Ancient woodland near Rodney Stoke sells for more than double the asking price

A parcel of native ancient woodland near Rodney Stoke has been snapped up ahead of a planned livestream auction, at more than double the asking price.

The woodland at Rye Ditch Wood on the Mendip Hills has environmental importance and is classified as ancient woodland by Natural England.

It is home to a range of native species including oak, ash and hazel along with some horse chestnuts.

It extends to around 3.87 acres, or 1.57 hectares, and is situated within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The auctioneers, Greenslade Taylor Hunt, were quoting a guide price of £34,000.

Agricultural surveyor Jamie Batt said: "There was a phenomenal amount of interest in this lot, with prospective purchasers showing a huge demand for small parcels of woodland and/or pasture land."

The identity of the purchaser has not been revealed.