Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Spindle Wood £69,000 Freehold

Description

Spindle Wood lies to the south of the village of Beckley and is approximately 3km west of the village of Peasmarsh. The woodland sits within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). For a small ancient wood, it is incredibly varied featuring mixed broadleaves and mixed conifer. Wildflowers including wood anemone adorn the forest floor in early spring. Ancient woodland indicators such as hard ferns and primrose are found on the forest floor. These help confirm the ancient status of the woodland. A rustic style bench has been installed in a small clearing amongst the chestnut coppice, a short walk from the ride stop entrance.

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

Trees

The majority of Spindle Wood is a mature mixed broadleaf coppice with standards. The east side of the wood comprises an area of western red cedar and Lawson cypress. It has been designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) 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.

Sweet chestnut, oak, hornbeam, hazel, birch, ash, holly and hawthorn can all be found within the woodland. The chestnut coppice could be harvested and the standard oak trees, which are mostly veteran, should be retained where possible. When seasoned the chestnut could be used as firewood in a wood-fired boiler to provide your central heating. Or it could be used as timber that is rot-resistant, and very strong for making posts. Birch is easily split and dries easily. In the coming years this woodland has enormous potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood. It is worth noting that Woodlands.co.uk offer £300 towards a course for a new owner. A suitable course could provide the opportunity to learn the skills required to resume coppicing in the future. The conifer could be thinned to allow the larger trees to thrive, and more light to reach the forest floor.

There is an area to the northeast of Spindle Wood (outside the boundary) which has recently been clear felled of Norway spruce following a Statutory Plant Health Notice from the Forestry Commission. The works were completed in early 2022 and signed off by the Forestry Commission. This area will naturally regenerate over time.

Wildlife

Marsh tit and nightjar have been recorded within 1km of the wood. Butterflies and dragonflies can be seen along the rides. Local stories tell of wild boar once roaming in these woods, but none have been spotted in recent times! There is plenty of opportunity to enhance the habitat for wildlife here, from the simple provision of bird and bat boxes to the management of the tree cover and ground flora.

Features

- An ancient semi-natural mixed woodland within the High Weald AONB.

- Mature oaks, hornbeam, chestnut and conifer.

- A small clearing and a rustic bench.

- Easily accessible and manageable.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to Spindle Wood is via a single metal gate off Horseshoe Lane (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to Spindle Wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car within the wood itself.

Rights and covenants

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

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

Activities

The wood lends itself to both amenity use as well as an opportunity to learn about woodland management; from learning how to manage a small coppice wood; to selective thinning the mature conifers; or contributing to the management of the woodland to encourage and increase bio-diversity. An owner can alternatively take the opportunity to relax and picnic amongst the trees, or see what birds can be spotted in the woods.

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 848 233
  • Nearest post code: TN31 6SD
  • GPS coordinates: 50.9802, 0.631247

Location map

Directions

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 Spindle Wood is a part) as shown by the red dot on the map. Coordinates to the main entrance gate leading to Spindle 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. 350 meters round to the left. The entrance to Spindle Wood is on the right-hand side of the track with its boundaries marked in RED.
  • 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 small manageable wood with a broad range of species and a good supply of firewood, situated approx. 7 miles north from the coastal town of Rye.

Managed by Ruth and James Feltham

Telephone: 07812 165081

Email: [email protected]