Tarry Wood, part of a larger woodland known as Drumtassie Wood, was previously Forestry Commission land and has benefited from considered management in its early life. The trees were mainly planted about 20 years ago with a mixture of larch, Corsican pine, and thankfully a creative and diverse mix of broadleaves including oak, sycamore, ash, cherry, hazel, birch and holly to name but a few of the many.

As to be expected, the softwood species such as larch and Corsican pine have shown the most vigorous growth and are of a size that will provide ample firewood if thinning was carried out in the wood. The deciduous species are predictably slower growing and doing very well also.

In contrast to other neighbouring land, Tarry Wood does not have a wayleave passing through it and as such benefits from more tree cover. In general, relatively recently planted commercial plantations do not exhibit the very pleasant feel and character that is both desirable in amenity woodland and is so plainly evident at Drumtassie. The broadleaf species have been distributed far and wide amongst the larch planting and this has therefore created a really natural feel to the woodland, much more than would be normally expected. Peace and solitude are easy to find in and among the trees of Tarry Wood.

Two convenient entrance gates to Tarry Wood make this woodland very accessible directly off the main road and tasks such as harvesting firewood or unloading a trailer or vehicle become much easier. Towards the centre of the wood a clearing has been opened up with a bench installed close by. This woodland is ideal for anyone looking to make a start in woodland ownership. Its age and vitality make it perfect for the woodland owner to shape in many ways, improving its diversity and further adding to its appeal in the future.

Surrounding Area:

The woods at Drumtassie lie closest to the small village of Avonbridge, its Gaelic name being Drochaid Abhainne quite literally 'bridge of the river'. In days gone by the village was home to a brickworks and a small open cast mine. Further afield lies the small town of Armadale, another previous mining town with the land being rich in coal and ironstone, though with the general decline of heavy industry it is now a more residential area.

The woods are within easy reach of Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh and lie within the county of West Lothian.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, here is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.