A colourful woodland within easy reach of Aberdeen and with good internal access.
Located at Lairshill, near Newmachar, Aberdeen. ## Region This wood is in the [Northern Scotland](https://tom.woodlands.co.uk/buying-a-wood/northern-scotland) region. ## Agent This wood is managed by Torquil Varty and Rachel Bower. They can be contacted by email torquilandrachel@woodlands.co.uk or phone 01307 467393 07803 903 203 . ## DescriptionDescription: Elrick Wood is a delightful mixed spruce, broadleaf and open woodland planted in 1999. The larger spruce area sits on slightly higher ground to the centre and north of the wood. To the south a wide strip of young broadleaves stretches along a small dry valley. The spruce has established well as have the birch, rowan, oak, cherry, ash, and beech. A sizeable triangular area of open ground in the northeast corner could suit further tree planting.
The evergreen conifer provides privacy and winter shelter in contrast to the deciduous broadleaved trees: the spruce conifers are in a major growth phase and each year will see a dramatic change in the woodland. Buttercups, clover, rosebay willowherb and other wild flowers seasonally adorn the rides and open grassy areas to the north, south and east. The land is generally well drained with a warm gentle south-facing gradient, providing distant views across the surrounding arable/grazing fields from the east.
As the trees grow and mature it's likely that red squirrels will move in, see Red Squirrels at Lairshill with potential for joining in with the project.
A secluded clearing and parking area on the southern edge of the conifers and overlooking the broadleaf valley is ideal for enjoying time off and occasional private camping. It is possible to amble through the broadleaves and around the perimeter of the wood via mowed rides and brashed conifer paths and further paths could easily be extended through the conifers.
Internal vehicle access is provided by the hard grassy ride from the southern access gate which winds its way through the broadleaves towards the central clearing/parking area.
The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands.
### TreesThe areas of spruce plantation are ready for thinning and will provide a decent return on timber, it can be hard to interest large harvesting companies on such small acreages however there are informal conversations about a few woodland owners approaching companies to take this on. Alternatively a small scale enterprise based on the concepts of continuous tree cover management would also be suitable.
### WildlifeOn first inspection monoculture plantations can appear denuded of wildlife, however time spent within the woods will unfurl its secrets. Any work to create a more diverse mix of species with an increase in clearings, will add exponentially to the diversity of this woodland.
### FeaturesThe deciduous areas are more attractive and would be the obvious place to set up a campsite for the long days and short nights of summer.
### Access, tracks and footpathsAccess: Access is off the minor public road and along a private hard grassy track with full rights of way.
### Rights and covenantsAll sporting and mineral rights are included in the sale.
### ActivitiesWoodland ownership can be a journey of discovery opening up the worlds of bushcraft, green wood working, bee keeping, den building, the list is as along as the imagination.
### Local area and historySurrounding Area: Elrick Wood is part of a larger planted area of woodland now known as Lairshill Woods, also previously known as Paradise Woods. The villages of Newmachar and Hatton of Fintray are nearby, as is the Kirkhill Forest and Formartine and Buchan Way cycling/walking routes. The coast with secluded beaches of Balmedie and Newburgh, as well as Dyce, Inverurie and Aberdeen, are all within 20 minutes' drive.
## Location * OS Landranger: OS No. 38 * Grid ref: NJ 869 192 * Nearest post code: AB21 0PX * GPS coordinates: 57.2637, -2.21925 ### DirectionsElrick Wood is just 25 mins northwest of Aberdeen.
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