Barbary Wood features mature oak, birch, wild cherry, ash, hazel, field maple, holly, hawthorn. There are a couple of self-seeded young Norway spruce. The birch and ash could be harvested for firewood; birch is easily split and dries easily. Ash features as a minor species, and is showing some signs of dieback, however it is an extremely good firewood when seasoned. In the coming years this woodland has potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

The southern / eastern area of Barbary Wood has been designated as a Plantation on Woodland Site (PAWS) by Natural England. Patches of Dogs Mercury can be found in the wood, an ancient woodland indicator. PAWS is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity.

A new owner could install some bird and bat boxes and build a simple hide to observe which species are present.

For ideas on how to manage your woodland for wildlife why not have a look here:

https://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/managing-your-woodland-for-wildlife/

- Easily accessed from the Horsham Road, with stoned tracks leading to the wood itself.

- An attractive oak woodland with a small stream.

- Privately owned woodlands to the south and east and paddocks / fields to the north and west.

- The Sussex Border Path and various other public footpaths are found in the local area allowing plenty of varied woodland and countryside walks.

Barbary Wood is easily accessed off the Horsham Road (A281) via a double set of locked metal gates, down a stoned byway, and through a second locked metal gate (an owner will be provided the combination number / keys for these locked gates). A stoned track provides access to the wood itself. There is a place for a new owner to park within Barbary Wood. A stoned track runs along the south boundary and an unsurfaced track along the east side of the wood, allowing easy access for woodland management (see ‘Wood Maps’).

There are no public footpaths within the wood itself. There is a public footpath outside the northern boundary of the wood (this is fenced off).

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

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.

Barbary Wood provides an excellent opportunity for a new owner to take on the rewarding role of caring for and managing a small woodland. Here are some ideas of activities the whole family can enjoy and participate in:

- Harvesting firewood logs.

- Occasional private family camping.

- Wildlife observation e.g. building a hide or putting up bird and bat boxes or trail cameras to see what’s passing through.

- Creating private paths round the wood and small clearings within the wood itself.

- Learning all about woodland management.

Woodlands.co.uk are pleased to offer up to £300 for new owners to attend a woodland related course of their choosing to pursue their woodland interests. We offer support for new woodland owners, including books, subscriptions, introductions to neighbours, advice on local suppliers and money towards relevant training. You can read more about this here: https://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/support/

Why not explore the Wey & Arun Canal Trust for boat trips, visit local breweries like Firebird Brewing Company, and enjoy nature walks or cycling along the Sussex Border Path. Other options include stopping for a pint and lunch at local spots like The Sir Roger Tichborne on the Guildford Road south of Alfold, or The Fox Inn in Bucks Green.