SOLD: Emmerford Wood £95,000 Freehold
- Near Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Devon
- about 5 acres
- Devon
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Shimmering stream
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Bench overlooking the stream
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Ink cap fungi
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Useful clearing at the north
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Forest track along the eastern boundary
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Alder and hazel trees line the watercourse
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Access track along the southern boundary
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A picturesque stream within the boundary
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Mixed broadleaved woodland
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The stream meanders through the trees
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Deer path through the norway spruce trees
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A dor beetle on an expedition
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Towering beech tree that could be 'halo' thinned
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Moss covered timber
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Remnant sweet chestnut tree
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Access off the main forest track
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Well spaced norway spruce
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Good habitat for birds and bats
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Paradise
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Plentiful greenery
Description
Set within the district of Mid Devon, this rural idyll is surrounded by wooded valleys and rolling fields in a timeless landscape. Yet Emmerford Wood is still very accessible being only a short drive from the market town of Tiverton with good links to the M5 and north Devon via the A361.
Emmerford Wood forms part of a larger woodland that has been wooded continuously for at least 400 years with the woodland is listed as Ancient replanted woodland on the Government's MAGIC website which lists geographic information about the natural environment.
Ancient replanted woodland, or PAWS (Plantations on ancient woodland sites) are ancient woodland areas that have been felled and replanted - often as is the case here with non-native commercial conifer species. However they are recognised as important habitats due to the complex soil environment that still exists and remnant woodland species of plants.
Along the western edge is an glistening stream, which eventually finds its way into the river Exe. This stream is an excellent habitat and a good resource for the woodland owner. The stream is bounded north to south by a fringe of mature native broadleaved woodland.
The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.
Trees
The majority of the woodland consists of Norway spruce trees (Picea abies). This fast growing tree originates from Scandinavia and can grow up to 40 metres tall and live for up to 1000 years. Now a symbol of Christmas, the Norway spruce first used as a festive tree when the husband of Queen Victoria, Price Albert, introduced the old German tradition of decoration the tree with candles during this festive season.
Within the stand of Norway spruce there are remnant broadleaved trees which include sweet chestnut, beech and oak. These could be 'halo' thinned, a process of taking a few conifer trees out in a circle around these fabulous specimen trees to allow them space to grow their canopies.
At the western side of the woodland there are some mature broadleaved woodland with species such as hazel, birch, beech, willow and alder.
Wildlife
Having a stream flowing along the edges of Emmerford Wood is of great benefit to the many types of wildlife that frequent this peaceful location. Grey Wagtails can be seen feeding along the watercourse. Other bird species often seen within the woodland are Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Robins, Buzzards and Tawny Owls.
The stream attracts amphibians such as the Common frog (Rana Temporaria) and Common toad (Bufo Bufo) alongside dragonflies and damselflies.
A quiet and careful observer can watch deer using one of the many wallows found in the wood. Here Red Deer stags 'wallow' in mud and often in their own urine to attract the Hinds. There are also signs of the rut, where male deer battle to compete for the females.
Features
The stream is a charming feature and is a pleasant backdrop for quiet days spent exploring and enjoying the woodland with family and friends.
Along the northern boundary is an ancient wood bank which is lined with veteran trees including English oak trees (Quercus rober).
Access, tracks and footpaths
Emmerford Wood is accessed from a quiet country lane not far from the village of Stoodleigh. There is a good stoned forestry track leading straight to the entrance of the woodland.
A stoned forestry track leading into the centre of the woodland gives good access for taking out timber for firewood or to market for income.
Rights and covenants
Sporting rights are included with the freehold.
Activities
Emmerford Wood has a lot of potential for Ancient woodland restoration - the gradual process of opening up the tree canopy to allow natural regeneration of the dormant seed back along with 'enrichment' planting using locally sourced trees to start the process of re-establishment of a native broadleaved woodland. In the past there has been grant funding available to help with the restoration project by paying for site surveys.
A varied topography allows opportunities for exhilarating family activities such as installing a zip wire while the open nature of the ground floor along with the closely spaced conifer trees are great for wild camping in a camping hammock.
Local area and history
Emmerford Wood takes its name from a local farmstead near the river Exe - 'Emmer' meaning a type of grain and 'ford' near a river or stream meeting point.
Surrounding Emmerford Wood you will find woodland and meadows along with tranquil country lanes providing numerous routes for walks and cycling tours. The village of Stoodleigh with a popular pub is within walking distance.
Exmoor National Park is within easy reach and the stunning north Devon coast with its popular surfing beaches of Croyde or Woolacombe. Whilst Westward Ho! is within a 45 minute drive.
The nearby market town of Tiverton is a short drive and has many facilities including shops and a leisure centre with a swimming pool.
Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Stuart Brooking.
Wood maps
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Find this wood
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 181
- Grid ref: SS 934 185
- Nearest post code: EX16 9PQ
- GPS coordinates: 50.9561, -3.51904
Location map
Directions
- From the market town of Tiverton, travel north from the A361 onto the A396 towards Bampton.
- After approximately 3 miles take the left turn towards Stoodleigh over the Iron Bridge.
- Take the first left hand turn after crossing the bridge signposted to Washfield.
- Take care along this narrow lane.
- After around 1.5 miles you come to a sharp left hand bend with houses to your left and right. Look out for the entrance to Pond House on your right and a ‘woodlands for sale’ sign just before a wooden gate.
- Go through the wooden gate just after the ‘woodlands for sale’ sign, PLEASE CLOSE THE GATE BEHIND YOU. This is the shared access track to the woodland.
- Continue along the stone track, heading through another wooden gate and keep going until you reach another wooden gate at the far side of the field where you will see a 'woodlands for sale' sign.
- Go through this gate closing the gate behind you and them turn right.
- Head over the stream and then follow the main forestry track around to the left and north up through the trees.
- Keep on the main track, heading up the hill for around 200 metres when the track opens up and you will see another forestry track heading off to the left and on the right of this track you will see Emmerford Wood indicated by a 'Emmerford Wood' name sign.
- You can park just before this track and then walk down the track to get to the stream and a private forestry track that heads into the heart of the trees.
- Satnav/GPS note: the postcode EX16 9PQ is for the point shown by the red dot on the location maps number 2.
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.
This peaceful mature woodland is dominated by towering conifer with a fringe of broadleaved trees next to an attractive stream.
