Woodland for sale

Coly Wood enjoys an enviable position within the picturesque landscape of the Coly Valley. Sitting at approximately 80–100 metres above sea level, the woodland benefits from far-reaching views across the stunning East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from its north-western corner.

A short drive to the south brings you to the spectacular , a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches and breath-taking coastal scenery.

Coly Wood forms part of a larger tract of mixed woodland historically known as Heathayne Hill and Freakhayne Coppice. According to the Government’s habitat database, the northern section of the woodland is classified as infilled ancient wood pasture, while the southern section is designated as ancient semi-natural woodland. Historically, wood pasture would have comprised well-spaced mature trees — predominantly oaks — interspersed with open areas and denser groves, traditionally grazed by cattle. Ancient semi-natural woodlands are those that have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD and today account for only around 1% of Britain’s remaining original forest cover.

The woodland is composed of a rich variety of mature native broadleaved trees, interspersed with sunny glades and natural water sources. This well-established and diverse habitat supports abundant wildlife, from birdsong filling the canopy to regular visits from deer, badgers and foxes. In spring, the woodland floor comes alive with vibrant displays of bluebells and wild daffodils, adding seasonal colour to this beautiful and ecologically significant setting.

Trees

At the heart of the woodland, more open areas allow ample light to filter through a canopy of mature oak, alder and birch. Beneath this, a well-developed understorey of hazel and holly adds structural diversity and valuable habitat. The south-western part of the woodland is characterised by larger oak trees interspersed with mature birch and holly. These trees are generally well spaced, creating open ground conditions that support a different suite of woodland plants and wildlife.

In contrast, the north-western part of Coly Wood contains an important area of wetter woodland habitat. Here, a natural spring rises from the ground and flows northwards through a mosaic of oak, hazel and birch, alongside willow trees draped with honeysuckle. This damp environment adds further ecological richness to the woodland, supporting species adapted to wet woodland conditions.

Wildlife

Ground conditions and varying light levels across the woodland create a diverse range of habitats that support a rich variety of wildflowers and plants. In spring, parts of Coly Wood are carpeted with bluebells, while sunnier open glades support a thriving colony of wild daffodils. In contrast, the more shaded areas provide ideal conditions for ferns and other shade-tolerant species.

Old, mature trees throughout the woodland are frequently used by numerous bird species, including great tits, blue tits, chaffinches and robins, adding constant movement and birdsong to the woodland atmosphere.

There also appears to be an active badger sett within the wood, with well-worn paths radiating from it. This quiet, undisturbed setting would provide excellent opportunities for badger watching during the long summer evenings.

Features

From the entrance, an old track leads gently down to an open glade where a double bench sits, surrounded in spring by a beautiful display of wild daffodils. Just to the north of this glade lies an area of spring-fed wet woodland, adding further ecological interest and habitat diversity.

In the far north-western corner, a larger spring rises from the ground, creating an area that could be ideally suited to the creation of a wildlife pond, subject to any necessary consents. This natural water source enhances the woodland’s biodiversity potential.

With the exception of the southern boundary, all boundaries are defined by historic, tree-lined hedge banks, contributing both to the woodland’s character and its sense of privacy and enclosure.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to the woodland is via a locked gate from a quiet country lane, with full vehicular rights of entry granted to the purchaser, ensuring both privacy and security.

A stone track leads up to the higher part of the woodland, where there is ample space for turning and parking. From this point, a footpath crossing the property provides convenient pedestrian access to the lower section of the woodland. The path also connects into a wider network of scenic countryside walks, enabling the owner to explore the surrounding landscape of East Devon directly from the Coly Wood.

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

Coly Wood offers a wide variety of opportunities for an owner to enjoy and engage with the woodland. Its quiet, secluded nature makes it an ideal setting for mindfulness and restorative activities, providing a peaceful escape from the pressures of the modern world. Practices such as forest bathing, meditation or outdoor yoga would sit naturally within this calm woodland environment.

For those interested in more active involvement, Coly Wood also presents excellent potential for sensitive woodland management. The site could form part of an ancient woodland restoration project, with opportunities for traditional hazel coppicing, as well as the recording and mapping of veteran and ancient trees. Such activities would not only enhance the ecological value of the woodland but also help to preserve its historic character for future generations.

Local area and history

Set in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Coly Wood is surrounded by rolling farmland, wooded hillsides, and charming villages. The landscape is quintessentially West Country — peaceful, green, and rich in wildlife.

Just a short drive away, the seaside town of Seaton looks out across Lyme Bay, framed by striking red and white cliffs. Its mile-long shingle beach and working harbour make it a great spot to explore.

The picturesque coastal village of Beer and the riverside village of Axmouth are also close by, each offering their own unique charm.

Human settlement here stretches back over 4,000 years, long before the Romans arrived. The area once hosted Iron Age forts, including sites at Seaton Down, Hawkesdown Hill, Blackbury Camp, and Berry Camp.

Just above the wood lies Ox Hill, said to commemorate a community ox roast held here in 1829 and the location is also believed to be the site of the medieval Chapel of St. Calixtus, as suggested by the 19th-century Tithe Map of Colyton.

Although Coly Wood is a peaceful haven it is also within a 15 minute walk of the quaint small town of Colyton. Coly is thought to be a Celtic name for a river and 'ton' or 'tun' meaning a place by a river. Colyton boasts a Norman church, a variety of small shops, pubs and cafes and is part of the Seaton Tramway.

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