A PARCEL of ancient woodland in the Mendip Hills has been sold before it went under the hammer at auction - for DOUBLE the guide price.

The land, at Rye Ditch Wood, Westbury Sub Mendip near Wells, has huge environmental appeal 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.

Extending to around 3.87 acres (1.57Ha), the woodland is situated within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and auctioneers were quoting a guide price of £34,000.

However, it sold before going under the hammer for more than double that price, according to auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

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.”

Greenslade Taylor Hunt hosts a number of livestream auctions throughout the year, with the next one taking place today (September 30) from 3pm.