Woodlands For Sale South East England

Grammar’s Common is a diverse woodland of mainly conifers, but with a significant broadleaved content as well. It sits in an outstanding position, and from particular viewpoints you have superb views across to the coast. It is situated at the quiet southern end of the island, with some lovely little villages nearby. A very rare opportunity to purchase a piece of classic English countryside.
 
The conifers range from young (1997) to mature (pre 1960). They are largely Corsican Pine, well suited to the soils and coastal position. There is a young (1997) compartment of broadleaves (Ash, Beech and Hornbeam) on the eastern side of the woodland, and some majestic mature Oak, Chestnut and Sycamore around the barrow in the northern compartment.

The woodland is approached on a minor country road, across a field on a hard stone-surfaced track and through the woodland gate to a large surfaced parking area. From here paths and tracks lead you through the woodland in various different directions.

The freely draining sandy soils are proving to be very fertile, with the young pines in the central area showing excellent growth rates. The larger Corsican Pines in the southern section are now approaching maturity, but could perhaps take one more thinning operation. There is a small group of “interesting” Lawson’s Cypress on the southern boundary which could produce some good rustic poles if you were looking for materials to make your garden bench from. The Forestry Commission have indicated that there would be a Woodland Improvement Grant to remove the Lawson's Cypress and replant them with a more suitable species.

It’s hard to think of a woodland with quite as much wildlife content as Grammar’s Wood. Red squirrels (see photo) have a dray in the larger pines near the path at the southern end, with badgers, foxes, rabbits and even a pair of Nightjars to keep them company.

The burial mound (named Black Barrow) in the north of the woodland is surrounded by large mature Corsican Pines, broadleaved trees and rhododendrons. The mound itself is largely cleared of trees, but the little dingle beyond is a bluebell-filled oasis with a very different feel to the rest of the woodland. It is not easy to get to, but well worth exploring. The current owners have worked with English Heritage recently and have done some work to increase access to the Barrow. Investigations have not yet confirmed whether the mound is actually a burial site.

The woodland lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and lies just to the north of the Heritage Coast which covers the majority of the south western coastline of the Isle of Wight. The woodland is also designated as a site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) due to its heathland and other species present. The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society recorded 98 species of plants growing in the woodland.

Grammar’s Common is leasehold, being held on two leases with a total annual rent of £5.85, fixed for the term of the leases. One lease runs out in 920 years and one in 948 years.

From Newport, head south on the B3323 signed for Shorwell and Brighstone. After a little over 3½ miles you will come into the village of Shorwell. At the roundabout continue on the B3399 in the direction of Brighstone.

Soon after the hamlet of Limerstone you will come into the village of Brighstone. Go straight through the village. Just after you emerge from the village you need to turn right into Strawberry Lane.

Drive up the hill for about 650 metres and you will see a wooden gate on your right with a sign attached saying “Grammar’s Common”. This is the access route to the woodland. Drive through the gate (making sure it is closed behind you) and then across the field to the woodland gate. You can park in the large parking area inside, but you will need to telephone our office for the padlock combination in advance.

Please make sure you do not obstruct the farmer’s access to his field.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Series: 196.

Gate: SZ 413 842.

Centre of wood: SZ 415 838.

Nearest postcode: PO30 4EB.

The game shooting rights have been reserved to the lessor, but we believe they are not currently being exercised.

Although the lessor has retained the mineral rights, the lessee has the right to extract minerals for construction and maintenance of buildings, walls, roads and tracks.

The woodland carries the right of way across the field for all purposes at all times.

There is a public footpath running through the wood.

The terms of the lease state that the lessee should fence the boundaries adjacent to land owned by the lessor. The present owners have not carried out any fencing nor have they been requested to do so.

You are welcome to view this woodland at any time during daylight hours. We do ask that you print these particulars and take them with you, mainly so you can correctly identify the boundaries and access points.

Once you have seen this woodland, you can contact us by telephone on 01248 364362, or by email at info@woods4sale.co.uk.

Plans, areas and particulars are for reference only. They have been carefully checked by us but we cannot guarantee their accuracy and do not form a part of any contract. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves, and we will give as much help as possible with all information we have available.