Silver Rock Wood, BA1

Silver Rock Wood is a truly unique woodland with lots of character. Veteran ash, yew and sycamore regeneration of about thirty years of age makes up much of the woodland together with beech, cherry, horse chestnut, field maple, hazel, holly, hawthorn.

Numerous woodland paths lead you in and around the wood. The terrain is steep in places but has a wonderful open area and firepit beside an imposing rock formation of Bath stone (Jurassic Oolitic limestone) which makes for a very interesting landscape and provides an ideal area for camping and woodland activities.

The variable terrain is likely to have led to the diverse ground flora (at least 102species have been recorded) which includes the luxuriant hart's tongue fern, dog's mercury, stinking iris, bluebells and ransoms. Even the elusive Bath asparagus has been spotted. The woodland hosts a wealth of wildlife and Roe deer are often seen and the dormouse is believed to inhabit the area along with many species of bat including the rare Bechsteins bat. Seventeen different species of bird have been recorded including buzzard, chiffchaff, treecreeper and goldcrest.

For those looking for a private and secluded woodland to study nature close up, Silver Rock Wood is ideal. There are access points directly off the quiet Warleigh Lane including a padlocked gated entrance which will allow for off road parking. There are no public rights of way across the wood. Sporting rights are included.

This entire area of woodland was originally owned and managed by Warleigh Manor the seat of the Skrine family from before 1400 until 1956 when Anne Dorothea Skrine died a spinster, aged 81. The present Warleigh Manor, which can be seen at certain times of year, was built to the design of the Staffordshire architect Neale Webb and completed in 1851. In1986 the house was sold and converted for use as a residential school known as Warleigh School.

Ideally placed, whether looking for picturesque walks or wild swimming, Warleigh Weir and the towpath is within easy walking distance. The city of Bath, Bradford-on-Avon and the surrounding villages are all just a short drive away.

Covenants
There is a covenant on the wood designed to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of this and adjoining woodlands. The land is covered by a development clause put in place by a previous owner. This means that if the new owner gets planning permission for a change of use before 2026 then half of the increase in value of the land that results is payable to that previous owner. Woodland management and enjoyment is is not affected by this clause.

We must advise you that being woodland and remote there is a risk to safety. We would advice that viewers do not visit the woodland alone, but if they do to ensure that they advise someone that they are viewing the woodland and at what time and the time they expect to leave the woodland.

Tenure: Freehold