Woolpit Wood, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30

Woolpit Wood offers plentiful scope to enhance a mixed woodland where areas of naturally regenerating birch can be managed to maturity alongside additional augmentation through planting further indigenous broadleaf species. There are also established areas of mature Scots pine and oak within the wood that provide more immediate commercial opportunity alongside some open areas ready for replanting. This process of enhancement and diversification through new tree planting is greatly facilitated by extensive historical deer fencing within Woolpit Wood which isolates several large compartments where young trees can grow unhindered by browsing deer.

At the southeast edge of the woodland, delightful views stretch out from beneath a tree line of mature oak at the woodland fringes, looking across open farmland. This sense of rural seclusion is further enhanced by the absence of public footpaths, which lends a feel of tranquillity, as well as facilitating future forestry operations. The deer fencing provides clearly identifiable boundaries for Woolpit Wood in conjunction with historic ditches and open fields.

This is a tremendous opportunity to implement the commercially focused woodland management plan provided by Legacy Forestry for a new owner or adapt it to suit their own management objectives. There are two established points of access into Woolpit Wood. The principal point is at the northwest corner, where there is plenty of space for timber handling and storage following any desired felling. There is also a useful secondary access at the southwest.

Beyond the commercial aspects, the rewards of ownership are numerous. The natural process of woodland regeneration will often require a helping hand from some form of management intervention and in overseeing this process there is great satisfaction to be enjoyed from witnessing the changing environment. In particular, the preservation of habitat for indigenous woodland species of bats, birds and mammals that rely upon this shrinking resource for their survival and the knowledge that good stewardship of the woodland will protect these important wooded spaces for future generations.

Boundaries

Woolpit Wood has distinct boundaries, clearly identifiable by fencing, field boundaries and ditches/banks as indicated on the accompanying plan.

Tenure

The leasehold is available. There is a long lease in place with a peppercorn rent – further details available from the agent. Sporting rights do not run 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

Woolpit Wood is located approximately 10 miles east of Bury St Edmunds just off the A14.

From the east, leave the A14 at Junction 47a and continue for about 800 metres before turning right into Warren Lane. Follow this road for about three quarters of a mile as it becomes Wood Road and crosses over the A14 and then after a couple of hundred metres you will see the gateway and Legacy Forestry sign on your left -hand side where you can pull off the road.

The eventual owner of the wood will have a key to the gate but for viewings please access the wood on foot.

Viewing and Directions

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 acopy of these sales details with you. Please be aware of potential hazards within the woodland when viewing.