Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Peel Wood & Bothy £165,500 Freehold

Description

Originally part of the nearby Peel estate, the wood is an interesting mix of native and ornamental mature tree species with a section of ancient woodland and temperate rainforest. Glenkinnon Burn runs along the eastern boundary, unusually, the whole of the watercourse is included in the title.

Beneath the towering verdant canopy a wide variety of ancient woodland indicator plants thrive carpeting the floor with colour as the seasons unfold; bluebells, snowdrops, campion and dog mercury with larger foxglove, ferns, honeysuckle and holly make for a varied and heathy environment on the forest floor.

Formerly estate kennels, a stone built bothy has been fully restored to a high standard and has the benefit of planning permission for non residential recreational use.

Vehicle access has been created at the rear of the wood with a small parking and turning area.

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

A preponderance of sycamore in the wood is supplemented by large variety of native broadleafs with one or two more unusual species for these more northerly climes: sycamore, beech, ash, alder, oak, birch, red oak, horse chestnut, lime and elm. A section of the wood has been cleared of sycamore and replanted with birch, alder and rowan.

One or two spruce trees have reached impressive stature with the largest listed as the 16th tallest in Scotland.

A hedgerow of laurel, yew and rowan has been planted along the western roadside; as it matures it will give an effective evergreen screen for the woodland.

Wildlife

Peel Wood is a haven for local wildlife with the following noted as residing in or visiting the wood: Otter, Pine Marten, Hedgehog, Roe Deer, Red Squirrel, Pipistrelle bat, Daubenton’s Bat, Long eared bat.

Many birds are also present in the wood some seasonal others all the year long:

Cuckoo, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Tawny Owl, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Chiffchaff, Heron, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Treecreeper, Collared Dove, Buzzard, Blackcap, Wagtail, Blackbird.

Features

The wood features a lively burn which runs from the surrounding hills into the nearby Tweed.

Kennels previously inhabited by hounds from the nearby estate have been renovated to a high standard, making a rarely found facility for recreation and management of the woods. The bothy has the following facilities:

Pumped water supply (cold only) from a rainwater harvesting system with filters. 240v electrical fittings powerable by battery and generator. A SeparetteTiny composting toilet. Gas stove run from bottled gas. Wood burning stove. Sleeping platform. All fixtures and fittings in the bothy are included in the sale with the exception of the generator and EcoFlow battery which will be retained on sale.

It should be noted that the bothy is not intended as a permanent residence, the planning permission given is for use for recreation and the management of the woods.

Access, tracks and footpaths

The main access into the wood is via a pedestrian gate on the minor road to Asiesteil. From here woodland paths run up to the bothy and through the wider wood.

A vehicle access is provided from the public highway running through a nearby housing develpmont.

A small hardstanding and turning area is at the end of this well made track.

Rights and covenants

The standard Woodlands.co.uk covenant does NOT apply to this wood. Part of the wood is designated SSSI due to its rare and varied lichen population. Details of the SSSI are available on request.

A TPO exists over the whole of the wood, a good relationship with the Scottish borders tree officer has been established and sensitive management of the trees has been carried out with consultation and approval.

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities

Peel Wood is an ideal location to get away from the stress and pace of modern life and relax in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

The bothy provides a focal point for the wood and would facilitate small scale management and conservation of the woods.

Nearby Glenkinnon woods has attractive walking and cycling trails with the wider surrounding area well furnished with activity possibilities.

Local area and history

The local area is steeped in history and well known being the haunt of the Border Reivers. Many of the local towns feature peel (also spelt pele) towers which were essentially fortified houses, a neccessity for protection from reiving.

The River Tweed flows along the bottom of the valley, rising in the Lowther hills it wends its way to the coast at Berwick on Tween in Northumberland.

Famous for its salmon fishing it has been at times much fought over as the border between England and Scotland.

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. 73
  • Grid ref: NT 435 703
  • Nearest post code: TD1 3LH
  • GPS coordinates: 55.6047, -2.89722

Location map

Directions

  • Peel Wood is located about 5 miles west of Galashiels and 9 miles north of Selkirk.

For Satnav; the postcode TD1 3DH is the nearest postcode to the wood.

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Or, use our directions:

  • From Innerleithen take the A72 travelling east.
  • At "The Nest" roundabout continue straight on towards Selkirk on the A702.
  • After about 150m take the right fork signposted Elibank and Ashiesteil.
  • Cross the river on the Ashiesteil Bridge and continue for a further 600m.
  • Park in the Glenkinon forest car park and walk back 50m to the gated and signed entrance on the left.
  • From Selkirk take the A702 traveling west for about 7 miles.
  • Cross the Caddonfoot bridge and continue for just over half a mile.
  • Take the left fork signposted Elibank and Ashiesteil.
  • Cross the river on the Ashiesteil Bridge and continue for a further 600m.
  • Park in the Glenkinon forest car park and walk on 50m to the gated and signed entrance 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

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.

A unique mixed woodland in the Scottish borders in a peaceful but accessible location, including a portion of Glenkinnon Burn and a substantial stone built bothy.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: [email protected]