A young woodland within easy reach of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Located Standburn, Avonbridge, Falkirk. ## 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 . ## DescriptionThe woodlands at Gateside have proved very popular, due in part no doubt to the them being very quiet and peaceful, with very few people visiting. The entrance to Sinclair Wood is over a small stream that can run impressively well when in spate, but mostly is quite tame.
Some ash around the ride stop entrance are showing ash die back, as is common across the UK as a whole. However the standing dead wood will provide plenty of dry, ready to go firewood, though it would be worth leaving some standing deadwood as this is an essential habitat for insects. Any new planting should have protection from deer as they are known to browse the woods. Diversity is the key to any new planting mix in anticipation of any diseases coming through in the future.
Paths have been made linking up the different parts of the woodland and create a good foundation for further path creation and the establishment of clearings within the pine.
Early viewing of this woodland is recommended.
### TreesThe woodland is dominated by two bands of Sitka spruce that is showing good solid growth and should produce a high yield of timber in due course. The ash is still good for firewood at this point, though in line with current thinking, any that are still left growing, should be left standing to see if they show any signs of immunity: perhaps the survivors will be the future for this prolific tree. There is also the opportunity for new planting.
### WildlifeThere is abundant wildlife peacefully coexisting with the odd human, so care must be taken to encourage and protect those animals that have made a home in your woodland.
### FeaturesThere is a strip of grassland that is a gas wayleave with restrictions on the use of heavy plant over the gas pipe, particularly with regard to digging, however this area would be perfect for establishing a wild flower meadow or grazing for animals.
### Access, tracks and footpathsThe tracks have recently been repaired by recycling the old spoil from the mine, however care must be taken when the weather is wet and it is advised not to bring very heavy machinery onto the track when it is wet.
### Rights and covenantsAll sporting rights are sold with the woodland however mineral rights have been retained by the coal board as it was an old mining site. It is not anticipated that coal will ever been extracted again, due to the move away from fossil fuels.
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. ### ActivitiesWoodland ownership opens up many avenues from the joy of processing your own firewood to starlit nights watching out for nocturnal comings and goings.
### Local area and historyGateside Woodland sits directly next to the small ex-mining village of Standburn, with the closest town being Falkirk about 6 miles away.
Falkirk sits on the junction of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals and as such became an important trade route and hub of heavy industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. The steel industry was dominant as was coal mining, necessary to feed the engine of industrialisation. The area is now more dependant on tourism and retail with many old mining sites reverting to woodland.
Nearby attractions include the Falkirk Wheel and The Helix , home of the famous Kelpie art installation.
Edinburgh is only twenty miles away and Glasgow 30 miles making these woods very accessible from the city.
## Location * OS Landranger: OS No. 65 * Grid ref: NS 926 741 * Nearest post code: FK1 2HN * GPS coordinates: 55.9485, -3.7205 ### Directions