Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Amisfield Wood £109,000 Freehold

Description

Amisfield Wood, located in the northwestern corner of Bolton Muir woodlands is comprised of a surprising mix of habitats and species. From majestic Scots pines, their red-tinged trunks glowing in the lowering sun, to fern fringed watercourses glimmering with gentle flow, this wood is a natural delight.

Situated on an ancient woodland site, the wood has benefited from selective thinning which has allowed some trees to attain considerable stature, whilst also encouraging a vigorous natural regrowth in previously cleared areas.

The wood is largely level throughout with a gentle dip towards the south forming in the eastern reaches. Underfoot the land changes from quite dry, with a flush of lowland heather to relatively damp with soft rush and hard fern vying for the optimum location.

A viewing of the wood is definitely recommended; please allow yourself a generous amount of time to fully explore the wood throughout.

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

Towering Scots pine is the first impression on entering this wood. Closer inspection reveals a multi-layered canopy with young spruce, birch, willow and beech. Emerging understory trees such as holly, hawthorn and rowan are often entwined in honeysuckle's clinging embrace.

Wildlife

Well populated with local wildlife both transient and resident, roe deer, badger, stoat and weasel all find refuge in the dense birch thickets.

The seasonal watercourses are a welcome breeding ground for newts, toads and frogs and also support a considerable variety of invertebrates providing a valuable food resource for the many small birds that can be seen, constantly on the move in search of sustenance.

Standing deadwood is the perch of preference for the industrious woodpecker whilst pheasant and woodcock are well camouflaged against the woodland flora.

Features

An ancient beech hedge screens the B6368 from the interior of the wood giving seclusion and privacy. A short distance up the main access track a small hard area facilitates the management of felled timber, stacked prior to removal. Close by, beneath the boughs, a rustic bench beckons rest and a chance to sit awhile and let nature imbue calm and serenity.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to the wood is along a well-made stone track suitable for most cars. A ridestop entrance leads to a hard standing and timber stacking area. A cleared path winds to and fro leading to a small footbridge crossing the main water channel.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities

Ideally suited for conservation and increasing biodiversity through gentle management, the wood is also a foragers paradise. Brambles and wild raspberry abound and in autumn a large variety of fungi sprout from the moss-covered leaf litter.

Small scale thinning would easily provide a sustainable domestic fuel source, whilst an overnight stopover would give an opportunity to view the nocturnal habits of the local wildlife.

Local area and history

Although the area is largely agricultural several industries were previously centred here. A sizeable textile industry producing fine linen, and a paper mill that once supplied bank notes for the Scottish banks, are the most notable. The nearby market town of Haddington was once famous for its mills, producing fine cloth. One of its mills was named New Mills which had mixed fortunes. It was later auctioned and the lands of New Mills were renamed Amisfield.

To the south lie the Lammamuir hills which contain several excellent walking and cycling trails. The Pencaitland Railway Walk which starts in Gifford offers wonderful views of parts of East Lothian that are inaccessible by car. The trees and hedgerows along the route offer shelter to a great diversity of wildlife and many rare wild flowers are established along the embankments.

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. 66
  • Grid ref: NT 503 681
  • Nearest post code: EH41 4JS
  • GPS coordinates: 55.9041, -2.79599

Location map

Directions

  • Amisfield Wood is about 25 miles east of Edinburgh and about 35 miles west of Berwick on Tweed.

For Directions From Bing Maps CLICK HERE enter your own postcode (Amisfield Wood entrance coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Go" box.

For Satnav; the postcode EH41 6JT is for the point shown by the red dot on the location map.

Or use our directions:

From Edinburgh and the west;

  • From the city bypass (A720) take the A68 towards Jedburgh.
  • Pass Dalkeith and turn left at the war memorial taking the A6093 towards Haddington.
  • Go through the village of Pencaitland and turn right at the crossroads signposted Gifford B6355
  • Continue through East Saltoun for about 1.7 miles, Bolton Muir Woods will appear on the right.
  • The entrance to the wood is on the right just after the crossroads with the B6368, just beyond the Woodlands.co.uk sign.
  • Park safely in the entranceway and continue on foot through the side gate.
  • Amisfield Wood entrance is clearly marked on the right.
  • From Berwick on Tweed and the east; From the A1 take the A6105 signposted Duns and Chirnside. Pass through Chirnside and fork right onto the B6355 towards Cranshaws.
  • Pass Whiteadder reservoir, through Gifford and continue on the B6355 towards Pencaitland. After about 2 miles the main entrance to Bolton Muir Woods will appear on the left.
  • Continue for about half a mile to the single gated entrance on the left just before the crossroads with the B6368
  • Park safely in the entranceway and continue on foot through the side gate.
  • Amisfield Wood entrance is clearly marked on the right.

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 delightfully varied conifer woodland with flourishing deciduous regeneration, located near the village of Gifford in rural East Lothian, easily accessible from Edinburgh.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: davidandsarah@woodlands.co.uk