Since before the turn of the 20th Century this spectacularly ridged land feature, known as Harcombe Great Coppice, has been a partially wooded landscape. Heather Wood sits upon the upper slopes and was historically a more mixed habitat as can be seen by the ground floor species such as heather.

More recently Heather Wood has been planted as a mixed woodland, commercial larch plantation on the western side with more open, well spaced pine trees to the east. Natural regeneration of mixed native trees is flourishing where light has come through the woodland canopy with species such as holly and birch growing.

A mosaic of habitats can be found within Heather Wood which suits a range of fauna.

The upper eastern edges and ride are sun traps for the Common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) to bask in the warmth whilst still being close to logs and branches for safe hiding.

Larch trees are a good source of seeds for wild birds such as the siskin whilst the native Scots pine supports chaffinches along with lichens and mosses.

Roe deer sit upon the soft woodland floor, making a 'scrape' which is a small oval clearing on the ground.

There is a rustic picnic bench within a private glade where you can enjoy open air lunches or sit with a warm drink and enjoy nature.

A stoned access track to Heather Wood links to a quiet country lane not far from the charming village of Sidford.

At the entrance to the woodland there is a private parking area.

The access track that borders the eastern boundary is a bridleway and gives the woodland owner access to a network of footpaths and bridleways from which to explore this stunning part of Devon.

The standard covenant applies to this woodland.

Heather Wood is ideally suited for family enjoyment, small scale forestry and as a nature haven.

A calming place to visit and spend time for mindfulness purposes with forest yoga or meditation.

Practical enjoyment includes green woodworking and woodland photography, both very enjoyable pastimes.

Heather Wood is located above the village of Sidbury, a large village set upon the River Sid which runs for 6 miles from source to the sea at Sidmouth making it arguably the shortest full river in England!

The coastline around Sidmouth is part of the World Heritage Site consisting of 95 miles of Jurassic coastline that begins at the nearby Orcombe point.

There are a number of thriving, local small scale fishing industries based along the nearby coastline with day boats catching fish and crabs.

Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are close by and are a great day out for budding fossil hunters.

Please do enjoy your visit to Heather 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.