The land is planted with productive walnut trees of international importance, forming a rare and valuable orchard environment. These mature, crop-bearing trees yield a substantial annual harvest of high-quality nuts.

To call walnuts nutritious is something of an understatement. Rich in healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, they are a powerhouse of natural goodness. Walnuts boast the highest antioxidant activity of any common nut—thanks to compounds such as vitamin E, melatonin, and polyphenols, particularly concentrated in the nut’s papery skin.

Recent studies continue to highlight their health benefits. A 2022 trial involving healthy adults over 60 found that a walnut-rich diet significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular health and healthy ageing.

The orchard also plays an important ecological role. It lies within a protected woodland area covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), safeguarding Lake View Wood and its surroundings from inappropriate forestry practices. While routine woodland management is permitted, any substantial interventions must be approved by the local authority—ensuring the long-term integrity and continuity of this unique orchard landscape.

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Lake View Wood forms part of a broader woodland landscape historically known as Orchard Farm—a valuable wildlife habitat that supports a rich tapestry of local biodiversity.

From the smallest woodland mammals to larger browsing deer, the area sustains a thriving ecosystem. Voles, squirrels, and other rodents forage beneath the walnut canopy, while muntjac deer can often be seen moving quietly through the trees. The woodland also provides essential shelter and nesting grounds for a variety of bird species, and the nearby lake attracts ducks and other waterfowl throughout the year.

In an era when natural habitats are increasingly threatened by intensive agriculture and commercial development, the ecological importance of this woodland is difficult to overstate. It represents a rare and resilient environment—protected, productive, and deeply connected to the land’s history.

Nestled on a gentle hillside, this compact orchard features mature, well-spaced trees that thrive in the open air and dappled light. From its elevated position, it offers serene views of a series of small lakes shimmering on the neighbouring land.

Access is via a well-maintained stone track, offering reliable, year-round vehicle access directly from the highway. A public footpath follows the northern and eastern boundaries, but the orchard itself is securely fenced to ensure privacy.

As is the case for all our meadows, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the meadow.

The orchard offers endless possibilities—from peaceful camping and forest bathing to small-scale family forestry. It’s an ideal setting for managing a mixed habitat and embracing traditional bushcraft skills—a rewarding escape from the pace of modern life. Activities such as wildlife watching, camping, and building woodland hides can all be enjoyed in this tranquil, natural environment.

The property is situated near the village of Boxted, on the edge of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Boxted enjoys convenient road connections to both the A12 and A120, while the nearby town of Colchester offers a mainline railway station with direct services to London and Norwich.

Dedham Vale has been designated an AONB since 1970. Straddling the Suffolk–Essex border in south-eastern England, it covers approximately 90 km² along both sides of the River Stour. This open, gently rolling, and agriculturally influenced landscape is home to the charming village of Dedham, and is famously associated with the artist John Constable, who grew up in nearby East Bergholt. The area inspired many of his works, including the celebrated painting The Vale of Dedham (1828).