Woodland for sale

Notch Wood is a good-sized wood for those new to woodland ownership and management. Situated within a larger woodland it is extremely diverse, with tall pines, conifer, a young oak plantation and an area of established broadleaves (see ‘Trees’ below). With an open meadow to the south and a wayleave to the west, the wood benefits from lots of sunlight, which provides a haven for butterflies and insects in the open grassy areas. A rustic bench rests in a secluded clearing, offering a tranquil spot to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the surrounding woodland. There is an old woodbank found within the wood (an ancient woodland indicator).

Notch Wood is situated approx. 3km south-west of Biddenden and 4km north-east of Benenden in the county of Kent. A private stoned track provides access to the wood. There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.

Trees

Notch Wood has 3 very distinct ‘compartments’ – the northwest being a young oak plantation (circa 2015). Scots pine and birch is naturally regenerating in this area with heather on the forest floor. The northeast area of the wood features Douglas fir. The area immediately below the internal private track is mature Scots pine with birch and bracken understorey. Furthest to the south (beyond the old ditch / wood bank) is oak, chestnut, birch. Also seen in the woodland - mountain ash, holly, cherry and hazel.

Notch Wood is designated as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS) by Natural England. It is noted in the draft management plan that there is a good potential for the gradual restoration of much of the woodland to predominantly broadleaved woodland. Ancient Woodland has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. The draft Woodland Management Plan for Bressenden Wood (of which Notch Wood is a part) is available upon request.

Wildlife

Roe deer are present throughout the wider woodland, with sightings of Muntjac and Fallow also recorded nearby. Birdlife is rich and varied, with species such as spotted flycatcher, lesser redpoll, yellowhammer, marsh tit, grasshopper warbler, tree pipit, hawfinch, cuckoo, and nightjar noted in the surrounding area and potentially within the woodland itself.

Features

- A tranquil and secluded woodland retreat.

- Ideal size for first-time woodland owners.

- A rich mix of conifers and broadleaves in varying stages of growth.

- A rustic bench set within a private clearing.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Notch Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Benenden Road), through double locked metal gates (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). There is a stoned track providing access to the wood. There is a place for a new owner to park 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

- Learning about woodland management.

- Building dens or hides for observing the wildlife.

- Private family camping in a yurt or a tree hammock.

- The young plantation would benefit from some maintenance, such as weeding around the planted oaks and removing some of the self-seeded conifers. These tasks are small and manageable by hand.

- Other ideas can be found here on our website.

Woodlands.co.uk are also pleased to offer £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 on our website.

Local area and history

Bressenden Woods, of which Notch Wood is part, is situated approx. 3km south-west of Biddenden and 4km north-east of Benenden in the county of Kent. The nearby village of Biddenden was in the 1300’s part of an important centre for Broadcloth manufacture, with much of the very attractive high street built during this period. Biddenden Vineyard is located nearby, which in addition to producing some fine wines, is also Kent’s largest cider producer.

Ordnance Survey first edition maps indicate that the woodland boundaries have changed very little since the mid nineteenth century. Old maps indicate that the coniferization of the woodland probably occurred in the early 20th century and the woodland has been commercially managed for several decades.