right onto Westfield Lane / A28 and follow for approx. 7 miles.
- Turn right onto Beckley Road / B2165
- After approx. 1 mile take a slight right onto B2088 signposted to Rye and Beckley. Pass the Rose and Crown pub on your left, heading to Beckley.
- After approx. 1.3 miles, just before you get to Beckley, take the turn to your right called Horseshoe Lane.
- Approx. 500 meters down this road you will reach the single metal gate entrance to Milldown Wood on your left with a ‘Woodlands for Sale’ sign on it.
Once you arrive at the main entrance gate:
- Park on the side of the road (being sure to leave the main gate accessible). Walk round the side of the gate and up the stoned track.
- Follow the main track approx. 360 meters round to the left up to towards the T-junction. The ride stop entrance to Settle Wood is on the right-hand side of the track with its boundaries marked in MAUVE.
- Sat Nav note: The post code TN31 6SD is for the point shown on the location map by the red dot.
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.
A unique opportunity to acquire a mix of established ancient woodland and a recently clear-felled area to plant your own woodland.