Description

Felthorpe Woods comprises large areas of productive conifers – predominantly Corsican and Scots pine (31.28ha), with smaller areas of Douglas fir (0.9ha), and mixed conifers including Douglas fir, larch and western hemlock (10.40 ha).

The conifers date back to 1950-1968, although smaller areas were felled and replanted between 2005-2013. The latter include areas of young conifers interspersed with ample natural regeneration of birch (11.53ha). The most impressive Douglas fir are in the Nursery Plantation, with easy access to/from the nearby public road. They are ready for felling. Quality Scots and Corsican pine are found throughout the site, but the specimens within Gilham’s Heath are of particularly good form. There are broadleaved corridors that line the roadsides. The broadleaved areas (10.95ha) include mature specimens of sweet chestnut and smaller oaks – albeit that the oaks have a straight form and are generally lightly branched.

There are areas within the wood that are discrete blocks of natural regeneration of silver birch that have grown up around planted Douglas fir. Felthorpe Woods are not designated as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW). Access to and within the woods is excellent, on clearly defined tracks and paths. Each of the five wooded areas has clear access points on to the nearby public road that is suitable for forestry machinery and timber lorries. The ground is predominantly sandy and flat, albeit with gentle inclines to the North West through the Nursery Plantation and the western side of Gilham’s Heath Plantation. There are minor undulations in the west of The Lings but they do not impose significant restrictions on working. Timber stacking areas are possible within the interior of the wood. The views from the wood are intimate, being primarily of the different ages and species of trees that are adjacent to the paths. The long views along a central footpath (running west-east) perhaps best show the different woodland species, including an impressive mature Wellingtonia (California big tree) and has glimpses to the farmed/equine landscape to the south.

There is a firewood business that operates within Steward’s Plantation. This includes a wooden framed open barn. The business pays the woodland owner an annual rent of c.£150/year on a lease that is due to expire in 2025. The lease permits access over the existing track from the barn to the nearby public road subject to making good any damage caused. The track is stone surfaced and is in very good condition. The landowner notes that he has a good relationship with the leaseholders. An area next to the firewood business is excluded from the sale. Existing stacks of timber and miscellaneous machinery are also excluded from sale.