Oak and beech with hawthorn, blackthorn and holly.

Gatekeeper Wood is rich in wildlife, being part of a wider forest. The mature oak trees support a wide range of species. A keen birdwatcher would be able to observe jays, nuthatches, treecreepers, greater spotted woodpeckers as well as other common birds including blackbirds, robins and wrens, with a variety of tit species too. In the winter months mixed feeding flocks of tits pass noisily through the canopy with long tailed tits performing their aerobatics.

Buzzards are often spotted in the wood, hunting along the ride edges or overhead and you may even catch a fleeting glimpse of a sparrowhawk skimming over the canopy to ambush unsuspecting prey.

Both roe deer and muntjac pass through; look out for their trails.

• Privacy and tranquillity.
• Rich in wildlife.
• Attractive mature trees.
• A potential source of home firewood.
• A rustic bench in a clearing.

Gatekeeper Wood is reached via a stone bridlepath track, running from Laming Gap Lane. On reaching the ride-stop entrance in the north-western corner of the wood, there is space to park a vehicle here, off the track.

Beyond this point, the wood is accessed on foot with a number of potential routes to explore. The wood is set on a gentle slope and sturdy footwear is recommended.

There are no public rights of way within the wood.

The sporting rights are included in the sale.

Our standard covenant will apply.

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.

The wood could provide a useful source of home firewood logs and would also be great for occasional family camping and crafts.

Its rich diversity means that it’s ideal for wildlife observation, perhaps putting up bird and bat boxes or trail cameras to see what’s passing through.

The place-name Cotgrave seems to have been derived from the Old English personal name, Cotta with graf (Old English), grove or copse, to make 'Cotta's grove'.

The local area is known as the Vale of Belvoir, meaning ‘beautiful view’, in French. The name was used by the 11th century Norman invaders when the original Belvoir Castle was established, but the native Anglo-Saxon population was unable to pronounce such a foreign word, preferring to call it "Beaver Castle" this pronunciation is still used today. The area’s most famous produce includes Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies, both area ideal for a picnic in the woods.