The area is predominantly composed of walnut trees, thoughtfully planted as a nut-producing woodland. Walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Remarkably, walnuts are the only tree nuts with significant levels of this essential nutrient, which plays a key role in supporting heart health and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

What a privilege it is to have such a wholesome and sustainable food source right at your fingertips—nourishing both body and soul from the very landscape itself.

Such is the importance of this woodland environment it is protected by a Tree Preservation Order that protects Staggard Wood and the surrounding woodland from inappropriate forestry practice. This does not preclude the process of normal woodland management but simply requires that all proposals are approved in advance by the local authority. The ultimate aim is to preserve the continuity of the woodland. Both the Forestry Commission and the Local Authority are happy to give support and guidance on woodland management

Walnut Orchard enjoys the rare privilege of being part of a vast and varied landscape of orchards and woodland, encircled by open green fields. This diverse patchwork of habitats—where mature trees blend seamlessly into open farmland—offers a perfect refuge for wildlife. The area teems with life: deer are frequent and graceful visitors, while foxes and hares slip quietly through the undergrowth. It’s truly remarkable how much wildlife seeks sanctuary in this woodland, flourishing in its tranquil and protected setting.

This is a mature hillside orchard, where well-spaced trees create a sense of openness and allow for easy movement across the land. The gentle slope of the hillside leads the eye—and the land itself—down toward a tranquil lake just beyond the boundary, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding countryside. Whether wandering among the trees or pausing to take in the landscape, the setting offers a deep sense of peace and natural beauty.

The orchard is easily accessed year-round via an excellent stone track, which leads directly from the highway to the property. Along the northern boundary, a public footpath runs parallel to the land, thoughtfully fenced off to ensure privacy and prevent trespass into the orchard itself. This careful balance of accessibility and seclusion enhances both convenience and security.

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, whether you envision it as a wildflower meadow with space for occasional camping, a peaceful retreat, or even grazing land for animals. Its natural openness and structure make it wonderfully versatile and adaptive, with the option to add fencing for additional security. The setting is also ideal for beekeeping, providing a rich and undisturbed environment for pollinators. Known as Staggard Wood, the orchard carries a vision—encouraging future owners to plant more nut trees, further enhancing the area’s biodiversity and deepening its role as a thriving natural sanctuary.

The Orchard forms part of a larger area of privately owned land, all safeguarded by protective covenants. Much of this land has been thoughtfully planted with valuable walnut trees and was historically known as Orchard Farm.

Orchard Farm, located on Wet Lane in Boxted, Colchester—right on the Suffolk/Essex border—has been under Countryside Stewardship since 1995. This stewardship has preserved a rich mix of natural features, including a walnut orchard, a cobnut plat, sweet chestnut coppice, and damson terraces nestled within a picturesque valley. The walnut trees, planted in 1935, include notable East Anglian varieties such as Champion of Ixworth, Bardwell, and Stowlangtoft.

The property benefits from its proximity to the village of Boxted, situated on the edge of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Boxted enjoys excellent road connections to both the A12 and A120, while the nearest train station in Colchester offers rail links to London and Norwich.

Designated as an AONB since 1970, Dedham Vale spans approximately 90 square kilometers along both sides of the River Stour, straddling the counties of Suffolk and Essex in southeastern England. The landscape is an open, culturally rich agricultural area that includes the village of Dedham itself. The area is famously associated with the artist John Constable, who grew up in nearby East Bergholt and captured the beauty of Dedham Vale in iconic works such as The Vale of Dedham (1828).