Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Benantrae Wood £36,000 Freehold

Description

Benantrae Wood is situated near the top of the Daljarrock Forest in mixed woodland and rural hillside settings, in the pretty River Stinchar Valley. There is a great variety of wildlife in the valley, including red squirrel, red deer, roe deer, otters, badgers and a variety of reptiles and birds ranging from diminutive blue tits to the mighty buzzard.

The wood is notable for its excellent views. Light and open, with cut internal paths, it has a feeling of seclusion without isolation.

Containing a mixture of young spruce, well mixed with native birch, rowan and willow this would be an excellent woodland for conservation, camping and observing nature. The land slopes gently to the east.

Inside the northern boundary is a bubbling burn lined with wildflowers, mosses and ferns. To the west, open rough pasture leads a walker up to Aldons Hill and from here there is an excellent view down over Benantrae and across the valley.

Rarely a visit goes by without a glimpse of a red squirrel or a squawking jay. An early riser can be treated to the sight of a magnificent red deer or its smaller cousin the roe. The quiet Girvan-Stranraer Railway runs along the bottom of the wood, the nearest station being at Barrhill.

The attached video below, although shot a couple of years ago, gives a fair representation of the feel of the wood.

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

Although primarily a Sitka plantation, the wood has a scattering of native self-seeded broadleaves dotted around its periphery. These include birch, rowan, willow and hawthorn. Some selective thinning would open up the canopy and allow a greater variety of species to flourish at ground level in the rich humus, as well as providing a steady supply of domestic firewood.

Wildlife

The previously mentioned prolific wildlife is proportionally represented within the wood. Evidence abounds; from squirrel gnawed pine cones, to deer droppings and raptor pellets. An overnight stay is highly recommended to observe the breadth of activity within the wood.

Features

Benantrae Wood features a rustic bench constructed in a secluded glade at the end of the access track.

A free-flowing burn that marks the northern boundary is home to many damp specific species and adds an attractive diversity to an already fascinating wood.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access: External access is via a private track leading off the A714 over which there is a shared all-purpose vehicular right of access, shown green on the maps. Internal access is provided by a stone track leading into the wood with pathways leading onwards into the heart of the woodland.

Rights and covenants

Sporting Rights: These are owned and included with the land.

Activities

The quiet isolation is ideal for a woodland hideaway to come and relax and engage with the local wildlife. For the energetic, nearby walks and the tranquil unspoilt environment make the area perfect for the nature lover and general outdoor enthusiast. A walk up Knockdolian Hill provides panoramic land and sea views across to Aran, the Ailsa Craig and The Mull of Kintyre.

Local area and history

Surrounding Area: The huge Galloway and Carrick Forests can be found further to the east and an early spring wildlife festival takes place in neighbouring Dumfries & Galloway every year. The coastal town of Girvan and shingle beaches at Woodland and Ballantrae Bay, are within 10 miles to the West. Nearby Pinwherry and Barrhill villages have local services whilst Colmonell and Dailly have forestry mills/suppliers. Ayr, Stranraer and Newton Stewart are within 30 miles.

A sharp-eyed observer will be able to spot local limekilns at High Aldons. The access track along the moor was originally built to bring coal in from the station at Pinmore with a return load of lime for export across the country.

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. 76
  • Grid ref: NX 202 907
  • Nearest post code: KA26 0TA
  • GPS coordinates: 55.178, -4.82377

Location map

Directions

Benantrae Wood is located 8 miles south of Girvan between the hamlet of Pinmore and village of Pinwherry off the A714.

Click Here For Directions From Bing maps, enter your own postcode, (Benantrae Wood coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Go" box. This will take you to the turning off the A714. It's easily printed.

Satnav/GPS; the postcode KA26 0TB is for the point shown by the red dot on the location map.

  • Travelling south from Girvan on the A714 pass the junction for the B734 (signposted Barr) on your left
  • Continue for about 200m, turn up the private track immediately by the church.
  • or Travelling north from Barrhill on the A714 pass the junction for the B734 on your left.
  • Continue for just over 1 mile passing a "Woodlands for sale" sign on the left. Continue under the railway bridge for a further 100m.
  • Immediately after the house on the left is a track on the left taking you between the house and the church.
  • Then passing under the railway bridge for about 140m you will find the "Woodlands For Sale" sign and entrance/parking on the right hand side.
  • Please park here away from the gate and follow the access track up for about 800m as shown on the map.
  • At the top gate turn right and continue down the hill, the entrance gate to Benantrae is on the right.
  • Satnav coordinates; N 55 : 09 : 38 W 4 : 49 : 44 ( 55.160618 ) ( -4.828851 )

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

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.

A vigorous young wood with superb views over the peaceful Stinchar Valley and the surrounding hills.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: davidandsarah@woodlands.co.uk