Fir Holt Wood £59,000 Freehold
- Sidbury, Sidmouth, Devon
- nearly 3 acres
- Devon
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A good mix of tree species
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Rustic picnic bench
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Upper plateau
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Douglas fir cone
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Looking down over the conifer trees
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Ride stop giving access to the main access track
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Sunny glade
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Views to the west
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Internal track along the top of the woodland
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Entrance to Fir Holt Wood
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Impressive sweet chestnut tree
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Forestry track along the lower, eastern edge with the woodland here on the left
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Main access track leading to the woodland
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Main entrance gate, park to the right to view
Description
This pleasant valley above the charming east Devon village of Sidbury has been wooded since at least 1600AD according to the Government's geographical information website 'Magic' as this woodland is recorded as Ancient Replanted Woodland. Often woodlands were felled for materials for the Second World War and then replanted with a mix of conifer trees, which is most likely how Fir Holt Wood has formed.
Within the upper plateau area you can still find older 'remnant' broadleaved trees, left over from when the woodland was cleared - in this case these are mostly impressively knarled sweet chestnut trees.
The upper, western part of the woodland is very useable with open glades and clearings. Here the trees are bathed in light from the open fields above. The eastern side of the woodland is mostly conifer and slopes down to a track, which has excellent links to footpaths and bridleways to many local areas including Sidmouth seafront.
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.
Trees
At the upper reaches of the woodland there are a mix of broadleaved tree species mixed with Douglas fir trees. These include some mature sweet chestnut trees that provide a welcome crop of chestnuts to roast in the winter. Other types of tree include birch, beech and holly.
Most of the woodland was replanted with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) - a very durable and popular conifer tree planted for use in construction and furniture making. The bark of the tree is non-flammable, protecting the tree in its native range in North America. David Douglas first brought this tree to the UK in 1827 and the tree was named after him. Trees can grow to 55 metres and live for up to 1000 years!
These trees are ideal for nesting birds as the tall height of the trees provide perfect protection for larger birds of prey such as goshawks, buzzards and sparrowhawks. The seeds of the tree are eaten by finches.
Wildlife
Peace and quiet attract numerous birds including woodpeckers, buzzards, woodcocks and smaller song birds including the robin, great tit and wrens.
Woodland dwelling mammals such as roe deer, foxes and badgers often frequent this undisturbed location.
Features
An old hedgebank runs along the western boundary and can be seen on maps form 1889.
Access, tracks and footpaths
Accessed from the road between Honiton and Seaton, there is a good stoned forestry track which leads all the way to the track along the lower eastern edge of Fir Holt Wood. From here there is a track suitable for 4x4 use in the drier months that leads to the upper reaches of the woodland.
Rights and covenants
There are no public rights of way within the woodland. The lower forestry track, over which the woodland has a right of way, is a quiet footpath and provides excellent links to the stunning surrounding countryside.
Activities
Enjoyment of nature is top of the list for the owner of Fir Holt Wood. Bird and bat boxes could be placed around the older trees to provide suitable habitats for tawny owls, song birds and local bat species.
There are level areas for camping and a forestry store could be sited for shelter and equipment storage, subject to any permission required.
Local area and history
The nearby coastline around Seaton and Sidmouth is the beginning of a World Heritage Site consisting of 95 miles of Jurassic coastline that begins at Orcombe point which is not far from the wood.
There are a number of thriving, local small scale fishing industries based along the coastline with day boats catching fish and crabs. The bass fishery attracts many anglers in season and there are a number of chartered fishing trips available.
Please do enjoy your visit to Fir Holt Wood, but take care of any undulating ground or trip hazards as well as standing or leaning deadwood which has been left as a wildlife habitat.
Particulars and plans were prepared by our local manager, Stuart Brooking.
Wood maps
Wood map
Boundaries
All boundaries are indicated with pink markings on posts and trees.
The northern boundary is indicated by a line of fence posts.
The eastern boundary is along the edge of the access track/ bridleway.
The southern boundary is indicated by a line of fence posts.
The western boundary is along an old hedge bank.
Find this wood
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 192
- Grid ref: SY 161 924
- Nearest post code: EX24 6JF
- GPS coordinates: 50.7253, -3.18965
Location map
Directions
You can view Fir Holt Wood at anytime by taking a copy of the details with you. The woodland can be accessed on foot. Once purchased the wood will be sold with full vehicular rights of way.
- Travelling from Honiton take the A375 south towards Sidford & Sidmouth.
- At the top of the hill out of Honiton at the Hare and Hounds pub turn left at Putts Corner onto Seaton Road, signposted to Seaton & Farway.
- Stay on this road for around 1 mile passing Wiscombe Park until you see a brown tourist sign for 'Blackberry Camp' along with a sign to the 'Honey Farm'.
- Slow down here as you will need to turn right onto a track/ bridleway just after these signs and opposite the left turn to Blackberry Camp and Honey Farm.
- Take care crossing the highway onto the forestry track.
- This forestry track is also a bridleway so please drive carefully along this track.
- You will reach a gate with a 'woodlands for sale' sign. Here you can park to the right of this gateway.
- If arriving from the Seaton on the A3052 turn right onto Seaton Road towards Honiton at Three Horseshoes Farm and travel along this road for 1.3 miles until you see a brown tourist attraction sign for Blackbury Camp on your left and the track/ bridleway is straight after this sign on your left.
- From this gateway follow the forest track/ bridleway along until you reach a wooden barn where you need to take the track to the right.
- Follow this track/ bridleway down the hill for about 200 metres until you see a 'woodlands for sale' sign on your left next to a ride stop.
- Head under the ride stop and walk down the forestry track until you come to a right hand turn and take this turn along a beech tree lined section of the track.
- Continue to follow the main track and small 'woodland for sale' signs over a couple of streams, up a short hill and then left continuing along the forestry track.
- Take the next right turn at the footpath marker following the 'woodlands for sale' arrows.
- At the top of this track you will see a turn to your left with a 'woodlands for sale' arrow. Head up this track and follow this old forestry track along, heading south, for around 300 metres until you see the entrance to Fir Holt Wood indicated by a 'Fir Holt Wood' name sign.
The what3words for the main entrance gate and parking to view is: ///skips.contemplate.stealing
The what3words for the actual wood is: ///articulated.dollar.fewer
- Satnav/GPS note: the postcode EX24 6JF is for the point shown by the red dot on the location maps number 2 and 3.
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.
An ideal sized woodland as an introduction to ownership, Fir Holt Wood has been part of this stunning landscape since at least 1600AD and provides opportunities for small scale woodland management, wildlife enjoyment and overnight camping.
