The main body of the wood is set to spruce with the trees fulfilling their anticipated growth rate. Thoughtful thinning has provided open glades and pathways not normally associated with plantations.

Thriving equally well, the surrounding broadleaf species consist mainly of oak and alder with a scattering of birch and rowan. The river bank athough not planted now hosts self-seeded birch and willow.

As can be seen from the photos, a visit to the wood is usually rewarded with a sight of the nimble roe deer, either in full flight or pausing briefly to assess our intrusion. Surrounded by open grazing farmland the wood is a welcome refuge for many a small bird which flit throughout the canopy. The riverbank is often frequented by that patient hunter the grey heron. Without a doubt, smaller mammals such as stoats and weasels are the residents of the nesting holes poked into dense grassy clumps.

Several useful items have been erected in the wood and are included in the sale. A rustic bench for a well-earned rest, a picnic bench for a meal with a view, a tarpaulin wood store for a supply of firewood and a small but well-founded treehouse for an elevated view of the river and the surrounding environs.

Access: An unlocked gateway leads off a quiet country lane along a solid track across the fields, where there is a full right of way (suitable for most cars) to the woodland entrance. A locked gate leads to a central track up to the Magus entrance with a further track, internal paths, clearings, a timber stacking area and vehicle turning point.

The sporting rights, including fishing on the Teviot Water, are owned and offered with the sale.

With its open aspect and emergent diversity, Magus Wood would be an excellent base for woodland conservation. With good access from the highway and several flat, dry areas, an overnight camping stop is almost a necessity.

As the sporting rights are included in the sale then fishing the Teviot is an attractive option. Salmon, sea trout, brown trout and grayling can all be found and caught in the appropriate season. As this is Scotland a government fishing licence is not required.

Local area: Hawick, meaning entrenched settlement, is the nearest town and is right in the heart of reiver country. Once well known for lawlessness and cattle stealing it is now a pleasant market town with plenty to offer including numerous B&B’s.

At the back of the larger woodland is a strange, pointed stone structure. This is the memorial to Henry Scott Riddell, poet and songwriter who lived nearby in Teviothead.