An interestingly diverse mix of native and plantation conifers contrasts with an abundant selection of broadleaf trees, located in the heart of East Lothian and within easy reach of Edinburgh.

Hailes Wood lies on the fringe of the much larger Bolton Muir Wood, surrounded by agricultural land and close by the charming village of Gifford. Looking back on historic maps it is evident that the land has been set over to woodland for a great many centuries. Indeed the land is designated as a PAWS, plantation on the site of ancient woodland. In practice, this means that the underlying soil structure is ideally suited and adapted by nature to support woodland due to the lack of general disturbance over a long period of time. A short walk around the wood shows plenty of evidence for this assertion. Wherever trees have been felled and the light allowed in, the wood has responded with a diverse and profuse regeneration of young trees, shrubs and many other woodland-loving plants. The base stock of trees have flourished equally well and many of them have now reached a significant height and girth.

Trees: The main conifer planting consists of a mix of species, in the main being Scots pine, Norway and Sitka spruce and a scattering of deciduous larch. An ancient beech hedge, twisted and gnarled with age, runs atop the dyke which separates the wood from the road. Between the evergreens, oak, birch, hawthorn and holly create a dense understorey sitting just above a verdant mix of ferns and mosses. A number of new native species saplings have been planted in open areas throughout the wood.

Wildlife: The wide variety of flora in Hailes Wood makes it an ideal home for wildlife large and small, whether aerial or ground-based. A large selection of invertebrates gives a vital food source for a wide variety of birds, which are in turn preyed upon by their larger cousins. Toads and frogs inhabit the dense clumps of grass, finding a breeding place in the occasional small seasonal pools. Larger mammals such as deer and badger are resident within the wood as a whole, and their foraging forays know no human boundary restrictions.

Features: The topography is largely level, dipping gently to the west to the boundary with the neighbouring wood. A rustic bench has been installed to encourage the visitor to sit and rest and take in the surrounding nature. The stone-strengthened area would be an ideal spot to stack cut timber before its transportation to a wood burner 'ready' pile. A substantial camping platform has been constructed to facilitate an overnight stay. Picnic benches and a fire pit make for an improptu woodland barbeque.

Access: Access to the wood is through a double-gated entrance off the B6355, from here the historic stone track is suitable for most cars and leads to the woodland entrance. Several paths have been created through the wood to facilitate access.

Rights and covenants: The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities: Already incredibly diverse, the wood could benefit from low-level management and conservation activity. The mature timber stands would sustainably provide a rotational domestic fuel supply.

An occasional overnight stopover would be the ideal opportunity to observe the hive of animal activity that transpires once human activity is not so apparent.

Local area and history: The surrounding landscape is steeped in history. Hailes Castle is a castle dating mainly from the 14th century, lying 5 miles east of Haddington. First constructed in the 1200s, its story parallels the turbulent history and the changing fortunes of the nation of Scotland.

To the south lie the Lammamuir hills which contain several excellent walking and cycling trails. The Pencaitland Railway Walk which starts in Gifford offers wonderful views of parts of East Lothian that are inaccessible by car. The trees and hedgerows along the route offer shelter to a great diversity of wildlife and many rare wildflowers are established along the embankments.

The boundaries of the wood are marked by red painted-topped posts on three sides and by the B6355 on the fourth.

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, here is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.

For a drone film tour of the whole woods in which Hailes Wood is located: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRAOpVQeKYU