A beautifully secluded Corsican pine woodland, located in the northern reaches of Cumbria on the lip of Liddesdale, close to the England-Scotland border.

The term "a hidden gem" is much overused; however, in this instance, it is entirely apt. Tucked away as it is in the hills of northern Cumbria in the heart of reiver country and on the edge of the debatable lands, this is a little-visited and unspoiled corner of the county.

Nestled on the fringe of the much larger Kershope Forest, the wood is a Corsican pine plantation, still in its youth. As the name suggests, this tree originates from Corsica. Frequently used as a timber harvest species in these localities, the Corsican pine is a beautiful tree whose regular growth shape and open canopy makes for a pleasant and open woodland, which belies its plantation designation.

Although the trees are young, they have taken well and are well set to achieve maturity and impressive stature. As the wood is near enough 100% pine, there is plenty of scope for additional planting to improve diversity and widen the habitat base. The addition of understorey trees and native woodland plants would be a possible project for the future.

Largely level, the landscape slopes gently to the west as it joins the larger forest, separated along the boundary by a wire deer fence.

Trees:

By and large, the wood is a Corsican pine plantation with a scattering of Norway spruce and occasional Scots pine and a number of self-seeded willow dotted about.

A bare field plantation, the forest floor is already showing signs of naturalisation, with sorrel and foxglove emerging through the grasses.

 

Wildlife:

Despite the fencing, the wood has a transient roe deer population with foxes and badgers also passing through on evening forays. Frogs, toads and newts also make their home here, with adjacent wetland patches giving ample breeding space.

The provision of nest boxes and feeders has supported and encouraged a variety of small woodland birds to stay awhile and raise their hungry broods.

Features:

The central glade has a large camping area with a variety of seating and a tarp-based wood and equipment store, all of which are included in the sale.

Rights and covenants:

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities:

An ideal location to escape from the pressures of modern living. Camping, wildlife watching, cycling on the surrounding network of former drove-roads, really, the possibilities are many and varied.

Small-scale woodland management, conservation or even a low-level supply of domestic wood fuel.

Local area and history:

The wood is surrounded by a large number of small farms and tiny villages in an area historically infamous for lawlessness and unrest. A mere 5 miles from Bewcastle, an isolated village steeped in Roman and Border history. The church, farm, and castle occupy the site of a Roman outpost fort which guarded the Maiden Way, the main Roman road north from Birdoswald on Hadrian’s Wall, some 6 miles to the south.

Click HERE to see free OS maps.