Rebel Wood comprises a varied mix of tree species, reflecting its heritage as ancient wood pasture. The woodland is characterised by well-spaced, gnarled veteran oak trees, interspersed with beech and birch, creating a distinctive landscape with a strong sense of age and natural character.

The lower, northern section of Rebel Wood supports wet woodland habitat, characterised by a mixture of willow, birch and hazel. This damp environment provides a valuable contrast to the drier areas of the woodland, contributing to the diversity of habitats and supporting a range of wildlife.

The peaceful setting of Rebel Wood provides a haven for wildlife, allowing nature to flourish within its rich mosaic of habitats. High among the woodland canopy, buzzards can often be seen soaring overhead, while owls roost among the trees. A variety of woodland birds also frequent the area, including woodpeckers and familiar garden and woodland species such as coal tits, robins, long-tailed tits and great tits, to name just a few. Their calls and birdsong bring the woodland to life throughout the seasons.

There are signs of a resident badger family living in and around the woodland, offering the possibility of glimpsing these elusive nocturnal mammals at dawn or dusk, when they are most active. With patience and quiet observation, the woodland’s natural rhythms can be enjoyed without disturbing its inhabitants.

Roe deer also frequent Rebel Wood, adding to its sense of tranquillity and wild beauty. If you are fortunate, you may catch sight of them moving gracefully between the trees, their distinctive buff-coloured rumps flashing briefly into view as they bound through the undergrowth.

During spring, areas of Rebel Wood are adorned with bluebells, bringing seasonal colour to the woodland floor. On the lower wetter area of the woodland the habitat supports a rich variety of plant species adapted to its damp conditions, adding to the ecological diversity and natural character of the site.

Along the northern and southern boundaries, historic hedge banks provide a tangible link to the woodland’s past. These features are recorded on the Ordnance Survey maps dating from the 1890s, offering a glimpse into the historic landscape and its traditional boundaries.

A spring-fed stream flows within the northern boundary bank, while several other natural springs emerge throughout the wet area of woodland. These water sources contribute to the woodland’s distinctive character and support its moisture-loving habitats. They may also present opportunities for the creation of small ponds, potentially enhancing biodiversity and providing additional habitats for amphibians, invertebrates and other wildlife.

Access to Rebel Wood is via a locked gate from a quiet country lane, with full vehicular rights of access granted to the purchaser, offering a convenient and secure point of entry while helping to preserve the woodland’s peaceful setting.

A stone track leads up to the woodland, where there is a designated space for turning and parking. From here, the owner can enjoy direct access to a network of scenic countryside walks, providing an opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape of East Devon on foot, with Rebel Wood serving as a tranquil starting point for further adventures in the countryside.

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.

Rebel Wood is ideally suited to those seeking either a tranquil countryside retreat or the opportunity to become actively involved in woodland management. Whether the aim is to enjoy the peace and seclusion of nature or to nurture and enhance the woodland’s ecological value, Rebel Wood offers a variety of possibilities.

At the heart of the woodland, a natural clearing with a bench provides a welcoming spot to sit back and enjoy the surroundings. This versatile space could also lend itself to occasional family camping, traditional green woodworking or bushcraft activities, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and develop practical outdoor skills.

With its combination of peaceful clearings, established trees and varied habitats, Rebel Wood offers the opportunity to create a personal woodland retreat while helping to conserve and enhance this special natural environment for the future.

Enjoy Forest bathing, a form of relaxation that encourages you to find calm within the woodland environment, observe nature and breathe deeply.

Set in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Rebel Wood is surrounded by rolling farmland, wooded hillsides and charming villages. The landscape is quintessentially West Country: peaceful, verdant and rich in wildlife, offering a wonderful balance of rural tranquillity and access to the surrounding countryside.

Despite its secluded setting, Rebel Wood is within approximately a 15-minute walk of the historic market town of Colyton. Often described as one of Devon’s most picturesque small towns, Colyton boasts a beautiful Norman church, a selection of independent shops, traditional pubs and cafés. The town is also connected to the popular Seaton Tramway , a narrow-gauge heritage tramway that winds through the Axe Valley towards the coast.

Rebel Wood takes its name from Colyton’s association with the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685, when local support for the uprising against King James II earned the town a reputation for rebellion. The revolt was led by James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of Charles II, who sought to overthrow James II and claim the throne. The rebellion attracted considerable support from Protestant dissenters before ultimately ending in defeat.

Just a short drive away, the seaside town of Seaton looks out across Lyme Bay, with striking red and white cliffs forming part of its dramatic coastal setting. Its mile-long shingle beach and picturesque harbour area make it an inviting destination for a leisurely stroll, a spot of beachcombing or simply enjoying the sea air.

The charming coastal village of Beer, with its sheltered beach and traditional fishing heritage, is also nearby, as is the riverside village of Axmouth, nestled beside the River Axe. Each offers its own distinctive character and provides further opportunities to explore the beautiful East Devon coastline and countryside.

The area’s rich history stretches back more than 4,000 years, long before the arrival of the Romans. The surrounding landscape bears witness to its ancient past, with Iron Age hillforts and defended settlements found at locations including Seaton Down, Hawkesdown Hill, Blackbury Camp and Berry Camp. These historic sites add another layer of interest to a landscape celebrated for its natural beauty, rural traditions and enduring connection with the past.

With its peaceful woodland setting, proximity to Colyton and easy access to the Jurassic Coast, Rebel Wood offers an appealing combination of seclusion, local heritage and opportunities to explore the best of East Devon.