Woodland for sale

Hurdle Wood lies to the south of the village of Beckley and is approximately 3km west of the village of Peasmarsh. The woodland sits within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). A stoned track leads from the gate to the ride stop entrance to Hurdle Wood. Here an owner is able to drive in and park a car.

The wood is an incredibly varied ancient woodland featuring sweet chestnut, birch, hornbeam, oak, hazel and holly, as well as mature conifer. Ancient woodland indicators including bluebells and hard ferns can be found on the forest floor, and there are old hornbeam pollards marking the east boundary. A rustic style bench has been installed amongst the conifer offering a spot to sit and observe the wildlife. Hurdle Wood has an open field to the northeast side and private woodlands surround the rest of the wood.

Trees

The north and southwest areas of Hurdle Wood comprises sweet chestnut, birch, hornbeam, hazel and oak. The chestnut coppice could be harvested and the oak standards retained. It is worth noting that Woodlands.co.uk offer £300 towards a course for a new owner. This would provide the opportunity to learn the skills required to resume coppicing in the future. In the coming years the chestnut and birch has enormous potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

Western hemlock, the occasional Scots pine, together with birch, hornbeam and oak are found in the southeast of the wood. There are several splendid mature oak standards throughout this area.

Hurdle 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 and historic features. There is an area which has recently been clear felled of Norway spruce following a Statutory Plant Health Notice from the Forestry Commission. The works were completed in early 2022. There are a couple of seasonal Forest Research traps located in this area which are understood to be in place until the end of 2024. The clear-felled area will naturally regenerate over time; however a new owner may decide to plant their choice of new trees.

Wildlife

Marsh tit and nightjar have been recorded within 1km of the wood. There is plenty of opportunity to enhance the habitat for wildlife here, from the simple provision of bird and bat boxes to the management of the tree cover and ground flora.

Features

- An ancient mixed woodland within the High Weald AONB.

- A plentiful supply of firewood.

- A rustic bench hidden amongst the conifer and mature oak.

- A recently clear-felled area offering the opportunity to plant new trees.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to Hurdle Wood is via a single metal gate off Horseshoe Lane. A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to the wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car.

A public footpath abuts the south boundary of Hurdle Wood. There is a public footpath running north-south through the wood.

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

From coppicing the sweet chestnut to produce firewood, to learning how to make charcoal, to producing hurdles from the hazel, there are lots of skills that could be learned and practiced. Alternatively, a new owner could simply immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquillity of this ancient woodland.

Local area and history

Beckley village was part of the Wealden iron industry back in the 16th century. An iron furnace was built at Beckley Furnace, which is south of the woods – this ceased production in the 18th century. The surrounding area is heavily wooded - including Beckley Woods and Flatropers Wood. Bodiam Castle is approx. 7 miles west of the wood – this wonderful 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. The village of Northiam is about 3 miles away - and in the summer steam trains run from the station here. Rye is approx. 7 miles away down on the coast – this wonderful medieval town has lots to explore amongst the cobbled streets.