Woodland for sale

Rich with oak, alder, birch, sweet chestnut, lime, hazel, and ash, Dowel Wood is a wonderfully varied and vibrant woodland (see ‘Trees’ below). The gently sloping landscape leads down to a seasonal stream, inviting exploration at every turn. Sunlit glades open out among the trees, where a rustic bench offers the perfect place to pause, perhaps even to catch sight of a passing deer (see photos). With its small pond, magnificent oaks, and stands of mature alder, the wood is full of character and natural charm.

Dowel Wood is situated in a tranquil rural setting within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just north of Bewl Water near Lamberhurst in Kent. A stoned track provides access to the wood. There is an additional unsurfaced track providing access to the east side of the wood. (see ‘Wood Maps’). There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.

Trees

An ancient broadleaved wood – with oak, alder, silver birch, sweet chestnut, lime, hazel, and ash. This diverse woodland slopes gently down to the stream from both sides. Trees of a greater age class (circa 1900) follow the water course, predominantly oak and alder. There are some delightful private open areas between the alder coppice and the small spring fed pond.

Dowel Wood has been designated as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) by Natural England. This is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. There is a draft Woodland Management Plan for Wiskett’s Wood (of which Dowel Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request.

Wildlife

Brown Long-eared bats have been recorded in Wiskett’s Wood, as well as reports of turtle dove, lapwing and skylark. Fallow and Roe deer can be found in the wider woodland.

For ideas on how to manage your woodland for wildlife why not have a look here:

Features

- Small spring fed pond

- Seasonal spring fed stream

- Varied and interesting topography

- Diverse species and age of trees

- Private and quiet situated in the heard of a larger woodland

Access, tracks and footpaths

Dowel Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Bewlbridge Lane), through a locked metal gate (an owner will be provided the combination number for this locked gate). A stoned track provides access to the wood. There is an additional unsurfaced track providing access to the east side of the wood. (see ‘Wood Maps’). There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.

There are no public footpaths within the wood itself.

Rights and covenants

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

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

Whether it is private family camping, building wildlife hides for photography, or creating meandering woodland paths, there are endless ways to enjoy this beautiful natural space. Or, simply sit quietly beneath the trees and let the sights and sounds of the forest surround you - an easy, restorative way to feel deeply connected to nature.

Woodlands.co.uk are also pleased to offer up to £300 for new owners to attend a woodland related course of their choosing to pursue their woodland interests.

We offer support for new woodland owners, including books, subscriptions, introductions to neighbours, advice on local suppliers and money towards relevant training. You can read more about this here:

Local area and history

There are many historical sites in the area. The English Heritage site of Bayham Abbey is approx. 4.5 miles away and features ruins dating back to the 13th century. Scotney Castle is just over 1 mile away – this impressive 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. For those who love water, Bewl Water is less than half a mile down the road from the woods and offers various water sports including sailing, as well as cycling and fishing.

Historically, Wiskett’s Wood was likely to have been coppiced on rotation to supply wood for charcoal making (to support the Wealden Iron Industry), and later, to provide surrounding farms with hop poles, firewood and fencing materials.