Aller Wood £69,000 Freehold
- Dolton, Winkleigh, Devon
- about 3 ¾ acres
- Devon
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Part of the stream is within the boundary
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Streamed lined boundary along the north
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Access track
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Entrance to the woodland
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Old hazel 'coppice' stools
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Useful internal track
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Good paths within the woodland
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Bench overlooking the stream
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Historic old hedge banks
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Open glade
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Clearing which is ideal for camping
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Sun dappled trees
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An old small quarry
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Woodland dwelling beetle
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Ancient semi-natural woodland
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Central area of the woodland
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Views to the south
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Main entrance from a quiet country lane
Description
Aller Wood is an established broadleaved woodland situated along a quiet country lane in the heart of Devon. According to the Government’s MAGIC habitat database, Aller Wood is classified as Ancient Woodland. This designation means that the land has been continuously wooded since at least AD 1600. Such long-established woodland soils create ideal conditions for a rich ground flora, including ferns, while the woodland itself comprises a good mix of native broadleaved species. Ancient woodland is thought to make up less than 3% of England’s woodland and is considered a precious habitat.
There is good access to the woodland via a track, with parking available on a stone-surfaced area. Aller Wood also benefits from the use of a small communal area beside a beautiful watercourse.
The name ‘Aller’ is derived from the Old English word ‘alor’, meaning alder tree.
A gem of a woodland, Aller Wood offers an escape from the busy pace of modern life and a rare opportunity to own part of our ancient natural heritage. The woodland is well suited to amenity, recreation, conservation and small-scale woodland management.
Trees
The canopy comprises a variety of native tree species, including birch, rowan, oak, ash, alder and beech. Understorey trees include hazel and holly.
Wildlife
Along the north-eastern boundary of the woodland is a stream that meanders alongside and occasionally through Aller Wood. There is an area beside the stream, near the main gate, for the enjoyment of the owner of Aller Wood. The stream flows into the River Torridge and provides a route used by local otter populations.
The mix of tree species provides habitat for a variety of woodland-dwelling birds, as well as mammals such as badgers, deer and foxes.
Nearby is the Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Halsdon.
Features
Numerous old features can be found within Aller Wood. An old, tree-lined bank forms most of the boundaries, while at the southern end of the woodland there is a small, old quarry, along with some paths that may have been associated with it.
At the southern end of the woodland, there is also a collection of old bottles that may be of interest to collectors. Care should be taken around any broken bottles.
Access, tracks and footpaths
The owner will have full rights of way from the main entrance gate, where a forestry track leads to the entrance of Aller Wood and then continues along the eastern edge of the woodland. There are no public footpaths within the woodland.
Rights and covenants
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
Aller Wood is well suited to woodland enjoyment and as a base for occasional overnight stays, providing an opportunity to explore this stunning part of Devon.
Forest bathing is a form of relaxation that involves spending time in a woodland environment, quietly observing nature while breathing deeply. Aller Wood provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy this restorative experience.
There is also scope for active woodland management, such as thinning and coppicing.
Local area and history
Aller Wood is surrounded by an abundance of picturesque and historic places of interest. Within walking distance is the historic village of Dolton, where you will find two pubs, a village shop, a butcher’s deli and the impressive Church of St Edmund
The woodland is situated just outside Dolton, a small village and civil parish in the Torridge district of Devon, located just north of Winkleigh. Transport links are excellent, with the woodland lying approximately two miles west of the A3124, which connects with the A30 dual carriageway, providing access to Exeter to the east and Cornwall to the west.
James Ravilious, who lived in Dolton, is renowned for his iconic black-and-white photographs of rural Devon. He worked on the Beaford Archive, which began as a record of a threatened rural way of life and evolved into a 17-year project comprising more than 80,000 photographs.
The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts lived nearby until his death in 2021.
Wood maps
Wood map
Boundaries
All boundaries are indicated with orange markings on posts and trees.
The northern boundary is a line of fence posts.
The eastern boundary is along an old wood bank.
The southern boundary is an old wood bank.
The western boundary is an old wood bank along an open field.
Find this wood
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 180
- Grid ref: SS 563 116
- Nearest post code: EX19 8RG
- GPS coordinates: 50.8866, -4.04383
Location map
Directions
From Beaford (heading south) or Winkleigh (heading north), follow the A3124 to the junction at Dolton Beacon and turn towards Dolton onto the B3217 (Rectory Road).
Follow this road into the village of Dolton and continue along Rectory Road, passing B G Electricals on your left. At the first fork, by the village green, look for the sign for Fore Street and bear right.
Continue along Fore Street until you reach the Royal Oak pub. Follow the road around to the right, past the pub and out of the village onto West Lane.
Follow West Lane downhill for approximately one mile until you reach the bottom of the hill. You will see a Woodlands for Sale sign on your left, followed immediately by a gate. This is the access gate to the woodland.
Park outside the gate and carefully climb over it.
Follow the track in front of you, which heads east alongside the stream. After approximately 100 metres, you will find the entrance to Aller Wood in front of you, indicated by an ‘Aller Wood’ name sign next to a bench by the stream.
You can continue to walk along this track all the way through the woodland.
What3Words – main entrance gate: refreshed.composts.wolves
What3Words – entrance to Aller Wood: shipwreck.airstrip.plants
Sat Nav / GPS note: The postcode EX19 8RG is for the point shown on the location map by the red dot.
How we support our buyers
Membership of the small woodland owners’ group
£300 for a woodland course of your choice
One year's free membership of the royal forestry society
Please note this wood is owned by woodlands.co.uk.
Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on their mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.
Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.
These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.
A unique opportunity to own an ancient semi-natural woodland in a tranquil location in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, benefiting from a stream that runs alongside and partly within the boundary.
