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4.8 acres, Elvanfoot, South Lanarkshire, Lowlands
Sold - Fixed Price £65,000

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Situated in a very secluded yet accessible spot, bathed in fresh clean air and overlooking big forests, hills and a wide river plain, Bastle Wood has a splendid sense of space and isolation. It is a tucked away haven, yet still within 50-60 miles drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Carlisle. The surroundings are steeped in archaeological and local history with significant Mesolithic and Bronze Age findings nearby and remains of old fortified farmhouses - Bastles - built to defend against the Border Reivers, Smithwood Bastle being a close by example.

Bastle Wood is a charming, must-see native upland woodland where the restocked trees, having reached an age of 15 years, are gaining stature and canopy cover and will accelerate in growth from here onwards. It is a good time to become a custodian of such a wood whether to simply enjoy the many health benefits or relaxing holiday breaks it will provide you. It is also an ideal stage for using or developing one’s practical skills for woodland and nature conservation, managing trees, harnessing views or extending private paths and glades through the wood. The sustainable forestry, outdoors and recreational activities to be had in one’s own wood are numerous.

The main species are birch, rowan, alder, Scots pine, willow and self-seeded Norway spruce from a previous conifer plantation. It is now well-established mixed woodland with a diverse woodland ground flora, enhanced by the native and amenity focussed restocking in 2005. Ferns, foxgloves and upland grasses compete with peat mosses, lichens and liverworts in the open breathing spaces. Good air flow and drainage are important to healthy trees and woodlands and some skilled pruning, timely thinning and brashed paths would have multiple benefits. Furthermore it generates material for wildlife habitat piles and it is fun and rewarding work.

The wood is blessed with an excellent 150m internal track with superb elevated views from the west bank, and bays for personal use camping with family and friends or siting a secluded shed nearby. There is a central clearing for e.g. some tent camping, meditation or soft play. Four main watercourse drains provide watering holes for roe deer, other fauna and a sanctuary for frogs and tadpoles. Territorial tawny owls are openly prevalent and a good indicator of how beautifully wild, healthy a habitat and remote an area Bastle Wood is deeply ensconced within.