Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Doo'cot Wood £95,000 Freehold

Description

Although predominantly a conifer woodland, indications are that the land has been set over to forestry for such a long time that it qualifies as a plantation on the site of ancient woodland, or PAWS. This means that mother nature has a strong foothold in the land, literally in the soil and given half a chance will burst forth with natural regeneration.

The timber stock, which is mainly the native Scots pine has been well managed and is well spaced, giving the majority of the wood a light and delightfully airy feel. The mossy carpet covering the woodland floor makes for pleasant walking through the trees. The landscape dips gently towards a drainage channel that crosses the wood roughly north to south. This separates off an area of vigorous young growth consisting of planted spruce and colonising birch; a lovely contrast.

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

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, here is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.

Trees

The main and mature stock is one of Britain's few native conifers, the graceful Scots pine, with some fairly large examples growing at the heart of the wood. A scattering of Norway and Sitka spruce with the occasional hemlock, probably self-seeded from neighbouring coups, give evergreen variety.

A number of large yet relatively youthful oak trees, create their own glade space beneath spreading boughs.

On the western boundary a younger but more dense area has either been planted but also allowed to regenerate itself. This contains mainly spruce and birch, but seedlings of oak ash and rowan can also be seen.

Wildlife

It is hard to visit the woods without catching a glimpse of a startled roe deer, stopped in its tracks, assessing the danger before sprinting for cover. Small holes neatly piercing the moss indicate the homes of stoats and weasels, whilst a rustling in grassy clumps is a sure sign of vole activity.

Features

The topography is quite level with a gentle slope leading down to the bisecting water channel. Although seasonally variable, enough water remains to support bullrush and a variety of other wetland plants. It is also a valuable breeding spot for amphibious frogs and toads. A small hard area facilitates the management of felled timber, stacked prior to removal and a rustic bench is a welcome addition for peaceful repose.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to the wood is through a double-gated entrance off the B6355, from there a good hard stone track suitable for most cars leads to the woodland entrance.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and are included in the sale.

Activities

Ideally suited for conservation and increasing biodiversity through gentle management, the wood is also a foragers paradise. Brambles and raspberry abound and in autumn a large variety of fungi sprout from the moss-covered leaf litter.

Small scale thinning would easily provide a sustainable domestic fuel source whilst an overnight stopover would give an opportunity to view the nocturnal habits of the local wildlife.

Local area and history

The picturesque village of Gifford is nearby and sits astride the Gifford Water. It dates from the 17th century and was built to replace the village of Bothans, which housed agricultural workers from the estate. It was very common in this area for estates to be in possession of a Doo'cot. This was a special building particularly designed to house doves or pigeons. These birds were an important food source in the Middle Ages and were kept for their eggs, meat, and also dung for the vegetable garden. Several historic examples can be found locally.

To the south lie the Lammamuir hills which contain several excellent walking and cycling trails. The Pencaitland Railway Walk which starts in Gifford offers wonderful views of parts of East Lothian that are inaccessible by car. The trees and hedgerows along the route offer shelter to a great diversity of wildlife and many rare wildflowers are established along the embankments.

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. 66
  • Grid ref: NT 506 681
  • Nearest post code: EH41 4JT
  • GPS coordinates: 55.9037, -2.79066

Location map

Directions

  • Doo'cot Wood is about 25 miles east of Edinburgh and about 35 miles west of Berwick on Tweed.

For Directions From Bing Maps CLICK HERE enter your own postcode (Doo'cot Wood entrance coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Go" box.

For Satnav; the postcode EH41 6JT is for the point shown by the red dot on the location map and coordinates are:N55:54:17 and W2:47:09

Or use our directions:

From Edinburgh and the west;

  • From the city bypass (A720) take the A68 towards Jedburgh.
  • Pass Dalkeith and turn left at the war memorial taking the A6093 towards Haddington.
  • Go through the village of Pencaitland and turn right at the crossroads signposted Gifford B6355
  • Continue through East Saltoun for about 1.7 miles, Bolton Muir Woods will appear on the right.
  • Continue along the wood to the main double gated entrance on the right.
  • Park safely in the entrance way and continue on foot through the side gate.
  • At the first junction keep straight on and continue for about 500m, the entrance to the wood is via a well marked ridestop on the left.

From Berwick on Tweed and the east;

  • From the A1 take the A6105 signposted Duns and Chirnside.
  • Pass through Chirnside and fork right onto the B6355 towards Cranshaws.
  • Pass Whiteadder resevoir, through Gifford and continue on the B6355 towards Pencaitland.
  • After about 2 miles the main entrance to Bolton Muir Woods will appear on the left.
  • Park safely in the entranceway and continue on foot through the side gate.
  • At the first junction turn right and continue for about 200m, the entrance to the wood is via a well marked ridestop on the left

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 mixed conifer woodland with native broadleaf regeneration: a quiet wood with a very interesting and varied mix of habitats. Located in East Lothian within easy reach of Edinburgh.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: [email protected]