Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Stark Wood £59,000 Freehold

Description

Stark Wood lies close to Loch Lomond and is part of a wider mixed deciduous and conifer wood, known as Finnery Woodland. Being close and easily accessible from Glasgow, it will be of interest to those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

A good track ensures that there is good access to the woods for all types of vehicles and a stoney hammer-head turning area is useful for both vehicles or stacking timber. The topography across Stark Wood is fairly flat and where numerous trails wander, it is easy to traverse. A path has been opened up to the western boundary; more work could open up more of the central area without encroaching upon its privacy. There is a real sense of quiet, peace and tranquility with the woods within Finnery, helped by being surrounded by fields and farmland.

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.

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, here is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.

Trees

The original plantation was harvested some time ago and since then nature has been allowed to take its natural course. The lack of interference has benefitted the woodland diversity greatly, creating an incredibly wild feeling in the growth and regeneration. As with most woodland, the pioneer species have set the pace. The predominant pioneer has been the beautiful birch, which has provided a sheltered haven for other species such as western hemlock, black pine, rowan and willow. There is a large central area dominated by rhododendron, creating a hidden citadel waiting to be explored.

Wildlife

The woods are a haven for woodcock. These largely nocturnal, bulky wading birds with a long bill, are experts in camouflage, enjoy dense cover and can be quite elusive. Rising quickly, they can startle the unwary pedestrian! But as with many indigenous birds, they are in decline. Deer also move through the woods and a well placed trail camera is sure to provide some evidence of their movements.

Features

There is a stream flowing along the northern boundary between the woods and the neighbouring fields and is a great draw to both mammals and birdlife alike.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access from the main road is over a shared stone track, entrance to the main woodland is through a lockable wooden gate. There is also a pedestrian gate. The track leading to the individual woods are of good condition with little maintenance required. Some paths have been opened up but there is plenty of scope for further work.

Rights and covenants

All sporting rights are sold with the woodland.

Activities

This young woodland would be a great site to explore and practice bushcraft skills. There is incredible diversity of flora and fauna, with plenty of shelter for birdlife and larger mammals within the trees and rhododendron.

It is also well placed for exploration further afield of the Trossachs and Loch Lomond.

Camping overnight and sharing the space with the nocturnal visitors would be rewarding.

Local area and history

People have been living around the shores of Loch Lomond for several thousand years and by the 3rd century AD, the Loch Lomond area had become the junction between three significant kingdoms; Pictland to the east, Strathclyde to the south and Dalriata to the north west. Clach Nam Breatann, "the stone of the Britons", marked this junction and still stands today in Glen Falloch.

Nowadays the three kingdoms have been lost to the mists of time and in its place there is an influx of tourists using Loch Lomond as the gateway to the Highlands. Despite the passage of modern times, the area has managed to retain a reputation as a profoundly spiritual destination.

The surrounding area of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs gained much popularity with the publication of Sir Walter Scott's 1810 poem 'The Lady of the Lake'. The poem gives a roll call of Trossachs place names, the lady herself being found on Loch Katrine. Scott followed up with his 1817 historical novel Rob Roy, romanticising the outlaw cattle thief Raibert Ruadh born by Loch Katrine and buried at nearby Balquhidder.

Stirling, with its beautiful castle, is just a 30 minute drive away with direct links south to Edinburgh or north to Perth.

Wood maps

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Find this wood

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Location

  • OS Landranger: OS No. 56
  • Grid ref: NS 439 849
  • Nearest post code: G83 8SA
  • GPS coordinates: 56.0317, -4.50533

Location map

Directions

From Glasgow:

  • Take the A82 north.
  • Turn right onto the A811 in the direction of Drymen.
  • At the village of Gartocham turn right onto School Road.
  • Turn left onto Auchincarroch Road.
  • Turn left onto Finnery Road.
  • The entrance will be on your left. There is a small woodlands for sale sign attached to the fence. On the other side of the driveway is the nameplate Greystonelea.
  • Continue up this driveway for 500m and the woods are on your right.
  • If you miss the entrance you will reach Finnery House on your left. Turn round and retrace your steps.
  • Go through the pedestrian gate and follow the internal track until you reach the woodland.
  • Follow the track round and turn right just past Brienne Wood and follow this spur track down to the end.

Sat nav will get you to Finnery Road but will not get you to the entance to the woods.

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 young regenerating mixed woodland with vibrant growth and wildlife, close to Loch Lomond.

Managed by Torquil Varty and Rachel Bower

Telephone: 01307 467393

Telephone: 07803 903 203

Email: torquilandrachel@woodlands.co.uk