A larger woodland close to Edinburgh with many hidden corners.
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 . ## DescriptionTay Wood is a slightly larger than offering and lies in a secluded corner of Gateside Woods, with excellent access through two ride stops. The first crosses the burn and heads into the main stands of conifer, allowing convenient access for any future timber management. The second access, sitting within an area of ash, is to an area of hardstanding that will easily accommodate a couple of vehicles. This will act as a good base with two benches installed, a good place to stop a while and take in the environment or tend a campfire. This dense ash plantation, like the most of the ash within the UK, has unfortunately been affected by ash dieback. Current guidance is to leave ash standing unless there is a need or desire to fell it It is believed that some specimens will survive the disease and go on to be the hope of future generations. One aspect of the disease is that there is a fair amount of firewood to come out of here and it is convenient to the access. If this was to be done, we would recommend replanting with a mix of native species to mitigate against future diseases.
A valuable feature to Tay Wood, and not often found within woodland, is the meandering burn, passing through an open grassy area adjacent to a section of older birch woodland This is the most natural looking part of Tay Wood and will act as a good seedbank for potential seed to spread into the more open grassy areas.
This is a lovely woodland that affords privacy and tranquility as well as being a good project for whoever takes it on. There is scope for opening up the conifer areas to allow more light to the forest floor and the establishment of more paths, a task easily completed with hand tools. Taken as a whole there is an incredible depth of diversity within Tay wood, making it very attractive indeed.
### TreesThere are two large conifer stands that will produce a good volume of timber in due course, some selective thinning could be carried out now subject to the necessary permissions.
A generous volume of birch is growing very well around the woodland in general and creates a very lovely ancient feel.
A large stand of ash that has been affected by ash die back would allow for an immediate source of good quality firewood and the opportunity to plant a more diverse mix of trees, facilitating a move away from the monoculture approach.
### WildlifeDeer and other larger mammals frequent Gateside, as well as the wide variety of birdlife.
Badgers are ever present within the woods at Gateside and a joy to observe on an evening watch. These fantastic creatures are mainly nocturnal and extremely shy of humans , wildlife cams will open up a window into the badgers world. It is illegal to interfere with a bager sett in any way.
### FeaturesAn all year round burn runs through Tay Wood that can be fast flowing when in spate. It is a valuable asset and will act as a focal point for wildlife.
Some open area of grassland provides further diversity and would be an ideal place to add additional planting; perhaps a woodland orchard.
### Access, tracks and footpathsThe access tracks have recently been maintained and renewed with on site stone and there is plenty of material for any future collective repairs to the shared track.
### 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. Due to the effects of burning fossil fuels, the likelihood of coal ever being extracted again is so low, as to be nigh on zero.
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. ### ActivitiesThis woodland would suit someone prepared to immerse themselves into woodland management and guide the woodland to its next life.
### 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 926 740 * Nearest post code: FK1 2HN * GPS coordinates: 55.9478, -3.72153 ### Directions