Ancient woodland for sale

A little over 50 acres of woodland in Withmale Park Wood and Bush Walk near Orlingbury is being offered for sale by Fisher German.

Originally designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1970, it has been identified as an important example of ancient woodland of wet ash/maple types standing on calcareous soil over boulder clay. The woodland supports a number of birds, butterflies, insects and plants including the Herb Paris, Goldilocks Buttercup and various orchids including Greater Butterfly. The most majestic of all is the mature English Oak which is of excellent form and vigour.

To maintain and manage the woodland a coppicing scheme has been re-established within the last ten years and with regularly maintained rides which wind through the trees. Due to the SSSI status of the wood, it is also eligible for certain grants through the Forestry Commission and includes among others the Woodland Planning Grant, Woodland Assessment Grant, Woodland Management Grant and Woodland Regeneration Grant.

The wood is situated between Northampton, Wellingborough and Kettering. Other popular towns such as Market Harborough and the surrounding villages are easily accessible by an efficient road network with the A43, A14 and A6 nearby.

Rebecca Seaman of Fisher German explains: 'This is a very attractive piece of woodland and would make an ideal lifestyle purchase. The surroundings are truly stunning and there is so much on offer.

'Woodland of this quality does not come onto the market very often, and when it does it usually creates huge interest. The land comes with sporting rights so the buyer could potentially enjoy shooting, walking or just simply take in the majesty of the area.'

The woodland is for sale as one or two lots with a guide price of £190,000. (01858 411219; www.fishergerman.co.uk)