Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Orchard Meadow £65,000 Freehold

Description

This charming meadow can be found where a substantial apple orchard previously stood, before its removal some 30 years ago. Once a rich abundance of productive trees bearing ripe fruit, the land was subsequently converted to an agricultural use, but now presents as an opportunity for a new custodian to replant the land and return it to its former bountiful glory. This could be done with fruit trees, if so wished, or perhaps in combination with a raft of native broadleaved species. Part of the fun of taking on a conservation project such as this is the chance to express one’s creative sparks, landscaping the open land from scratch with a combination of open rides and glades, wooded sections and even some wildflower meadow. Rewilding land, and increasing the tree cover we have here in the UK is a noble endeavour, and Orchard Meadow is perfectly suited to such a project.

The land comes in two principal sections, with open land to the left of the entrance, where a pond can be found on the eastern boundary, and a section of woodland to the right of the entrance, occupying the smaller western section of the parcel. This variance is excellent in terms of both biodiversity and amenity interest, resulting in a mixed landscape which can be managed, enhanced and enjoyed. The pond at the edge of the meadow is a delightful feature, serving as a rich habitat for a range of wildlife including aquatic plants, frogs, newts, water beetles, dragonflies and an array of other insects and pondlife. The fringe of vegetation around its banks provides plant cover for amphibians and insects with terrestrial life stages.

From the pond, one can head across the open land to a gap in a hedgerow which leads to a clearing, before entering the belt of woodland beyond. As well as providing an attractive amenity space and a useful source of seeds for the natural regeneration of the open land, the woodland provides a home for mammals such as rabbits and badgers as well as an assortment of woodland birds. It is bordered to the north and west by stock proof fencing, whilst a line of stakes demarcates the southern boundary, which stretches out into and across the meadow. This could be improved along its length with the introduction of a new hedgerow. The western boundary is formed by the edge of the access track.

Orchard Meadow would appeal to those who are looking to own a manageable parcel of private land which offers both sections of open land for tree planting and a belt of established woodland. The pond is an additional benefit, offering the chance to conserve and expand the habitats which already exist for local wildlife.

In their eagerness to preserve this meadow, and as recognition of its value, the local council have given it an extra level of protection by including it within an Article 4 area, which means that it is protected from unsympathetic development. You can read more about that here.

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.

Access, tracks and footpaths

The land is accessed via a track along which a full right of way will be granted. The meadow comes with freehold title and there are no public rights of way across the land.

Local area and history

Benenden is one of the Wealden 'dens' that commemorate the Saxon practice of appending forest clearings in the sprawling Andredsweald (the Weald) to their coastal manors. These clearings, or dens, were where the manor pigs rooted for the acorns and other 'pannage' on which they were fattened and from which timber and brushwood was collected.

Following the Norman Conquest, the manor of Benenden was given by William the Conqueror to his half-brother, the Bishop of Bayeux. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of only four villages in the Weald to have a Church. It is reffered to as Benendine, its etymology originating from the Old English 'Bynna' meaning 'wooded pasture'.

From around the 14th century, Benenden became a place of indsutrial significance, most notably for the Wealden Ironmasters who contributed to the prosperity of the village.

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. 188
  • Grid ref: TQ 793 340
  • Nearest post code: TN17 4ET
  • GPS coordinates: 51.0774, 0.557727

Location map

Directions

Orchard Meadow is accessed via a metalled road, and then track, which lead from from the B2086, Mounts Hill.

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 field gate at the entrance to the site. Please park about 50m further along by the large poplar trees, and thereafter follow the maps.

Coordinates for satnav are: 51° 04' 31.2" N, 0° 33' 33.7" E for the field gate.

Satnav: the postcode TN17 4ET is the nearest to the meadow, but please note that this will take you to Mounts Hill, and not the specific entrance.

Directions:

In terms of finding the meadow, when heading along the Cranbrook Road and then Mounts Hill (both the B2086) from the Cranbrook / Swattenden direction towards Benenden, you need to look out for a turning on your left hand side signposted for Mounts Farm. There is also a small post-box in the hedge on the other side of the turning to the sign. This turning is the last turning to the left off the B2086 before you reach the signs for Benenden Village, where the speed limit is reduced to 40mph. Head all the way to the end of this metalled road, which is around 0.5km. At this point, the road turns into a wooded track, continue along here and pass through the field gate before parking by the large poplar trees at the end. Please then walk following the green highlighted route on the maps, which will take you right by the poplar trees along another track, before turning 90 degrees to your left around 200m on. Follow straight for a further 75m and the entrance to Orchard Meadow is 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 delightful mixed parcel consisting of open land for tree planting, a pond and a belt of established woodland on the site of a former apple orchard.

Managed by Anton Baskerville

Telephone: 07952 694 652

Email: [email protected]