Rokeby Wood Bramham, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23

Rokeby Wood is a well organised commercial woodland opportunity. Excellent access and a series of distinct species compartments separated by internal woodland rides, allow for productive ongoing commercial management.

Mature oak and beech reach skyward at regular intervals, indicative of the careful stewardship of this woodland by previous generations who have managed the tree cover and allowed the best specimens to thrive. Space here has also been allowed for the natural regeneration of holly, birch and hazel in the generous clearings.

The eastern area of the wood comprises a densely stocked compartment of spruce that will soon be ready to generate financial returns. Ash trees within the wood provide a solid source of firewood which could be sold commercially. All the woodlands we offer for sale will include a forestry commission formatted management plan that will set out the commercial aims for the woodland and fulfil the requirement for commercial management. The management plan will enable a new owner to have the informed input of a commercial forestry consultant that has drafted this document and who could be engaged to provide ongoing advice and support in carrying out the objectives contained within the plan.

Rokeby Wood is located at the end of a recently restored length of woodland track that winds its way through surrounding woodland and as such offers excellent access for vehicles. There is a suitable parking area within the boundary of the wood before unmade tracks and pathways lead further into the cover of the trees. A bridleway runs along the access track and the south and west boundary of the wood, providing a great way to explore the surrounding open countryside.

Beyond the tremendous commercial scope of this woodland, it can also be enjoyed by a new owner as a place to engage with the delights of the natural environment. The morning sunlight from open farmland to the east makes delightful camping clearings beneath protective boughs of giant oaks with views across the fields. The changing light along this boundary results in an interesting variety of plant life where the nurturing sunlight seeps through the tree - line. After the ravages of winter, warm spring sunshine draws out bright woodland colours and delicate shades of daffodils, wood anemones and celandine that look so stunning against the burnt gold and amber of winter leaf litter.

Boundaries

Rokeby Wood has distinct boundaries, clearly identifiable by established tracks and field boundaries, as indicated on the accompanying plan.

Tenure

The freehold is available including any sporting rights that pass with the land. There is no VAT chargeable on the purchase price.

Ownership

The benefits of woodland ownership have recently become more widely acknowledged. There is a good deal of flexibility when acquiring woodland to do so in such a way that can assist with inheritance tax planning for future generations. In addition, during the period of ownership there is currently no income tax payable on sales of timber from the woodland. There are also capital gains tax benefits relating to the increase in value of trees as standing timber and there are no business rates or annual taxes on woodland.

Planning for the best financial outcome from woodland ownership starts with a well -conceived Woodland Management Plan. This is a site-specific document that sets out the long term aims of the woodland with the focus of commercial management in mind. At Legacy Forestry, we provide buyers with a bespoke Woodland Management Plan drafted by a professional forestry consultant who will not only be able to advise on your personal aims for managing the woodland but also have the local contacts to contract any forestry operations necessary to carry out specific objectives.

There is also a further consideration that comes with the opportunity to own woodland. Apart from HMRC’s favourable tax treatment of commercial forestry investments, woodland ownership also brings with it the enormous additional rewards of stewardship of the countryside and a chance to conserve, manage and enjoy a precious and important environment.

Location & Directions

Just 11 miles from Leeds, 15 miles from Harrogate and 20 miles from York. The wood is located west of the A1(M) between junctions 44 and 45.

Please park in the lay-by opposite the Dalton Lane bridle path gate. Please avoid parking in front of the gate itself.

The eventual owner of the wood will have a key to the gate but for viewings please access the wood on foot via the Dalton Lane bridleway. You will observe here that there are woodlands.co.uk signs relating to other woodlands that share this access point.

• Travel parallel with the A1(M) south from junction 45 and north from junction 44 signed to Bramham and turn west on to Thorner Road signposted for Wetherby, Boston Spa and Thorner.

• After just less than a mile, at the sharp left bend keep right on to Thorner Lane.

• After a third of a mile pass the first woodland entrance on the right and proceed for a further 200 metres before parking in the lay-by on the left.

• Cross the road and walk through the entrance way on to Dalton Lane Bridleway and continue for about 500 metres where you will see the LegacyForestry sign board at the entrance to the wood.

Please contact Dan Sharp on 07780 900192 to arrange a visit. You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself, but as many woodlands do not have mobile phone reception or internet access, please try and make sure you have a copy of these sales details with you. Please be aware of potential hazards within the woodland when viewing.