Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Pinkerton Hill Wood £38,500 Freehold

Description

Pinkerton Hill Wood is located on the slopes of Pinkerton Hill overlooking the historic town of Dunbar, and the open expanse of the North Sea. A former shelterbelt plantation, the wood is well established and contains a varied and interesting mix of broadleaf and native conifers. Its elevated location gives it extensive views over the surrounding area including a generous seascape. An open area fringed by mature trees complements the generally open and airy nature of the wood. A historic beech hedge delineates the eastern boundary with a stock wire fence to the west, separating the wood from the surrounding agricultural land.

A viewing of the wood is definitely recommended; please allow yourself a generous amount of time to fully explore the wood throughout.

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

Around three-quarters of the tree population is an unusual combination of sycamore, ash and beech with occasional lime, birch and oak adding to the mix. Native Scots pine form a northern block with one or two spruce hiding amongst the broadleaf.

Smaller species are dotted throughout the wood; elder, favoured by foragers for both its flowers and fruit, hawthorn, also bearing edible fruit, and flaming yellow gorse.

Wildlife

An island of foliage amongst open farmland the wood stands out as a welcome refuge for local wildlife residents. Several evident access points through the hedge indicate regular use by native roe deer. Smaller paths suggest forage runs of badgers no doubt used by hares and small predators such as stoats and weasels.

The towering canopy is an obvious spot for a nesting buzzard, with a variety of tits and finches taking advantage of the hedge lines cover. The game birds partridge and grouse are amongst other regular visitors, lying up in the verdant ground cover or feeding on fallen fruits and seeds.

Features

The wood is close to the brow of the hill so the landscape, initially sloping to the south, gradually levels out before gently starting to fall. Dry underfoot and with no obvious watercourse, the right to draw water from the generous water tank is a major benefit. A gated hardstanding exists to facilitate the small scale management and enjoyment of the wood.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to the area, in general, is facilitated by the A1 with the town of Dunbar having a station on the main East Coast Line.

A right of vehicular access exists once the public highway ends all the way up to the point at which the short entrance track starts.

This track to the north of the wood and the track running along the western edge are within the title.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and sold with the wood.

A third party has rights of access over the tracks between points A and B and between points A and C. The ownership of these tracks will be included in the sale of the wood.

There is a right to take water, subject to the conditions on the deeds, from the tank located within the wood.

The purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the details of these rights within the conveyancing process.

The standard woodlands.co.uk covenant does not apply to this wood.

Activities

The large amount of growing timber could be sustainably harvested as a domestic wood fuel source, the hard standing area would facilitate the stacking of timber prior to removal.

For the conservation-minded; additional planting, especially of understory species would improve biodiversity and encourage an even greater variety of wildlife to flourish.

An overnight camping stay is an attractive proposition, facilitating wildlife watching at the prime times of dusk and dawn.

Local area and history

The foot of Pinkerton Hill saw one of the most important battles in Oliver Cromwells rise to political power. General Leslie, who was camped on the nearby Doon Hill, was drawn into battle in support of Charles II. The defeat of his forces in the battle of Dunbar left the gateway to Edinburgh open for Cromwell to exploit.

Today, all that remains is a monument to the battle on the road to the nearby White Sands beaches.

A large proportion of the surrounding agriculture is set aside for the purpose of growing those Scottish staples for porridge and whisky. Several of the local farms contain their own maltery for local production.

With its charming waterfront, Dunbar is well-furnished with accommodation and local facilities.

Bass rock, stained guano white from its huge gannet population, is a salient landmark visible from the wood. A boat trip to the rock can be taken from nearby North Berwick.

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. 67
  • Grid ref: NT 693 750
  • Nearest post code: EH42 1RX
  • GPS coordinates: 55.9673, -2.49301

Location map

Directions

Pinkerton Hill Wood is about 30 miles east of Edinburgh and 3 miles from Dunbar.

Satnav/GPS note; the postcode EH42 1RX is for the point shown by the red dot on the location map. Coordinates for gate is N 55 : 96 : 81 & W 2 : 49 : 36

Click here for Directions From Bing Maps enter your own postcode, (Pinkerton Hill Wood coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Get Directions" box. This will take you to the parking area by the entrance.

Or follow our directions;

  • From the A1 take the first right turning after the A1087 turning, signposted 'Little Pinkerton, West Meikle, East Meikle and Doon Hill'.
  • Take the first right signposted Doon Hill.
  • The road turns sharp left and the tarmac ends but there is a good hard track up the hill to the second wood on the left.
  • Please park off the track in the gated entranceway and proceed on foot.

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.

An interesting mixed woodland with commanding views over the North Sea, close to Dunbar and within easy reach of Edinburgh and Berwick.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: [email protected]