Bennel Wood, Dalbeattie, Dumfriesshire. A recently felled woodland ready for restocking. 33.33 acres. Offers in the region of £145,000 (freehold) [#A2274]
Summary
A stand-alone replanting opportunity in an attractive location near the Solway Coast.
County
Dumfries and Galloway
Size
33.33 acres
Nearest Postcode
DG5 4PE (This is for the local area, not specific to the woodland).
What3Words
Roadside gate (A): ///though.snowboard.monopoly
Centre of wood: ///flukes.caked.revamping
Ordnance Survey Grid References
OS Landranger Series Sheet No: 84
- Roadside gate (A): NX 898 592
- Centre of wood: NX 901 589
Photos
Description
Bennel Wood lies in the Dalbeattie Forest area of southwest Scotland. The village of Dalbeattie (5 miles to the west) offers a range of shops, schools and services, while more extensive facilities can be found in the county town of Dumfries half an hour to the north.
The property occupies the northeast face of Bennel Hill and ranges from 80 metres at its base to 160 metres at the top. It is almost entirely surrounded by rolling farmland over which it has commanding views including to the coast some 2 miles to the south.
Bennel fell victim to Storm Arwen in the autumn of 2021 when almost the entire crop of mature conifers was blown over. The stems have all since been harvested in line with a felling licence and the site has been windrowed in preparation for planting the successor crop. The Soil Survey of Scotland indicates that the soils are peaty podzols, humus-iron podzols and gleys. The current prescription is to replant the open areas of the wood (about 28 acres) with 75% spruce, 19% Douglas fir and 6% mixed broadleaves. The restock area is fringed with hardwoods – primarily birch and sycamore along with a few notable beech stems, particularly in the vicinity of the entrance.
There is excellent access into the wood from the public road via a well-found stone track. This leads to a generous hard-standing area which served the property well during the recent harvesting operation. A number of extraction routes lead out from the hard-standing area which with some upgrade could provide 4WD access across the larger part of the wood.
Bennel certainly requires significant inputs, but the flipside of being a restock site is that it offers a cost-effective way of acquiring a significant woodland asset with the promise of long-term natural capital growth.
If It Were Mine
The current restock prescription described in the felling licence is predominantly conifer, but being conservation minded I would seek a variation to plant a higher percentage of broadleaves and perhaps also consider creating some ponds on the lower northeast edge.
Please remember some management operations require approval and/or a licence.
To View This Woodland
You are welcome to view this woodland at any time during daylight hours. We suggest you download a copy of these particulars and take them with you to assist in identifying boundaries, features and access points.
Residential Planning Permission
You are extremely unlikely to get residential planning permission for this woodland.
Directions & Access
- Leave Dumfries on A711 heading southwest for Dalbeattie.
- After 12 miles turn left onto the B793 signed for Caulkerbush (shortly before entering Dalbeattie).
- Continue on this road for 5½ miles until you see the wide bell-mouth entrance to Bennel Wood on your right, indicated with a Woods4Sale sign (A on the plan).
- Park in the bell-mouth entrance keeping clear of the gate and entrance.
- Walk up the track for 180 metres to enter the wood at B.
Boundaries
The woodland area is entirely bounded by old stone walls.
Sporting Rights
The sporting rights are believed to be included in the sale.
Rights Of Way
The woodland access track links directly to the public road.
Fencing Liabilities
In the absence of information to the contrary it is presumed that boundaries are mutually maintained with neighbours to stock height.
Contracts & Grants
The wood is subject to the restocking obligations in felling licence FPA-9414, a copy of which can be viewed on the link below.
Third Party Rights
There are third party rights to inspect and maintain existing water supplies, pipes and drains that may lie within the property.
How To Buy
Offers are being invited in the region of the guide price stated above. Please click on the link below for further information.
Maps & Plans
Note
Plans, areas and particulars are for reference only. We cannot guarantee their accuracy and they do not form a part of any contract. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the condition of the land.
Contact
Woods4Sale Ltd
Jubilee Chapel
Church Lane
Huxley
Chester
CH3 9BH
UK
Phone: 01248 364 362
info@woods4sale.co.uk
www.woods4sale.co.uk
Company Number: 4657216.
