Hammoon, Sturminster Newton

26.31 acres of diverse ancient broadleaf with good access situated between Sturminster Newton and Shillingstone. For sale by Public Auction and via Livestream on Friday 16 May 2025 at 2pm at Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AA. Register to bid in the room, online, by telephone or by proxy via our website.

Auction - For sale by Public Auction and via Livestream on Friday 16 May 2025 at 2pm at Merley House, Merley House Lane, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AA. Register to bid in the room, online, by telephone or by proxy via our website.

The Property - The woodland has twenty new broadleaf species planted to improve diversity and to replace ash and includes oak, cherry, and coppiced hazel. It is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest with an important heron and egret colony established since 1974, it is a haven for wildlife including woodcock and dormice. Two ponds attract mallard and teal. There is good road access to a mature stand of valuable conifer at the southern end, with a track leading to the heart of the broadleaf wood. With well maintained rides, Tan-hill Copse also provides excellent leisure opportunities, bordering a nature reserve and the Dorset Trailway.

Situation - The woodland lies on a gentle slope within farmland. The nearby villages are Shillingstone and Child Okeford, and the town of Sturminster Newton -3 miles - provide a wide range of facilities and shops including the excellent country store, Harts of Stur. There are many walks nearby on Hambledon Hill and Bulbarrow as well as a range of pubs.

Designations - The majority of Tanhill Copse is classified as Ancient Woodland, the entirety is classified as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and on the Priority Habitat Inventory, classified as Deciduous Woodland.

Access - Access to the property is gained directly off the council-maintained highway adjoining the land, through a single gate. Access can also be gained via a gate off the Dorset Trailway.

Material Information - • The woodland is entered into a Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Agreement which expires on the 31/12/2027. With continued maintenance further grant support is available for two more years.
• The sporting, timber and mineral rights are held in hand and are included in the sale.
• There is a felling licence in place which facilitates the felling, thinning and regeneration felling of preidentified areas, extending to a total area of approximately 11.27 acres (4.56 ha). The full licence will be contained within the legal pack.
• No mains services.
• The primary access to the property is gained directly off the council-maintained highway near Hammoon, through a single wide gate. A further access is available via a gate off the North Dorset Trailway.
• No Public Rights of Way.

Local Authority - Dorset Council -


Tenure And Possession - Freehold with vacant possession on completion.

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Viewing: - Due to the nesting Heron population in the southwest of the copse, the vendor has requested that any persons wishing to view the property, are to only gain access from the single gate off of the North Dorset Trailway. Viewings shall be during daylight hours with a set of sales particulars in hand after informing the agents. It is requested that no undue noise is made while walking under the heron and egret nests at the southwest end of the woodland. Visitors may be interested to view the veteran oak beside the camping area as well as the bluebell glade beside the track. Please do not take your dog near the heronry and, in any case, we request that you keep your dog on a lead so as not to disturb the woodcock.