Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Hailes Wood £69,000 Freehold

Description

Hailes Wood lies on the fringe of the much larger Bolton Muir Wood, surrounded by agricultural land and close by the charming village of Gifford. Looking back on historic maps it is evident that the land has been set over to woodland for a great many centuries. Indeed the land is designated as a PAWS, plantation on the site of ancient woodland. In practice, this means that the underlying soil structure is ideally suited and adapted by nature to support woodland due to the lack of general disturbance over a long period of time. A short walk around the wood shows plenty of evidence for this assertion. Wherever trees have been felled and the light allowed in, the wood has responded with a diverse and profuse regeneration of young trees, shrubs and many other woodland loving plants. The base stock of trees have flourished equally well and many of them have now reached a significant height and girth.

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 conifer planting consists of a mix of species, in the main being Scots pine, Norway and Sitka spruce and a scattering of deciduous larch. An ancient beech hedge, twisted and gnarled with age, runs atop the dyke which separates the wood from the road. Between the evergreens, oak, birch, hawthorn and holly create a dense understorey sitting just above a verdant mix of ferns and mosses.

Wildlife

The wide variety of flora in Hailes Wood makes it an ideal home for wildlife large and small, whether aerial or ground-based. A large selection of invertebrates gives a vital food source for a wide variety of birds, which are in turn preyed upon by their larger cousins. Toads and frogs inhabit the dense clumps of grass, finding a breeding place in the occasional small seasonal pools. Larger mammals such as deer and badger are resident within the wood as a whole, and their foraging forays know no human boundary restrictions.

Features

The topography is largely level, dipping gently to the west to the boundary with the neighbouring wood. A rustic bench has been installed to encourage the visitor to sit and rest and take in the surrounding nature. The stone strengthened area would be an ideal spot to stack cut timber prior to its transportation to a wood burner 'ready' pile.

Access, tracks and footpaths

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

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities

Already incredibly diverse, the wood could benefit from low-level management and conservation activity. The mature timber stands would sustainably provide a rotational domestic fuel supply.

An occasional overnight stopover would be the ideal opportunity to observe the hive of animal activity that transpires once human activity is not so apparent.

Local area and history

The surrounding landscape is steeped in history. Hailes Castle is a castle dating mainly from the 14th-century, lying 5 miles east of Haddington. First constructed in the 1200's, its story parallels the turbulent history and the changing fortunes of the nation of Scotland.

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 508 682
  • Nearest post code: EH41 4JT
  • GPS coordinates: 55.9047, -2.78801

Location map

Directions

Hailes 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 (Hailes 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 turn right and continue for about 50m, the entrance to the wood is via a well-marked ridestop on the right. 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 reservoir, 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 50m, the entrance to the wood is via a well-marked ridestop on the right.

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.

An interestingly diverse mix of native and plantation conifers contrasted with an abundant selection of broadleaf, located in the heart of East Lothian and within easy reach of Edinburgh.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: [email protected]