Hamptworth, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5.

Hamptworth Common is an extensive principally coniferous plantation of 232.59 acres ( 94.12 hectares).

History
As the name suggests, up to the time of enclosure following the 1822 Enclosure Act it is likely the area was open common land, supporting the acid grassland and heathland communities similar to those in the New Forest. Following the Enclosure Act early conifer planting took place in the 1830's followed by a broadleaf plantation later in the 19th Century of which some remains around the Risbury Hill area.


The Woodland
The majority of the woodland was originally planted in the 1950 – 1970s primarily with Scots Pine with areas of Corsican pine. Much of the Scot's Pine is now mature and ready for harvesting. The northern eastern area is predominantly Larch and there are areas of broadleaved woodland within the main plantation including Oak, Sycamore, Birch and Willow with some Alder and Hawthorn. Electricity Pylons create a cross-section through the woodland and the southern quartile is separated by this fen meadow grassland under the pylons. Vehicular access to the woodland is available from Lyburn Lane to the south and Lyndhurst Road to the north east by an established track which runs through the woodland.


Environmental Opportunities
The woodland is not currently part of any environmental scheme and provides for significant natural capital opportunities whether its be restocking, woodland pasture creation or restoration as heathland.
A recent survey recommended that much of this land be returned to acid grassland and heathland communities. This would require extensive clear felling of conifer, eradication of rhododendron, restoration of wetlands and infrastructure to support extensive grazing.
There is a pending application for a Countryside Stewardship Agreement to carry out the recommendation from this survey, and to restore the area to heathland. The current proposals for a 10 year agreement forecast revenue of £23,000 per annum and a capital works grant of circa £500,000 to facilitate the control of the rhododendron following felling, infrastructure and fencing etc.


Designations
• Risbury Hill Round Barrows – Scheduled Ancient Monument
• Priority Habitat Inventory - Deciduous Woodland
• SSSI Impact Risk Zone
• Nitrate Vulnerable Zone


The woodland is offered freehold with the benefit of vacant possession. There are no third-party grazing or common rights. The woodland is available as a whole or in lots.

Hamptworth sits within the northern boundary of the New Forest National Park, equidistant to Southampton and Salisbury (about 12 miles).