Black Tom, otherwise known as Sir Thomas Fairfax was Lord-General of Cromwell's New Model Army and a leading light of the Parliamentarian cause during the English Civil War. In 1646 he successfully laid siege to nearby Raglan Castle which was subsequently partially destroyed, although only partially, as with even the best efforts of Fairfax's men, the sturdy walls defied most of their hammerings and a great part of this great castle remains standing to be seen and enjoyed today.

This beautiful and peaceful corner of larger Big Wood is in perfect contrast to its gladiatorial namesake. Surrounded on its northern, western and southern sides by woodland and overlooking green fields on its eastern side, catching the rising sun, Black Tom Wood is sheltered and quiet, a tranquil retreat.

Amongst a very diverse range of native broadleaf, birch, ash, hazel, holly and alder there are some truly spectacular oak trees in Black Tom Wood, four of notable girth of ten foot and over. Looking back through older OS maps it can be seen that these oaks have grown in areas that have been wooded since at least the mid 1800s.

As well as these fabulous tree specimens the ground throughout is fairly open and there is much evidence of wildflower, fern and fungi underfoot amongst the overstood coppice stools. A stream which eventually feeds into the nearby Olway Brook cuts through the wood from north to south, about a third of the way into the wood from its western boundary, a magnet for wildlife and birdlife and not bad for a bit of paddling. From the eastern bank of the stream the ground slopes gently up to the eastern boundary where bluebells are found in abundance.

Wildlife: Deer have been seen roaming around the wood, and in the spring it is alive with the sounds of numerous species of birds: as well as the usual suspects…. blackbird, wren, chaffinch, chiff chaff, blue tit, robin, dunnock…. Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker have been heard.

Access: Good vehicular access.  A stone track leads from the main gate to a hard standing at the entrance to the wood. Part of this track is reasonably steep, so a four wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

Boundaries: The eastern boundary is fenced from adjoining farmland.  All other boundaries are marked with stakes, further identified with orange paint. The adjoining woodland to the north is marked with light blue paint, to the south with blue paint, and to the west with red paint.

Please note that the woodland to the east, Windflower Coppice, is also for sale.

Sporting rights: Included

Mineral rights: Included, except as excluded by statute.

Public footpaths: There are no public footpaths or public access of any kind within the wood.

Covenants: in common with the neighbouring woodlands, there is a covenant designed to ensure that all can have quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their woodland.

Local area: Nearby Raglan and Usk have shops, pubs, post office and petrol and there are several excellent pubs in nearby villages. Abergavenny is an easy drive away, as is the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Photographs: were taken in April 2024

VIEWING: You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself.  Please ensure that you have a copy of these sales details with you: we recommend either printing the details or downloading them to your phone/tablet/laptop before you go. Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception.