Woodland for sale

A wonderful mix of oak, beech and birch with ample scope for both family recreation and a keen woodland hobbyist, two miles north of Braintree.

Exact Location, viewing Instructions and further details can be found in our brochure below.

Forming part of a larger woodland, Maplestead Wood is located on the periphery of Gosfield village in rural Essex, with both Colchester and Chelmsford within easy reach. Access is via locked gates and along a track.

Established on level loamy clay soils near the southwest of the wider wood, piercing evening sunshine filters through the trees on clear evenings. Designated as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS), the mature canopy principally consists of lofty oak, along with beech and birch. The oak and beech are around 70 to 80 years old and were recently subject to a gentle thinning with the aim of allowing the more favourable stems to progress and develop for the benefit of future generations.

Sporadic cherry, hornbeam, sycamore, poplar and lime - especially on the northwestern boundary - add to the species mix. There is a particularly fine specimen of lime near the northeast boundary. The occasional holly and hazel coppice occupy the shrub layer. Ground flora includes primrose, bracken, dog's mercury and fruity bramble.

Looking after the oak and beech with a simple management plan could be an interesting project for a new custodian. If the trees are carefully managed to a desired size, there is the potential that the future timber from the oak might be suitable for furniture production. Clearings throughout the woodland used for the recent forestry operation, allow access to most areas. These could also serve as camping spots for overnight adventures.

Mammals spotted here include roe, muntjac and fallow deer, hare, wood mouse, squirrel and fox. Feathered residents include owls, jay, blackbirds, green woodpeckers, lesser redpoll and many acoustic songbirds. Congenial robins come to say hello when our Forester visits.

Our Forester's Thoughts

Sam says...

"I would hoist a parachute between some trees, creating a sheltered area to hone my bushcraft skills, as well as using this spot for camping with the family. The residual brash from the recent thinning in the racks has been used to protect the soils here during the process but will now offer habitat for important insect life below; I would leave this in situ to decay into the ground but gather the larger diameter wood for domestic fuel."

Please remember some management operations require approval and/or a licence.