Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Ringquhill Wood £55,000 Freehold

Description

Located in a quiet agricultural area yet well served by transport links Ringquhill Wood is a conifer plantation atop an ancient peatland habitat. The trees were planted some 40 years ago and have grown slowly due to the low nutrient levels of the peat. This has led to tightly spaced growth rings and comparatively dense timber in the Sitka stems, making for very useful timber. Along the access track is a clear area which is filled with coarse grasses, mosses and heather. At the end of the track, formed along an abandoned railway line, a small pond is a desirable feature which leads on into a marshy area in which water-loving willow has taken a secure hold. Cut pathways through the wood lead to the northern boundary fence sporting views across the Machars and onto Cairnsmore of Fleet.

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

Sitka spruce is the predominant species of the wood having been planted on open ground in the 80's. A small clear-felled area is regenerating itself with Sitka, native birch and willow, with the occasional rowan and perhaps surprisingly, a few wee oaks.

The marshy area beyond the pond is home to a block of willow with the odd gnarled hawthorn dotted about. Along the open banks and the road and trackside, a large variety of wildflowers can be seen as the seasons dictate, foxglove, campion and bog asphodel to mention a few.

Wildlife

Perhaps the presence of oak trees can be explained by sightings of that colourful corvid the jay as it speeds from one area of cover to the next. Within the trees, a small area of pressed-down grass is a sure sign that a roe deer rested here a while.

The drainage channels parallel to the track are an ideal breeding habitat for a surprising number and variety of dragonflies, A patient observer will sport their lava as they rise to the surface to breathe. Not to be confused with that almost alien pond land predator the larva of the great diving beetle.

Newts, frogs and toads live here in abundance with lizards and slow worms occupying a different niche within the ecosystems.

Features

Perhaps the main feature of this wood is largely unseen. Beneath the flora is a layer of peat. Formed over thousands of years this vital and rare habit is only relatively recently having its importance recognised.

A woodlands bench has been created to give a seated viewing point over the small pond and the eastern edge of the wood.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Ringquihill Wood is easily accessed from the A75 Dumfries to Stranraer highway and then down a single-track road to the gated entrance. From there a well-found stone track leads to, and then along a former railway track to the entrance of the wood.

Within the wood small pathways have been cut through the spruce to allow access into the heart of the wood.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities

An ideal location for a quiet camping spot it should be possible to create a small cabin, subject to the appropriate planning consent, an excellent use for the slow-grown standing timber in the wood.

The spruce is now of a size where sensitive thinning could be considered. This would allow more light in and give the opportunity for broadleaf planting thus improving the biodiversity of the wood. This could also provide a small source of domestic firewood, easily processed and stacked to dry on the provided hardstanding.

Local area and history

Aeons ago the whole of this area was covered in a huge ice sheet that extended across most of the British Isles. Their actions left unique geographical features in the landscape. A nearby drumlin field has prompted the naming of a few more prominent examples one of which shares our woodlands name.

Located in the Machars of Galloway the locality is subject to a relatively mild climate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Within fifteen miles to the east or west, the sea is easily reached with an interesting variety of rocky shorelines, sandy beaches and low lying cliffs.

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. 82
  • Grid ref: NX 287 597
  • Nearest post code: DG8 0DW
  • GPS coordinates: 54.9027, -4.67289

Location map

Directions

Ringquhill Wood is just off the A75, 22 miles west of Stranraer and 11 miles east of Newton Stewart.

Satnav: the postcode DG8 0DW is for the point shown by the red dot on the location maps. Satnav coordinates are: N54 54 09 W4 40 22

Click Here for Directions From Bing Maps enter your own postcode, (Ringquhill Wood coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Go" box. This will take you to the main entrance gate.

Our Directions:

  • From the west, pass the village of Glenluce on the A75 and continue for about 3.5 miles to a small section of dual carriageway.
  • Turn right through the central area signposted as a minor road junction.
  • Turn right onto the A75 in the opposite direction and take the first left.
  • Continue for about a mile, to the well-marked main entrance gate on the left.
  • Just before the main gate is a small layby on the right, please park safely here and continue on foot.
  • From Newton Stewart on the A75 pass the village of Kirkowan on the left and continue for about 3 miles to a small section of dual carriageway.
  • Pass the large "woodlands for sale" sign and take the minor road to the left.
  • Continue for about a mile, to the well-marked main entrance gate on the left.
  • Just before the main gate is a small layby on the right, please park safely here and continue on foot.
  • Once inside the main gate walk along the track for about 90m to the T junction, turn right and continue for a further 500m.
  • The entrance to the wood is ahead of you through a well-marked ridestop.

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.

An attractive conifer woodland located in the west of Dumfries and Galloway in a quiet rural location, surrounded by an agricultural landscape.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: davidandsarah@woodlands.co.uk