Woodland for sale

Sandymoor Cross Wood is on the north-western side of what was known as the Braddon Estate. Around 30 years ago much of the estate was planted with mixed native trees with the intention of managing as a coppice crop to power a woodchip boiler. Over time the woodchip boiler has become redundant so the woodland is now established with maturing trees and is a haven for wildlife as well as a good timber resource.

The open fields at the lower, western part of the land provide a pleasant open aspect and good levels of light year round to the trees. There are good internal paths and tracks as well as a stoned forestry track.

The local area in and around Sandymoor Cross Wood has been recognised as an important landscape both visually and for the abundance of wildlife.

This woodland and the surround woodlands have been identified by the Local Authority as an important habitat feature within the landscape and as such have been given a further recognised level of protection with an Article 4 designation. This allows enjoyment and management of the woodland but will require planning permission for anything that usually falls under permitted development.

Trees

At the lower, western edge of the woodland where the entrance is, the trees are dominated by Alder trees (Alnus glutinosa). Alder trees can reach a height of nearly 30 metres and are good habitat for lichens which are often found on their dark fissured bark. You can identify alder trees by their small cones and by purple twigs in the winter.

Walking up through the trees the alder turns into an area of oak trees with some wild cherry and then at the heart of the woodland a planting of small-leaved lime, ideal for creating a coppice habitat.

Toward the upper, eastern side of Sandymoor Cross Wood are some planted beech and ash trees. The ash trees could be thinned out and replanted with other species to improve the biodiversity of the woodland even further.

Finally along the northern and eastern boundaries of the woodland is an old hedge bank lined with mature knarled old oak trees along with birch and willow trees.

Wildlife

Butterflies and dragonflies skip along the grassy rides and paths throughout the woodland.

Deer frequent the area and occasionly badgers and foxes.

Features

Within the woodland are a good series of tracks and paths which allow excellent access throughout for recreational enjoyment and management.

There is a small stream along the western boundary of the woodland.

Access, tracks and footpaths

From the little used country lanes around the area the woodland has a concreate track that leads to the beginning of the stoned forest track which leads to the woodland itself.

Once within the woodland there is a private stone parking & turning area and a good series of tracks and paths leading through the different areas of Sandymoor Cross Wood.

Rights and covenants

Sporting rights are included.

The standard covenant applies.

As is the case for all our woodlands, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the woodland.

Activities

Sandymoor Cross Wood is a young woodland that can be managed and maintained for wildlife enjoyment and conservation as well as long term small scale timber production.

Installing some bird boxes may entice robins, wrens, blue tits or even woodpeckers.

There are clearer areas within the woodland that could be suitable for creating a small wildlife pond.

The variety of tree species found within are perect as a supply for woodturning, green woodwork or making your own charcoal.

Local area and history

Sandymoor Cross Wood enjoys a peaceful, rural position in the beautiful North Devon countryside within the parish of Ashwater. It lies within a short journey to the A30 and Holsworthy and the popular North Cornwall surfing beaches such as Bude and Widemouth are within a 30 minute drive where surfing, bodyboarding, walking, fishing and sailing can be enjoyed.

The local village of Ashwater is within walking distance and provides a pub, community shop, post office and church.

Dartmoor with its rugged tors and stunning landscapes is less than 30 minutes away.

Location

OS Landranger: OS No. 190

Grid ref: SX 390 985

Nearest post code: EX21 5EP

GPS coordinates: 50.7644, -4.28292

Directions

- Take the A30 and from either westbound or eastbound leave at the junction at Stowford Cross signposted to Roadford Lake as well as Broadwoodwidger & Bratton Clovelly.

- Turn left at the T-junction if you are coming off eastbound from the A30 or right at the T-junction if coming off westbound from the A30, each way will be signposted to Broadwoodwidger & Roadford Lake.

- Stay on this road for 5 miles, crossing the stunning landscape of Roadford Lake until you get to Ivyhouse Cross where you turn left.

- Turn immediately left at Reservoir Cross towards Ashwater.

- Stay on this road for 3 miles, going through Ashmill, until you see a farm lane on your right signposted to Braddon & East Venn.

- Turn right onto the farm lane and take the left turn at the first fork towards the Braddon Estate.

- After around 100 metres look out for the old metal gates on your left indicating the old entrance of the estate and just after this gate take the left hand turn onto a forestry track with a 'woodlands for sale' arrow pointing down the track.

- Continue along this track passing two woodland entrances on your right until you reach a ride stop with a 'Sandymoor Cross Wood' name sign on it at the end of the track.

- You can access the parking and turning area to view beyond the ride stop.

What3words for the main entrance gate is: scaffold.complies.swung

The What3words for the woodland entrance is: similar.jumbo.reader

Satnav/GPS note: the postcode EX21 5EP is for the point shown by the red dot on the two location maps.

Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Stuart Brooking.