Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Holewater Wood £149,000 Freehold

  • Brayford, Near Barnstaple, Devon
  • about 8 acres
  • Devon

Description

Just to the north of Brayford village the landscape becomes both beautiful and dramatic, with a mosaic of farmland, open moorland, shimmering streams and wooded valleys. This is the setting of Holewater Wood.

Accessed via a quiet country lane, the woodland consists of both commercial conifer forest, cleared woodland with regenerating trees and high amenity broadleaved area of trees by a stream.

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

There are 2 entrance gates that provide access to the lower and upper parts of Holewater Wood.

Within the lower, stream lined area are well spaced mixed broadleaved trees, forming an excellent location for amenity and wildlife enjoyment. This part of the wood is especially beautiful in spring and summer. Here are some important wet woodland habitat with catkin-laden alder trees (Alnus glutinosa) and willows. Wet woodland habitats are some of the rarest woodland habitats in Britain.

Upon the upper, western reaches of this tranquil woodland are commercially planted trees, mostly Douglas fir, alongside a recently cleared area where native trees such as hazel are naturally regenerating. Further tree species could be planted here to enrich the landscape - with helpful free advice from the local Forestry Commission officers.

Wildlife

Crystal clear water flowing along the east of the woodland provides an excellent habitat for small fish, caddis flies, damselflies and dragonflies. Perfect habitat for otters to wander along, there may also be sightings of kingfishers, dippers and resident grey wagtails.

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are our largest species of deer and their presence in the locality and within Holewater Wood can be seen by deer 'wallows' in the lower reaches of the woodland.

Features

Set within trees upon the lower part of this picturesque woodland is a small old stone building with 2 doorways that was historically used as a cattle shelter. There could be scope to repair the shelter for use as a forestry store or green wood workshop subject to permissions.

The stream can be enjoyed for family fun and perhaps for a brief lying down dip in the slightly deeper areas. There is a bench and table so you can enjoy a relaxing picnic with the calming sounds of running water.

In the upper area of the woodland there are some wooden steps leading up to the highest point of Holewater Wood in the south east corner. Here you will discover a bench that has amazing views of Exmoor National Park.

Access, tracks and footpaths

From the highway the main woodland gate is accessed along a metalled no through road. There are 2 private entrances to the woodland. The top gate has a good stoned forestry track which is suited to most vehicles. A car parking and turning area is conveniently located along this track.

The lower gate has a stoned area inside and there is a cleared path into the woodland here, some of which is wet in the winter months so wellington boots are advised for exploring here.

There are no public footpaths within Holewater Wood.

Rights and covenants

Sporting rights are included in the sale and there is a right to fish the stream.

Activities

If you are searching for a remote and peaceful hideaway then Holewater Wood could be the perfect place. Quite camping, family days out or small scale forestry are all ideally suited for this diverse woodland.

The stream and open nature of the eastern section of the woodland is a haven of calm suited for wildlife enjoyment and forest 'bathing'.

Local area and history

Holewater Wood is nestled upon the edge of Exmoor National Park with many quaint villages such as Parracombe and Simonsbath. This vast moorland is ideal for walking or cycling.

Rich in history, the local area was a major iron producing area 2000 years ago, perhaps supplying the Roman Empire with this valuable material. 17th Century Brayford was a key part of the main highway across Exmoor.

In 1869 R D Blackmore wrote part of his classic novel Lorna Doone in nearby Charles village and could well have been inspired by the landscape in and around Holewater Wood. Within the church in Charles is a memorial window that was installed that celebrates the centenary of R D Blackmore in 1925. By 1919 the large estate known as Little Bray Estate, which included most of the village and surrounding land, was sold in various lots, one of which is known as Holewater.

The north Devon coast is within easy reach with popular places such as Lynton, Ilfracombe and the surfing beach of Woolacombe all within a 30 minute drive.

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. 180
  • Grid ref: SS 703 371
  • Nearest post code: EX32 7QW
  • GPS coordinates: 51.1193, -3.85393

Location map

Directions

- From the M5, leave at Junction 27 onto the A361 towards Tiverton.

- Stay on the A361 for around 30 miles until you reach the North Aller roundabout where you take the 3rd exit onto the A399 towards Ilfracombe, Bratton Fleming and Brayford.

- After about 5 miles carefully take the right hand turn into the village of Brayford.

- Drive down the hill and over the bridge that straddles the River Bray.

- Take the next left hand turn at Lydcott Cross.

- Follow this road up the hill, around to the left and on past Cross Gate Cross, signposted towards Challacombe.

- After half a mile turn right onto a no-through road - this is known as Muxworthy Lane.

- Follow the narrow tarmac road down to the bottom of the hill (passing a metal gate half way down on you right, which is the entrance gate to the top part of the Holewater Wood).

- At the bottom of the hill you will see the main entrance gate to Holewater Wood indicated with a name sign on the gate.

- You can park just after this on the right in the large layby.

- Satnav/GPS note: the postcode EX32 7QW is for the point shown by the red dot on the location plan

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.

Set within the outstanding scenery of Exmoor National Park, Holewater Wood boasts a variety of woodland habitats, an old stone cattle shelter and a delightful stream along the eastern boundary.

Managed by Stuart Brooking

Telephone: 07801 789215

Email: [email protected]