Bring your boots and binoculars as our guests have exclusive access to 11 acres of beautiful private woodland close by. We fell in love with it whilst searching for a place to live and when, by happy coincidence, we found our home just three kilometres away, it proved irresistible.
A project of reforestation by the previous owner: fields of pasture, bordered by the River Rance, were planted up with wild cherry, maple, red oak and black pine, which have now grown into substantial trees. Self-seeded ash, a wonderfully versatile wood, has staked a claim and venerable older trees, the borders of the original fields, are found throughout. Several yews, traditionally planted in churchyards, can be found to the rear of a seventeenth-century presbytery, which marks the entrance to the wood.
Winter is the cutting season, while the trees are dormant and we've been cutting forest rides to improve access and coppice "coupes" which supply all our carnon-neutral heating needs. Spring brings and end to the cutting with the sap rising and the trees and primroses breaking into flower, followed by celandines and patches of bluebells, all making the most of the sunlight before the trees leaf up and close the canopy. The tranquillity of the woods is broken only by birdsong and the lowing of cows from the adjacent dairy farm .
We have started to manage it along sustainable permaculture lines, felling and replanting to establish coppice cycles and introducing more suitable species, thereby increasing the its biodiversity. It is also a place of respite and quiet contemplation, somewhere to relax and recharge our batteries.
The wood is a short drive or cycle away and, as guests in our gite, you are welcome to take a relaxing stroll around it, or picnic there whenever you wish. We'll take you there and supply you with a map so that you can explore.
Have a look at our permaculture blog to read more of how we're getting on.