Woodland for sale

Easily accessed from the market town of Okehampton, Worthy Wood boasts both older established broadleaved woodland and a more recently established planted and naturally regenerating woodland. This mosaic of habitats attract a plethora of wildlife with the open sunny glades attracting butterflies and the tall mature trees that provide a safe canopy for nesting birds.

Clearings within the younger woodland are perfect for camping.

The area of mature woodland is especially beautiful in spring and summer. Here are some important wet woodland habitat with catkin-laden alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) and willows. Wet woodland habitats are some of the rarest woodland habitats in Britain. Board walks allow access along the south western edge of this habitat.

Trees

Within the southern part of Worthy Wood is a recently planted area. Planted initially as an area of eucalyptus for offsetting carbon, a variety of native trees have naturally regenerated included willow, hazel and birch. This unusual combination makes a really attractive mix.

In the older northern part of the woodland the trees are more akin to Middle Earth with towering oak, ash, beech, alder and birch forming an impressive canopy to explore within.

This contrast between old and new forms a nice diversity of habitats.

Wildlife

The recently planted area has numerous sunny glades where wild flowers attract butterflies and other pollinating insects such as moths, bees and beetles such as the rose chafer (Cetonia aurata).

In contrast the mature woodland has numerous signs of badger activity, whilst both red and roe deer are frequent visitors.

An abundance of species of birds thrive in the woodland including greater spotted woodpecker, tawny owls buzzards and numerous song birds.

It is a pleasure to close your eyes and just listen to the chatter of the birds, as day turns to evening the atmosphere changes as the hoot ta hoot of the local owls take over.

Features

There is a good level area just inside the entrance gate that can be used as a parking area and place to park a campervan.

There are a number of historic wood banks found both around the edges and within the woodland. These are long raised mounds of earth usually with a ditch on one side which once would have been to contain livestock within the woodland.

The more irregular shaped the wood banks are, such as those found here at Worthy Wood, the older they usually are. These irregular wood banks can date back to medieval times, whilst straighter wood banks are more often from the nineteenth century.

Within the older part of the woodland there are numerous springs of natural water - there is scope for creating ponds and streams to focus the water and create habitats and features.

Access, tracks and footpaths

The woodland is accessed from a quiet B road via a shared track to Appledore campsite and the old farm (which is now just used for storage). There is a communal gate and the purchaser will be given the access code for this gate.

A short section of shared forestry track leads to the private parking area for the woodland.

There are no public footpaths within the woodland.

A retained right of way exists for timber extraction over the track along the southern boundary.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are in hand and included in the sale.

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

For those passionate about wildlife, Worthy Wood is an excellent location to indulge this. Observation of woodland dwelling species such as badgers, deer and tawny owls can be enjoyed with a wildlife hide or with some discreet nature cameras.

Biodiversity can be encouraged with coppicing of large alder and willow trees as well as the hazel understory. Installing bird and dormouse boxes is fun and rewarding, especially when a bird or dormouse decides to take up residence. Leaving piles of dead wood scattered within the trees creates a good habitat for insects to thrive which in turn feed birds.

Local area and history

Around Devon there are many place names that end in 'Worthy' such as Holsworthy and Beaworthy. Worthy is an Old English word for an enclosure.

Worthy Wood is surrounded by open fields and woodlands and benefits from being within a short drive of the stunning Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor offers numerous activities from hiking, off and on road cycling, rock climbing, pony trekking and canoeing. Alongside this there is a fantastic choice of country pubs throughout the moor.

Okehampton is a charming market town found within a few miles of the woodland. This ancient town boasts an impressive park which includes part of the river Okement, a Victorian shopping arcade, a newly reopened passenger train link to Exeter as well as walking and cycle routes such as the Granite Way.

An additional benefit is that of a 'Visit England' 5 star rated touring park, Appledore Park, within walking distance to the woodland allowing for longer stays with full facilities.

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