Randolph Wood

 Randolph Wood is located in a wonderful, tranquil Highland setting. The streams that run inside Randolph Wood's western and northern boundaries, flow on down to the Findhorn River.

The regeneration of the woodland and wildlife habitats after the previous clear felling is apparent everywhere, with young birch and some rowan, willow, alder, spruce, pine and larch, mixing with gorse, ferns, broom, heather and some large brash piles. There are also some older remnant trees mainly along the west boundary. Previously dormant seed banks including of ancient oak, ash and Scots pine have activated, though it is the birch that is beginning to dominate in some areas.

The land has some interesting topography with a wetland gully to the south, a steeper valley side to the north, with flatter and more gentle undulations in between. In the middle of Randolph Wood there is scope for creating a splayed entrance off the public road and a track through to a secluded clearing towards the west boundary (as shown on the detailed map and on the ground).

Suitable thinning is required to open up the access around the entrance, to enable walking round the wood, care must be taken whilst visiting as the brash piles are half rotted and can catch you out.

The wood has a long eastern frontage onto a quiet public road. The sunny open aspects to the west and south over surrounding fields can be enjoyed at leisure from most areas of the wood.

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.

This is a perfect example of natural regeneration following clear felling. When first sold nearly eight years ago, the trees were barely two foot tall and now it has turned into a vibrant jungle with birch being the usual and welcome prime coloniser; it will be fascinating to see how it further develops.

There is so much cover for wildlife in this little gem of a woodland that there must be plenty of it though it is a challenge to see it! Though the regeneration is dense, deer will undoubtedly be present, along with smaller mammals all the way down to the modest vole and mouse. Birdlife too is thriving in this diverse habitat. Some well placed nature cams would be invaluable in opening up its unobserved secrets.

Access: to Randolph Wood is excellent and directly off the B9007 public road either directly off the road (located as shown by the ride stop on the detailed map and ground) or off the shared private track along the southern boundary. A neighbouring farm and wood also have a right of vehicular access over this shared track. Maintenance is according to use.

Sporting Rights: These are owned and included with the land.

Wayleaves: The neighbouring farm has a right to water cattle at the watering point shown on the map, and to a supply of water from the water pipe (shown as the water wayleave on the map). Watering cattle from water courses is on the decrease.

The previous owner has made a start on a great little shelter, it would be fantastic if it gets completed by the new owner. There is also a handy camping deck that is in good condition though the original tent may need replacing.

Surrounding Area: Randolph Wood lies in the lower Findhorn River Valley which is somewhat renowned for salmon fishing, canoeing and the spectacular gorge through which the river runs. Randolph's Leap is a popular local geological spot on the river and the Dava Way trail passing nearby is great for walkers or cyclists exploring the wider area. Outside the river valley, the land is a mosaic of farms, forests, heath moorland and lochs providing a haven for indigenous wildlife including rare raptors, pine marten, red squirrel, red deer and Scottish crossbill. The Findhorn Valley in general (also known as the 'Valley of the Raptors') and surrounding areas, including the Cairngorms National Park and Moray Firth, are indeed a wildlife watcher's paradise. The City of Inverness, Aviemore resort and the Spey Valley are all within 30-45 minutes' drive.

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.