Garth Wood

Garth Wood is part of the wider woodland of Lairshill situated near the village of Newmachar: the area has many links with nearby Aberdeen and takes its name from St Machar who was sent to convert the Picts to Christianity in 580AD.

Entering the woods along a wide winding track, there is spruce to the right and an area suitable for camping or a vehicle, though you may well be drawn in the direction of the deciduous area ahead.

These trees are 25 years old and are a good example of what can be achieved in a relatively short time; the track continues to wind through an avenue of cherry, followed by ash. Around each bend is a new species, birch followed by oak and alder. The understory of white and pink flowering dog rose provides an abundance of nectar for butterflies.

Passing through the various plantings the landscape opens out. These were once Pictish lands ruled by the tribal chieftains though nowadays there is a more tranquil air to the surrounding area. This more open area would be perfect for a tree nursery to re-stock your woodland.

As you follow the path round you will come across a triangle of mature sycamore and Scots pine, flanked by an avenue of mature willow coppice, ready for a coppice worker's attention.

To your right is the main body of spruce with many internal tracks that could be opened up once a master plan has been decided. Conifer woodlands will allow for creativity in establishing tracks and secret clearings, as well as providing a good source of wood fuel.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.

There is a good mix of trees within the deciduous areas, though the plantation is very much monoculture. The woods would make an excellent project to transform this woodland into something more native, using the concepts of continuous tree cover management.There is plenty of birdlife visible though more likely heard, especially through April, May and June at the height of the nesting season. Wildlife cams are affordable and east to set up and are a good way of seeing what is around when the humans are not.Internal access is along a grassy track approximately 400m from the main gates.All sporting and mineral rights are sold with the land.

Surrounding area: Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest city profiting from a booming oil industry with property being very sought after. The beaches of St Cyrus are within an hour's drive and to the west is the fertile and attractive area of Deeside and beyond are the eastern fringes of the Cairngorn National Park. To the north is the whisky producing area of Speyside whilst the north east coastline provides empty beaches and historic fishing villages.

This will be a fantastic woodland for providing a sustainable source of firewood with potentials for hut building subject to the relevent planning permissions.

Interested in this woodland? Get in touch with us:

Contact Torquil Varty & Rachel Bower on 07803 903 203 or email us at [email protected] with your details.