The woodland canopy is shaped by mature trees, with oak dominating in places, interspersed with birch and ash. Beneath, an understory of holly is complemented by hazel and rowan, adding depth and variety to the habitat. A current thinning licence allows for selective removal of holly to let more sunlight reach the forest floor, encouraging a greater diversity of woodland plants and the natural regeneration of other native species.

Songbirds bring the woodland to life, with willow and marsh tits, chaffinches, robins, and wrens among the regular visitors. The upper canopy provides shelter for owls, while buzzards soar overhead. At the northern edge, a cluster of old badger setts hints at the site’s long natural history, with fresh signs of badger activity nearby. Deer are often seen moving quietly through the trees, and the occasional fox adds to the rich tapestry of wildlife that calls Ox Hill Wood home.

Ancient character features enhance the charm of Ox Hill Wood, with old hedge and wood banks marking the northern and southern boundaries and defining the western edge. Shown on maps dating back to the 1890s – and likely older still – these historic boundaries tell a story of centuries of land use. Natural springs rise within the woodland, combining along the western edge to form a clear, flowing spring, adding both beauty and ecological value to the site.

Access is via a locked gate from a quiet country lane, with full rights of entry for the purchaser.

A stone track leads up to the higher part of the woodland, where there is ample space for turning and parking. From here, a footpath crossing the property provides convenient access on foot to the lower section of the woodland. This path also links into the surrounding network of scenic walks, allowing the owner to explore the beauty of the East Devon countryside directly from the property.

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.

Ox Hill Wood is a true wildlife haven, offering a peaceful retreat to enjoy alone or with family and friends. Occasional overnight stays beside a campfire provide an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the woodland’s atmosphere, experiencing its sights and sounds from first light to nightfall.

For the more active woodland owner, the site offers exciting conservation opportunities. An ancient wood pasture restoration project could be undertaken here, enhancing biodiversity and improving the health of this important habitat for generations to come.

Set in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ox Hill Wood is surrounded by rolling farmland, wooded hillsides, and charming villages. The landscape is quintessentially West Country — peaceful, green, and rich in wildlife.

Just a short drive away, the seaside town of Seaton looks out across Lyme Bay, framed by striking red and white cliffs. Its mile-long shingle beach and working harbour make it a great spot to explore.
The picturesque coastal village of Beer and the riverside village of Axmouth are also close by, each offering their own unique charm.

Human settlement here stretches back over 4,000 years, long before the Romans arrived. The area once hosted Iron Age forts, including sites at Seaton Down, Hawkesdown Hill, Blackbury Camp, and Berry Camp.

Just above the wood lies Ox Hill, believed to be the site of the medieval Chapel of St. Calixtus, as suggested by the 19th-century Tithe Map of Colyton. The name "Ox Hill" is more recent — said to commemorate a community ox roast held here in 1829.