SOLD: Rill Meadow £69,000 Freehold
- Fremington, Barnstable, Devon
- over 4 acres
- Tree planting land South West England
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Blue skies over Rill Meadow
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The land is well suited to woodland creation
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Down in the grass
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Looking along the northern boundary
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Looking towards the woodland fringe from the meadow
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Heading into the woods
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A magical setting
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Beautifully spaced trees
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Boundary posts are marked with orange paint
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Leaf litter carpets the floor
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An array of colours
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The stream which forms the eastern boundary is a lovely feature
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A natural source of water
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The existing woodland ecosystem will help speed up the establishment of new woodland
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Peeking through the trees to the open land
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There are plenty of grants available for help with tree planting
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Two trees stand alone in the open land
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In the shade of the field tree
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The open meadow, looking east
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Hardstanding at entrance for parking
Description
Rill Meadow is a scenic parcel of land that offers a window into the idyllic Devon countryside. The meadow is situated in a rural area but within easy reach of the popular beaches and beauty spots of North Devon, it provides a private space for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of normal life.
The meadow has particular value thanks to the belt of woodland which embraces it on the eastern side. The woodland is absolutely charming, with well spaced mature trees allowing plenty of light through to the floor. As one meanders through the trees with the pleasing crunch of leaf litter underfoot, the land drops almost imperceptibly towards a gently flowing stream at the eastern boundary – the perfect woodland scene. Having access to a natural source of water is a valuable resource and ideal for wildlife.
As well as providing a place to spend time, collect firewood and hone bushcraft skills, the mature trees in the woodland play an important role in helping establish new woodland on the open meadow, through natural regeneration. With seeds blowing in on the wind, or hitching a ride with the birds, trees will naturally begin to colonise the grassland. The rich ecosystems of the woodland will also migrate readily to its newer, younger sibling.
The open meadow itself is broadly rectangular in shape, its longer edges to the north and south being demarcated by lines of timber stakes. On the western side, the access track forms the boundary from which an area of hardstanding springs into the meadow, providing a place to park a vehicle. The grass is lush and level and is currently being cut once a year for haylage. The land was historically a part of Great Knightacott Farm and used for grazing livestock. It’s future will now have conservation at its heart.
Rill Meadow is a neatly contained opportunity for an individual, family or group of friends to take on a project which will bring personal satisfaction and environmental benefits, be that either for the carbon sequestration newly planted trees will bring or improved habitats for wildlife. Whether you're a nature lover, a family looking for adventure, or simply someone seeking a quiet retreat, Rill Meadow is an ideal spot.
The purchasers of the meadow will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.
Features
- Tucked away location at the end of a country lane
- Mixed habitats of open land and established woodland
- Natural source of water in the form of a woodland stream
- Within close reach of North Devon beauty spots
Access, tracks and footpaths
The land comes with freehold title and is accessed via a metalled track which runs from a highway maintainable at public expense. There are no public rights of way across the land.
Local area and history
The land lies to the south of the village of Fremington and the river-port town of Barnstable, both of which lie on the River Taw estuary. The River Taw crosses North Devon, flanking Dartmoor before emptying into Bideford bay. It has a rich commercial and military history, with ships traversing its length to do everything from servicing the booming wool industry to sailing out the mouth of the estuary to join Sir Francis Drake’s fleet which took on the Spanish Armada.
In more modern times, it is perhaps most famous for Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter, the poetic novel which tells the story of the life of Tarka. The Tarka Trail is a 180 mile long walking and cycling route which navigates across North Devon and Exmoor, and is the longest traffic free cycling route in the UK.
Wood maps
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Find this wood
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 180
- Grid ref: SS 503 301
- Nearest post code: EX31 3QG
- GPS coordinates: 51.051, -4.13662
Location map
Directions
Rill Meadow is accessed via a stoned track from an unnamed public highway near the hamlet of Bickleton, in North Devon. Barnstable is around a 15 minute drive away to the north east, with Bideford around 20 minutes away to the south west.
Click here for Bing Maps directions, enter your own postcode, (the location coordinates are already entered), and click on the "Directions" box. This will take you to the roadside gate where the track begins, where you can park. Thereafter please follow the maps.
Satnav: the postcode EX31 3QG is the nearest to meadow, but please note will take you to a location ½ a mile away, just before the required turning which is signposted for ‘Knightacott’.
Coordinates for satnav are: 51.0545, -4.1378 for the metal gate at the start of the access track.
Directions:
From the centre of Barnstable, cross the Barnstable Long Bridge towards Sticklepath. Follow the A3125 through Sticklepath and turn left at the roundabout just before Bickington Road towards Roundswell. Take the third exit at the next roundabout signposted for Eastliegh and Holmacott, which will take you on to Old Bideford Road. Follow straight for just under 2 miles, where you will need to turn right, following the signpost for Fremington. Follow for 450m before turning left at the first cross road you reach, following the sign to Bickleton and Instow. Follow straight for 800m before taking a final turning on your left, signposted for Knightacott. Follow this small country lane for ½ a mile right to the end of the road, at which point the entrance gate and woodlands sign will be on your left hand side. Park here and climb the gates, before following the green route on the ‘wood maps’ by foot, which will take you straight down a long access track. Rill Meadow is near the end of the track on your left hand side.
How we support our buyers
Membership of the small woodland owners’ group
EITHER £300 for a woodland course of your choice
OR £300 contribution towards buying trees, tree shelters or stakes
One year's free membership of the royal forestry society
Please note this wood is owned by woodlands.co.uk.
Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on their mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.
Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.
These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.
A North Devon meadow which includes a magical woodland fringe to the east. Ideally suited to tree planting and private amenity use.
