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Photos

Description

Honey Bee Copse forms part of a larger woodland area known as Roundwyck Copse and is located 5 miles north of the 17th-century town of Petworth in pastoral West Sussex. It is accessed through a locked gate and over a stone track.

Situated over level loamy clay soil, the woodlands canopy for the most part comprises lofty poplar, roughly 60 years old. Poplar is the fastest-growing broadleaf species in the northern hemisphere, and although not overly durable, it is a valued timber nonetheless for applications including musical instruments, some types of flooring, and vegetable crates. The species was planted in large areas during the 1950s and '60s to serve the once busy horticulture and veneer markets.  

Birch, ash, and willow add to the tree composition and some magnificent oak standards can be found - largely along the southeastern and southwestern boundaries. The lush shrub layer below is made up of blackthorn, field maple, hazel coppice and occasional holly, offering a lovely sense of privacy in some areas. Come spring and summer the ground layer is awash with woodland flora that includes primrose, blackberry, dog’s mercury, greater stitchwort and red campion.    

A grassy glade towards the east of the wood could offer a nice area to mill some timber. There are also some recently planted specimens of oak and hazel, potentially creating a legacy for future generations if managed well. Views over open countryside are enjoyed from both southeast and northwest boundaries.

Numerous feathered visitors such as nightingale (which are believed to nest among the blackthorn) owl, tree creeper, buzzard and many songsters seek refuge in the tranquillity of this location. Woodland creatures including roe deer, badger, fox and hare have all been spotted.

The woodland is subject to an Article 4 Direction, which means that full planning permission would be required for activities usually covered under permitted development rights.

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If It Were Mine

I would consider clearing some access trails through the shrub layer and positioning some birdboxes in the upper canopy, perhaps setting up a trail camera or two to observe wildlife movements both in the trees and on the ground.  I might investigate removing some of the poplar, with a view to replacing with oak and or sweet chestnut.

Please remember some management operations require approval and/or a licence.

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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.

Download

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Residential Planning Permission

You are extremely unlikely to get residential planning permission for this woodland.

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Directions & Access

• From Petworth, leave town heading north on the A283, past the front entrance to Petworth House.
• After 3½ miles turn right at a junction signed for Balls Cross and Ebernoe.
• After 2 miles you will come to a T junction. Turn left in the direction signed for Northchapel.
• After about 100 metres turn right by a red post office box along Scratchings Lane.
• After a further ¾ mile you will cross over a small stone bridge. Immediately after, you will see a private tarmac drive lined with small logs on the left with a sign saying Howick/Howick Farm (point X on the plan below).
• Please park safely on the council road, not on the private drive and be careful not to obstruct traffic from the private drive.
• Continue on foot up the tarmac drive and after about 80 metres you will see a pair of wooden gates on your left (point A).
• Please open the gates and walk through closing them behind you.
• Shortly after, continue round to the left of a second wooden gate.
• Continue along the track for 200 meters and Honey Bee Copse is to the right (point B), as the track bears round to the right, indicated by orange paint on a wooden post (there is a vehicular pull-in near point C).

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Boundaries

• The northeast boundary CD is indicated by orange paint on occasional wooden posts and trees.
• The southeast boundary DE is indicted by a dilapidated barb wire fence with a post and rail fence beyond, EF is indicated by a barbwire fence, FG is indicated by a dilapidated historic barbwire fence with the more recent fence beyond.
• The southwest boundary is GB follows an earth bund indicated by orange paint on occasional trees and wooden posts.
• The northwest boundary BC is indicated by the livestock fence between the track and the field.

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Sporting Rights

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale. They are not let.

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Mineral Rights

The mineral rights are owned and included in the sale except as reserved by statute.

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Rights Of Way

• There is a right of way for the purposes of woodland management over the route XAB.
• A right of way is reserved over the route BC for the benefit of the woodland beyond.
• A maintenance clause covers the shared rights of way.
• There are no public rights of way within this woodland.

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Fencing Liabilities

There is a fencing liability marked BC on the plan, this fence has been replaced and is in good condition.

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Restrictive Covenants

There are some restrictive covenants to protect the woodland and the environment. Please click on the button below to view these.

Read More

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How To Buy

This woodland is being sold on a fixed price basis. We require the following information in writing before we mark a woodland as sold and take it off the market (please ensure you have funds in place before doing this):

• The name and price of the woodland
• Confirmation you have viewed the woodland
• Full name (including middle names), address, phone number and date of birth of all legal purchasers
• Please confirm how you will be funding the purchase and that you have cleared funds available
• The full contact details of your instructed solicitor (including name of company, contact name, email address, telephone number and full address)

Please click on the button below for more information.

Buy This Woodland

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Maps & Plans

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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.

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