Woodland for sale

Cape Wood is packed with character – the north and south being very different and divided by a watercourse. Bracken adorns the woodland floor to the south whilst ferns are found along the watercourse, and to the north mosses and lichens, wild primrose, Dog’s mercury and Lords and Ladies are all found flourishing. Oak, wild cherry, birch, ash, hazel, holly, hawthorn and a handful of small conifers are found in Cape Wood (see ‘Trees’ section for more information). A private walk track has recently been created enabling exploration of this diverse and rich woodland. A rustic bench is situated in a sunny private clearing a short walk from the ride stop entrance.

Cape Wood is located off the Horsham Road (A281) between Alfold Crossways and Bucks Green. It is on the Surrey / West Sussex border approx. 5 miles from Cranleigh and 10 miles from Horsham. Private and secure, Cape Wood is easily accessed all year round via stoned tracks. There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.

Trees

Cape Wood is a diverse woodland with 2 very distinct areas – the south side of the wood is predominantly oak, birch and wild cherry. The watercourse that runs across the wood east-west features mixed species – hazel, holly, hawthorn and a handful of conifers. The north side of the wood includes some mature oak and ash which is showing some signs of dieback; however, it is an extremely good firewood when seasoned. In the coming years this woodland has potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

The southern area of Cape Wood has been designated as a Plantation on Woodland Site (PAWS) by Natural England, with the eastern edge being designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodlands (ASNW). Patches of Dogs Mercury can be found in the wood, as well as Lords and Ladies and wild primrose, all of which are ancient woodland indicators. Ancient woodlands are woods that have been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. They are valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity.

Wildlife

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. For ideas on how to manage your woodland for wildlife why not have a look on our website.

Features

- A mixed woodland with a small stream.

- Easily accessed from the Horsham Road, with stoned tracks leading to the wood itself.

- Plenty of ash which would provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

- Privately owned woodlands to the south and west and paddocks / fields to the north and east.

- The Sussex Border Path and various other public footpaths are found in the local area allowing plenty of varied woodland and countryside walks.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Cape Wood is easily accessed off the Horsham Road (A281) via a double set of locked metal gates, down a stoned byway, and through a second locked metal gate (an owner will be provided the combination number / keys for these locked gates). A stoned track provides access to the wood itself. There is a place for a new owner to park within Cape Wood. A stoned track runs along the south boundary and an unsurfaced track along the west side of the wood, allowing easy access for woodland management (see ‘Wood Maps’).

There are no public footpaths within the wood itself. There is a public footpath outside the northern boundary of the wood (this is fenced off).

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

Overnight visits with family and friends work beautifully here. Clearings beneath the tree canopy create perfect spots for stargazing and soaking up the magic of the woodland after dark. Time spent outdoors has long been linked to improved wellbeing, and Cape Wood offers a wonderful natural setting for immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere.

Woodlands.co.uk are 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 on our website.

Local area and history

Why not explore the Wey & Arun Canal Trust for boat trips, visit local breweries like Firebird Brewing Company, and enjoy nature walks or cycling along the Sussex Border Path. Other options include stopping for a pint and lunch at local spots like The Sir Roger Tichborne on the Guildford Road south of Alfold, or The Fox Inn in Bucks Green.