Woodland for sale

Set about 300 metres above sea level within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, Hobbs Wood is an established woodland which is plentiful in wildlife and is ideal for peaceful enjoyment as a quiet retreat or as a place to come with family and friends to explore this picturesque part of Devon.

There is good access from the A399 and once at the woodland there is a good sized grass ride that leads around the edge of the trees to a large open area. The elevated situation of the woodland provides far reaching views over the rolling hills to the north Devon coast around Saunton Sands.

Hobbs Wood is prime for some small scale management and a thinning of the trees could eventually lead to a small income for additional improvements such as bird & bat boxes.

Named after a local shepherd Bill Hobbs, who lived at nearby Hoar Oak Cottage where he could have tended the 'Hoar Oak Tree', which has been a boundary feature between the Royal Forest of Exmoor and Brendon Common since the 1600's in various forms.

Trees

Predominantly a mix of planted sitka spruce & douglas fir trees planted around 25 years ago, these are now prime for a thinning. There is a current thinning license on the trees to open space for the other trees to grow in girth and add value for future crops for timber - locally produced timber is a very sustainable way of supplying local craftspeople with a resource to make products such as furniture or cladding for houses. This saves importing timber from further afield both within and beyond Europe.

Along the northern and eastern boundaries are some historic hedge banks lined with beech trees that are shown on maps from the 1880's.

Wildlife

Deer enjoy the shelter of the woodland and can often be seen travelling through the trees.

Signs of foxes and badgers can be found in the local area, the wildlife use the grassland area as corridors, these are also ideal areas for bats to feed at dusk.

The surrounding grassland is a perfect habitat for birds of prey such as kestrels and buzzards.

Whilst visiting the wood please take some time and relax on a bench located in the wood to take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe the wildlife.

Features

On an old map of the area from 1888 a spring is shown rising just above the central part of the northern boundary. Signs of this spring can still be seen today. This small area of wet ground could provide an opportunity to create a pond and make use of this natural resource.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access is from the A399 where a stoned area allows parking in front of the main gate - the purchaser will receive a key for the gate to allow full vehicular access. From here there is a good stoned forestry track suitable for year round use by most vehicles.

A parking area can be found by the entrance of Hobbs Wood and additional places to park nearby.

There are no public rights of way within the woodland or along the access track.

Rights and covenants

There are no public rights of way within the woodland.

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

Become immersed in the tranquil habitat and enjoy nature via hammocking. Take your hammock into the woodland, look for two sturdy trees with ample space between them. Use 'tree huggers' to protect the tree bark. Embrace the natural environment within your snug shelter!

Forest bathing is form of relaxation, being calm within the woodland environment and observing nature while breathing deeply and Hobbs Wood is an ideal setting for this.

Hobbs Wood is ideally suited to use as a camping base from which to explore this stunning part of Devon

Local area and history

Nearby points of interest include fishing at Wistlandpound or a visit to North Thorne, a deserted medieval village to the north of the nearby village of Bratton Fleming.

Bratton Fleming is situated about 7 miles north east of Barnstaple set on a ridge extending from the foothills of Exmoor National Park. The village is approximately 3 miles from the park boundary and has in the village the historic Church of St Peter, and a village shop.

There are many archaeological features in the countryside surrounding the village including six separate groups of barrows within the parish of Bratton Fleming. These barrows are all Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Hobbs Wood is a fantastic location to explore the north Devon coastline with the seaside village of Combe Martin a 15 minute drive away and the popular surfing beaches of Woolacombe, Saunton Sands and Croyde within a 30-40 minute drive.

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