Lindors Wood offers woodland investors and enthusiasts alike a woodland of much charm situated on the edge of Mork located off the A466 in the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border between England and Wales. The village of St Briavels is a sought after location in the Forest of Dean, offering local amenities which include a primary school, church, castle and a pub. The Forest of Dean is an ancient royal hunting forest offering walking and riding from the doorstep through dramatic landscapes and nature trails adjacent to historic tourist attractions including Goodrich Castle, King Arthur’s Cave and Tintern Abbey.
The historic County town of Monmouth is approximately 8 miles to the north which is a thriving market town and an architectural gem with a lively community feel. It has many excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes, enhanced by the area’s abundance of good quality producers a wide variety of shopping facilities, including well-known supermarkets sitting alongside independent shops as well as other retailers and the weekly market.
There are excellent state and independent schools in the area including well-regarded primary schools to the two Haberdasher’s Schools (and preparatory school) in Monmouth, as well as Monmouth Comprehensive School which has recently moved to a brand new, purpose-built site. Recreational opportunities abound and include a tennis club in Penallt; golf courses at The Hendre (Rolls of Monmouth) Chepstow (St Pierre) and Newport (Celtic Manor) plus rowing at Monmouth Rowing Club and canoeing on the River Wye at Symonds Yat. Lindors Wood is high above the Wye Valley between Monmouth and Chepstow and although rural and peaceful communications in the area are good with the A40 giving excellent access to the M4/M5/M50 motorway network to South Wales, Bristol, and Birmingham. There are intercity rail services from Newport and Bristol Parkway.
The total area of woodland amounts to 104.60 acres (42.33 ha) and is subdivided into two distinct blocks known as Lot 1: St Margaret’s Grove (36.35 acres / 14.71 ha) and Lot 2: Allen’s Grove(68.25 acres / 27.62 ha). The woodland is managed commercially to produce income generation from timber production. Details and a comparment plan available on request from the Agent. The two blocks are furtherdivided into 20 sub-compartments ranging from the smallest area (Cpt. 4c) of 0.19 acres / 0.08 ha to the largest (Cpt. 1b) being 18.04 acres / 7.30 ha.
Cropping: We understand that the woodland is stocked on an approximate ratio of 60:40 conifer / broadleaf species across its entire area and a species plan for the woodland area is available. Conifer species generally comprised of the following; Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar. Broadleaf species include; Alder, Ash, Beech, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Sweet Chestnut. We are informed that where restocking is undertaken following felling operations, it is generally comprised of the following species mix; 45% Douglas Fir, 45% Norway Spruce and 10% broadleaf species mix, comprised of the above species with the omission of ash.
Land Grade: The property is classified by the Land App as being non-agricultural under the Agricultural.
Soil Type: Soilscapes suggests that the soil type is freely draining slightly acid loamy soils and this also identifies that fertility is low and the land cover is typically neutral and acid pastures and deciduous woodlands.
Woodland Management Plan: There is an agreed woodland management plan in place between the Trustees and the Forestry Commission England, which has been produced by Pryor and Rickett Silviculture Ltd and covers the period 2013 – 2033.
Mineral Rights: It is assumed that the mineral rights are in hand.
Topography: The land is located on the eastern side of the Wye Valley and has a generally western aspect, with a typical elevation range of between 50m and 100m above sea level. Generally, thewoodland is mostly gently sloping, with the only steeper area being compartment 2c where the land rises sharply from an elevation of 48m (157.5ft) ASL to 54m (177.2ft) ASL over a relativelyshort distance of 30m.
Boundaries, Hedges and Fences: We understand that where boundaries adjoin a neighbouring property, the maintenance responsibility for the boundary feature is that of the neighbouring partyand therefore, it is only the roadside boundaries that are the responsibility of the owners of Lindors Wood. The northwest and eastern boundaries against the public highway are unfenced andopen. The boundaries adjoining neighbouring property owners are generally comprised of stock fencing and hedging and some sections of historic iron park railings.
The total area of woodland amounts to 104.60 acres (42.33 ha) and is subdivided into two distinct blocks known as Lot 1: St Margaret’s Grove (36.35 acres / 14.71 ha) and Lot 2: Allen’s Grove (68.25 acres / 27.62 ha). The woodland is managed commercially to produce income generation from timber production. Details available on request from the Agent. The two blocks are further divided into 20 sub-compartments ranging from the smallest area (Cpt. 4c) of 0.19 acres / 0.08 ha to the largest (Cpt. 1b) being 18.04 acres / 7.30 ha.
Services: We understand that there is not a water connection to the property, however, the St Margaret’s Springs rise in the woodland and there are a number of small streams flowing through the woodland notably the Mork Brook. This exists on the southwestern boundary and flows directly into the River Wye beyond the boundary of the property. We understand mainswater and electricity are available at the roadside. Buyers must make their own investigation.
Drainage: We understand that there have not been any major land drainage works undertaken at the property but there are some culverts and ditches located sporadically throughout the woodland along the edges of tracks.
General
Local Authority: Forest of Dean District Council (01594 810000)
Boundaries, Hedges and Fences: All boundaries and fences are the responsibility of the purchaser.
Sporting Rights: It is understood that the sporting rights over the property are retained by a previous owner (Lindors House Estate) and we are informed that these rights are not currently exercised. It is understood that the owners of the wood have a right to control deer, boar and squirrels within the woodland in order to protect their growing timber.
Condition: Generally, the woodland is in good condition and we understand that it is proactively managed, with planned interventions of thinning or felling occurring every three to five years and an on-going maintenance regime of beating-up and weed control on areas that have been replanted. There did not appear to be a significant windthrow issue at the site. We understand that the soil depth of the site has enabled trees to establish robust rooting systems and only isolated instances of windthrow were noted on inspection. Generally, the windthrow observed was located in areas where the woodland had been restructured where areas of clear felling has been undertaken, leaving the edge of the remaining trees exposed,notably compartment 1b.
Flood Risk: The Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning indicates that the St Margaret’s Springs area of the property are located within Flood Zone 2 and Flood Zone 3, being an area with a high probability of flooding. The remainder of the property is indicated as being within Flood Zone 1, being an area with a low probability of flooding.
Tenure and Possession: The land is freehold and will be sold with vacant possession on completion.
Covenants: Any future planning permission is subject to an overage clause.
Plans, Areas and Schedules: These are based on the Ordnance Survey and are for reference only. They have been checked by the Vendors’ Agents and the Purchaser(s) shall be deemed to have satisfied themselves as to the description and acreage of the land.
Wayleaves, Easements and Rights of Way: The property will be sold subject to and with the benefit of all wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether mentioned in these particulars or not.
Please Note: Small patches of Japanese Knotweed are located on the property. Please ask the agent for details on the location.
Please Note: Two footpaths run across the land, please ask the Agent for details.
Contact Pryor and Rickett Silviculture
Office: 01432 851311
Email: tom.whitchurch@silviculture.co.uk
