TRIBUNE WOOD

Tribune Wood is located in a quiet rural setting, nestling in the midst of a larger woodland and bounded by open farmland. The wood is predominantly Norway spruce, with the occasional Scots pine and contains some quite large specimens. Access through the wood itself is a pleasant and easy experience as the trees have been sensitively thinned and managed over time. Underfoot, the woodland floor is a soft carpet of mosses, sorrel and ferns that give an attractive show of green throughout the seasons. An occasional self-seeded birch competes well in the never-ending quest for a share of light.

From the public road to the northwest, a strong stoned track leads to a very useful and equally sturdy hardstanding area, useful for storing timber awaiting collection or a convenient place to site a woodland hut to support forest activities. Originally created as drainage when the wood was planted, a small but valuable watercourse crosses the wood near the hardstanding. Supporting its own population of specific plants and invertebrates, it adds interest and variety to the woodland. A substantial log store located within the wood is included in the sale.

The wood rises very gently to the South without detracting from the general feel of level and accessible space. Seasonal fungi proliferate on the woodland floor, giving the mushroom seeker plenty of identification opportunities. Roe deer and squirrels are easily spotted, and the canopy supports a wide variety of birdlife. Jays chatter across the canopy, woodpecker hammer away at their favourite stumps and an occasional woodcock bursts from cover, startling the unprepared.

The large amount of growing timber could be sustainably harvested as a domestic wood fuel source, and this, together with appropriate replanting, could easily promote a greater diversity of native trees and woodland plants to flourish in the newly created openings.

Overnight camping forays are always a great idea as this facilitates wildlife watching at the prime times of dusk and dawn.

The woods at Dilston were formerly part of the estate of the Radcliffes of nearby Dilston Hall. Now serving as a much more useful Cambian specialist further education college, the hall was built to rival nearby 18th-century mansions but was never completed. At the outbreak of the Jacobite Rebellion, work was suspended, never to be resumed. All that remains are the ruins of Dilston Castle, situated on the banks of the Devil's Water, a lively tributary of the River Tyne.

The area has strong historical Roman connections. The wood takes its name from the officials who were elected by the people to safeguard their interests.

Access: Is through a wooden field gate off the B6307, then along a short track to a hard-standing and turning area in the wood.

Surrounding Area: Tribune Wood is part of a larger area of woodland which runs down to the River Tyne. The Tyne is considered to be England's best salmon river which, together with sea trout runs, gives the opportunity for excellent fishing. This is a quiet rural setting with many public footpaths for good walking. Nearby is Hadrian's Wall with the more challenging Hadrian's Wall Long Distance Path.

The attractive market towns of Hexham with its historic abbey and Roman Corbridge lie a short drive away. Rowing and canoeing are popular from Tyne Green Riverside Park.

Boundaries: All four boundaries are marked by fence posts with blue painted tops.

Interested in this woodland? Get in touch with us:

Contact David & Sarah Alty on 07795 104 594 or email us at [email protected] with your details.