The woodland is an area of peace and great natural beauty and is locally famous in the spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells. The woodland provides a natural habitat for roe deer, badgers, foxes and many small mammals together with a rich bird life including buzzards, kestrels, woodpeckers etc.

Holyford Wood is mainly of amenity, recreational and nature conservation interest, comprising ash, oak and a crop of douglas fir. Some of the northern oaks are thought to be over 200 years old. The wood has a rich understorey of hazel, with occasional silver birch, holly and elm, and interesting wild flower glades. There are approximately 6 hectares (14.826 acres) of Douglas fir and mixed conifers about 25 years old. These may yield a commercial crop with appropriate management.

This is the OS map showing the 56 acres of woodland which was saved once again by the Holyford Woodland Preservation Society.

On September 20th 2001, a public campaign was launched to raise money to purchase 56 acres of Holyford Woods. This has resulted in over 220 pledges totaling over £32,000 from private individuals, local societies and Seaton Parish Council. These pledges have been made on the condition that the Woodland Preservation Society, actively backed by the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, obtain the option to buy Holyford Woods. The Society had a great deal of support from Mr. Geoff Jones, the former Countryside Officer for East Devon District Council, who submitted a report and recommendation to the Environmental and Planning Committee, that the Council supports the Society with a grant to assist in the purchase of this important semi-natural ancient woodland for public use. The council agreed and made a £30,000 contribution toward the campaign.

Tel. 01297 552316

Email: holyford@datacottage.com