A JEWEL in the crown of the Fens has been put up for sale as the chance to buy a little slice of heaven.
Dunhams Wood, which nestles on the outskirts of March, is a peaceful haven of five acres of private woodland planted a quarter of a century ago by enthusiast Arthur Dunham.
Following the death of Mr Dunham earlier this year, the tree treasure trove has been put up for sale along with a maze, tea rooms, outbuildings and a bungalow, with a price tag of £360,000.
The wood was planted in 1988 with a range of foot-high saplings which have since blossomed into a wonderland of walkways and glades created with passion by woodland enthusiast Mr Dunham.
His widow Margaret said it had been a tough decision to sell but quite simply it was too much for her to manage on her own.
“It isn’t the same without Arthur and that is the main reason for closure,” she said.
“It is a gem of a place.
“Arthur had such a vision. The place is very special.”
Among the 120 varieties of trees in the woodland are 25 special ones including a handkerchief tree, a tulip tree and a number of special acers.
Also tucked among the trees is a light railway line which, although not part of the sale, is hoped can remain in place with the support of the new owner.
The Railway first opened in 1991, and a round trip takes about 5.5 minutes to complete its 794m length.
Michael Wing, planner of the railway said: “I am very proud of what we achieved and can only thank Arthur & Margaret for letting a group of railway enthusiasts come in and “dig up” their back garden to build the railway.
“It has been a real pleasure to be part of their dream. “
The woodland in Rodham Road, was the dream of Mr and Mrs Dunham to have something different that they could share with the local people.
It was never meant to be commercial, Mrs Dunham said, which is why it only opened a few days each year so that it did not become a burden to the family.
The property and woodland may be viewed on the William H Brown website.
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