Woodland for sale

Rondel Wood is within the Kent Weald located between the North Downs and Romney Marsh. It is part of a larger wood known as Post Wood which itself forms part of an extensive block of predominantly ancient semi-natural woodland. To the north of Post Wood lies Stone Wood, a small Kent Wildlife Reserve.

Rondel Wood features oak, birch and hornbeam. Ancient woodland indicators including bluebells, wood anemone and primrose adorn the forest floor in early spring. A rustic style bench has been installed in a private clearing, a perfect spot for private family camping. There are no public footpaths within the wood. There are 2 small ponds in Rondel Wood – see ‘Activities’ below for more information.

There may be adjacent woodland available here. If this is of interest, please contact the area managers for this region on our website.

Trees

Rondel Wood comprises a mixture of hornbeam coppice, birch and oak with hawthorn, willow and aspen in wetter parts. Wide spaced older oaks are found along the northern edge adjacent to byway, there is also small amount of conifer regeneration here (Douglas fir and grand fir). From the ride stop entrance down the private track into the wood there is a pocket of older oaks with a sparse understorey of hornbeam. A new owner may decide to halo thin around the oaks to allow them to flourish.

Rondel 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 an approved Management Plan and Felling Licence for Post Wood (of which Rondel Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request. The Management Plan is not mandatory, but it is full of good advice, and a lot of background information which will certainly be interesting and useful. There is a Tree Preservation Order on Post Wood (details of this TPO are available upon request), though this does not prevent normal forest management when covered by a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan.

Wildlife

• The Woodland Wildlife Toolkit indicates that bird species including garden warbler, spotted flycatcher, willow warbler, lesser redpoll, lesser spotted woodpecker and woodcock might be present within the woodland.

• Nightingale are known to frequent adjacent woodland and may also be present in the woods.

• Bats are likely to be found and these could be encouraged with the installation of bat-boxes.

• Opening up small areas of the wood would provide a suitable habitat for butterflies such as Grizzled Skipper and White Admiral.

Features

• An ancient semi-natural mixed broadleaf woodland.

• A small clearing and a rustic bench.

• Bluebells and wood anemone in the spring.

• Privately owned woods on all sides.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to Rondel Wood is via a byway open to all traffic (BOAT) which leads to the single metal gate (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). A stoned track leads from the gate to the ride stop entrance to Rondel Wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car within the wood itself. The byway is stoned for most of its length and suitable for vehicular access, although it is rather pot-holed in places.

There are no public footpaths within the woodland 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

Rondel Wood is a manageable size enabling a new owner to learn about woodland management. Camp privately overnight and enjoy the opportunity to immerse in nature and build a campfire.

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.

Local area and history

Rondel Wood is situated approx. 7 miles southwest of Ashford and about 1 mile from the village of Shadoxhurst. The village dates back centuries, with the earliest written record from 1239 when the parish name was spelled 'Schettokesherst'. There are many interesting places to visit within the area; from vineyards to safari parks, historical houses to pubs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Approx. 8 miles to the west is Biddenden Vineyard – which features a shop and offers tours and tastings at certain times of the year. Port Lympne is approx. 10 miles away - a fantastic safari park which is well worth a visit. South of nearby Tenterden is Smallhythe Place, a 16th-century house and cottage gardens which includes a museum and occasional theatrical productions. Back in Shadoxhurst there is traditional country pub called The Kings Head.

Rondel Wood has recently been named after a type of stained glass (Round spun disk of stained glass with a punty mark in the center) in homage to the 13th century church located in nearby Shadoxhurst.