Woodland for sale

Set within the picturesque landscapes of rural mid Devon, Fiddlecott Wood sits near the top of a small valley that rises from the Little Dart River. Part of a larger woodland that is known as Chawleigh Barton Wood or historically Leigh Wood, the whole of Fiddlecott Wood is listed on the as Ancient Replanted Woodland on the Government's MAGIC website which records information about the natural environment and is shown as woodland on the 1885-1900 Ordinance Survey maps.

Ancient Replanted Woodlands are sites which have been woodland since at least 1600 AD but at some point, usually after a large War, have been felled for the timber resource and replanted, often with non native conifer trees but in this instance has been replanted as an oak woodland.

The topography of the woodland gently slopes north from around 300 metres to 400 metres above sea level.

There is the added attraction of a shared area of riverbank along the Little Dart river for recreation enjoyment as well as single bank fishing rights. It is understood that salmon and brown trout were previously present. This area is within a seperate part of the larger area of woodland.

The woodland benefits from being within walking distance of the village of Chawleigh which has two pubs and a village shop.

Trees

Mature native oak trees form the canopy of Fiddlecott Wood. These are well distributed throughout the woodland and allow plenty of light to reach the ground layer. Beneath the canopy, the understorey is dominated by hazel, with some holly, younger beech trees, and the occasional self-seeded conifer.

The hazel has been historically coppiced, an ancient practice of managing woodland for timber and firewood which goes back to the stone age. Coppicing is a sustainable way of managing trees such as hazel which provides a long term supply of timber whilst also benefitting biodiversity by allowing light levels penetrating the ground to vary over time allowing flowers to thrive which in term provides a valuable source of food for insects and then birds and bats.

Wildlife

A variety of tree habitats, open spaces, and rich ground flora, combined with the peaceful setting, attract an abundance of birdlife. Wrens can be seen hopping through the bramble thickets ahead of you as you wander the woodland, while treecreepers perform their distinctive routine of spiralling up tree trunks before gliding down to the next.

Numerous badger holes are scattered throughout the woodland, several of which appear to be active. This makes the area an excellent spot for quietly watching badgers at dawn or dusk.

Features

Along the southern boundary at the top of Fiddlecott Wood stands an old boundary stone inscribed with “Devon TA” (see photo). This part of the wider woodland was once used as a shooting range by the Territorial Army and is believed to date back to the 19th century.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access is from a country lane just east of the village of Chawleigh, through a gate that leads onto a shared access track. A stoned forestry track then continues all the way to the woodland entrance.

Rights and covenants

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

Fiddlecott Wood is a nature haven for anyone who enjoys birdwatching and observing other wildlife, including the resident badgers.

The woodland also includes access to around 70 metres of private riverbank along the Little River Dart, giving the owner the chance to enjoy the impressive flow of this picturesque river as well as the opportunity to fish.

Local area and history

The quaint village of Chawleigh is handily placed and has a community shop and a couple of pubs. Within a couple of miles is the small Saxon market town of Chulmleigh which used to be sited on the main road between Exeter and Barnstaple which made it successful as a wool trading town. This prosperity means that there are a number of fine old buildings of thatch and cob. There is also a church.

Chulmleigh was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Calmonlevge', deriving from the Old English family name Ceolmund and the common place name leah which has a number of meanings which include 'woodland' and a 'wood clearing'.

Nearby, Eggesford train station is part of the Tarka Line, one of the most picturesque routes in England that goes from Exeter to Barnstaple and is a short journey from the woodland.

The north coast of Devon is within a 50 minute drive of the woodland as is a fantastic place to explore via the south west coast path as well as enjoying the surfing beaches of Croyde, Westward Ho! and Saunton Sands to name a few.