Section of Healey Dell bought by Deji Properties in "commitment to preserving nature" as company invites people to plant 450 saplings

Chrimes Wood, Healey Dell

A section of the Healey Dell nature reserve – now christened Chrimes Wood – has been acquired by a local property company, Deji Properties, which will also be planting 450 trees at the site in a bid to "preserve nature."

The land is bordered by Dell Road and the river Spodden, close to the angling lodge and overlooked by the viaduct over the river. During the acquisition process, a 600ft tunnel dating back to 1841 was discovered beneath the land, linking the river to the local angling club, adding an intriguing historical dimension to the property.

The 105ft viaduct, a prominent feature of Healey Dell dating back to 1867, stands as a testament to the area's industrial past. It gained recent recognition as a filming location for the Netflix drama 'Stay Close.' The blend of natural beauty and historical structures makes Healey Dell an enchanting backdrop for creative projects, showcasing the versatility of the reserve.

Chris Burton, founder of Deji Properties, explained the unusual purchase: "Chrimes Wood captured my heart as an impulse purchase – a crazy decision while my girlfriend was away on holiday.

"On paper, it may not scream 'investment,' but its natural beauty and the warmth of the Healey Dell community made it irresistible. This woodland venture is more than numbers; it's a commitment to preserving nature for future generations."
 

Deji Properties will also be receiving 450 saplings in March 2024 to enhance Chrimes Woods’ ecological diversity and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Healey Dell.

Saplings include hedgerow plants, fruit bearing trees and wildlife trees, such as hawthorn, dog rose, hazel, crab apple, dog wood, blackthorn, elder, rowan, silver birch, oak and holly.

Anyone who is interested in conservation and community building is invited to help maintain Chrimes Woods and Healey Dell by joining the Facebook group 'Friends of Healey Dell & Chrimes Wood'.

Deji Properties was founded in 2018 by Chris Burton, a television cameraperson from Middleton, originally as a pension investment vehicle. It has grown exponentially, and now owns a multi-million-pound portfolio of properties in the Middleton area