Dowel Wood £119,000 Freehold
- Lamberhurst, Kent
- about 5 ½ acres
- South East England
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Rustic bench in a private clearing
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Private walk track in Dowel Wood
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The pond
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Mature oak
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The footbridge over the seasonal stream
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The ride stop entrance to Dowel Wood
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Birch and bracken
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A fallow deer spotted in the sunny clearing
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The ride to the east side of Dowel Wood
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Younger oak alongside north boundary
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The stoned track leading to the entrance to Dowel Wood
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Oak and chestnut in the sunny glade
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Hornbeam
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Small leaved lime
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Foxglove
Description
Rich with oak, alder, birch, sweet chestnut, lime, hazel, and ash, Dowel Wood is a wonderfully varied and vibrant woodland (see ‘Trees’ below). The gently sloping landscape leads down to a seasonal stream, inviting exploration at every turn. Sunlit glades open out among the trees, where a rustic bench offers the perfect place to pause, perhaps even to catch sight of a passing deer (see photos). With its small pond, magnificent oaks, and stands of mature alder, the wood is full of character and natural charm.
Dowel Wood is situated in a tranquil rural setting within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just north of Bewl Water near Lamberhurst in Kent. A stoned track provides access to the wood. There is an additional unsurfaced track providing access to the east side of the wood. (see ‘Wood Maps’). There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.
Trees
An ancient broadleaved wood – with oak, alder, silver birch, sweet chestnut, lime, hazel, and ash. This diverse woodland slopes gently down to the stream from both sides. Trees of a greater age class (circa 1900) follow the water course, predominantly oak and alder. There are some delightful private open areas between the alder coppice and the small spring fed pond.
Dowel Wood has been designated as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) by Natural England. This is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. There is a draft Woodland Management Plan for Wiskett’s Wood (of which Dowel Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request.
Wildlife
Brown Long-eared bats have been recorded in Wiskett’s Wood, as well as reports of turtle dove, lapwing and skylark. Fallow and Roe deer can be found in the wider woodland.
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/
Features
- Small spring fed pond
- Seasonal spring fed stream
- Varied and interesting topography
- Diverse species and age of trees
- Private and quiet situated in the heard of a larger woodland
Access, tracks and footpaths
Dowel Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Bewlbridge Lane), through a locked metal gate (an owner will be provided the combination number for this locked gate). A stoned track provides access to the wood. There is an additional unsurfaced track providing access to the east side of the wood. (see ‘Wood Maps’). There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.
There are no public footpaths within the wood itself.
Rights and covenants
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.Activities
Whether it is private family camping, building wildlife hides for photography, or creating meandering woodland paths, there are endless ways to enjoy this beautiful natural space. Or, simply sit quietly beneath the trees and let the sights and sounds of the forest surround you - an easy, restorative way to feel deeply connected to nature.
Woodlands.co.uk are also 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/
Local area and history
There are many historical sites in the area. The English Heritage site of Bayham Abbey is approx. 4.5 miles away and features ruins dating back to the 13th century. Scotney Castle is just over 1 mile away – this impressive 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. For those who love water, Bewl Water is less than half a mile down the road from the woods and offers various water sports including sailing, as well as cycling and fishing.
Historically, Wiskett’s Wood was likely to have been coppiced on rotation to supply wood for charcoal making (to support the Wealden Iron Industry), and later, to provide surrounding farms with hop poles, firewood and fencing materials.
Wood maps
Wood map
Boundaries
The boundaries of the wood are indicated with MAUVE markings.
Find this wood
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 188
- Grid ref: TQ 677 345
- Nearest post code: TN3 8JH
- GPS coordinates: 51.0857, 0.39415
Location map
Directions
Please note, for satellite navigation, use the post code TN3 8JH. This will take you to the area as shown by the red dot on the map. Coordinates to the gate leading to Dowel Wood (off Bewlbridge Lane) are: N51.083661, E0.397466. To find the wood follow the instructions below.
Heading south on the A21
- Heading south past the exits for Royal Tunbridge Wells and Pembury, continue heading south until you reach the roundabout at Kipping’s Cross.
- Go straight over at Kipping’s Cross and continue straight over at the next roundabout (this is the turning to the BP garage and Burger King).
- Continue 3 miles south on the A21 crossing over the next roundabout onto the dual carriageway and continue on the A21.
- At the next roundabout (after passing under one of the few ‘Green Bridges’ in the UK) continue south on the A21.
- Passing two ‘Woodlands for Sale signs’ on the right-hand side, take the right turn signposted Bewl Water onto the Bewlbridge Lane.
- Continue on Bewlbridge Lane approx. 0.4 miles until you reach single green metal bar gate on the right-hand side with a ‘Woodlands for Sale’ sign alongside on the oak tree.
Heading north from Hastings on the A21
- Follow the A21 heading north out of Hastings.
- At Flimwell (about 16 miles from Hastings) stay on the A21 (crossing straight over the B2087) towards Lamberhurst.
- Continue north on the A21 for approx. 3.2 miles then take the left turn signposted Bewl Water onto the Bewlbridge Lane.
- Continue on Bewlbridge Lane for approx. 0.4 miles until you reach single green metal bar gate on the right-hand side with a ‘Woodlands for Sale’ sign alongside on the oak tree.
Once you arrive at the gate:
- Park in front of the single bar metal gate ensuring there is space for the gates to be accessed by vehicles.
- Walk under the gate and up the track past the telecom mast and down the stoned track approx. 400 meters. Take the turn to the right (following the stoned track) and continue approx. 75 meters. The ride stop entrance to Dowel Wood is on the -right-hand side with its boundaries marked in MAUVE.
- Sat Nav note: The post code TN3 8JH is for the point shown on the location map by the red dot.
How we support our buyers
Membership of the small woodland owners’ group
£300 for a woodland course of your choice
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 spring fed pond and seasonal stream meanders through this attractive ancient woodland. Close to Bewl Water near Lamberhurst, just off the A21.
