Description

Winforton Little Wood forms part of the larger Winforton Wood that abuts its eastern boundary. Part of the wood is designated as Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) indicating that there has been continuous woodland since pre 1600. The ground flora is variable, but the presence of ASNW species, such as bluebells, give an indication of the biodiversity of the site. The woodland boundary adjacent to the byway is floristically diverse and the occasional old oak stump indicates that the woodland had been selectively harvested in the past.

The broadleaves include large oak trees, pre 1900, the occasional large sweet chestnut, and younger ash, sycamore, alder, rowan and aspen. The oak trees can be very large (girths greater than 100cm diameter at breast height) and are heavily branched, resulting in trees that are full of character. There are some sweet chestnut trees that are similarly sized. The conifers are c.30 years old and include areas of Norway spruce and western red cedar. The conifers are largely unthinned and would benefit from thinning and/or felling to open up space and light into the wood, this could also give potential income and restore the natural characteristics of the wood. The ample natural regeneration suggest that deer populations are not significant.

There is an disused single track railway line that runs on the northern edge of the wood. This line was closed in 1964 but its imprint is visible, and the current owner uses the line for access within the wood. A railway bridge and an old “plater’s hut” lie outside the western boundary of the property. They give an added historic feel to the wood. The landowner has feld c30 Douglas fir. these will be removed and are not included in the sale.

The wood is located in a well wooded part of the county, is accessible and has fine views towards the south and west. The panoramic landscape across the flat farmed landscape and the River Wye (not visible from the wood) to the Black Mountains, Hay Bluff and the wooded Merbach Hill to the south, is attractive. The wood is surrounded by arable and grassland fields, in a quiet setting and one that is accessible, but not visible, from surrounding roads. This gives seclusion and privacy.