Great idea Marts
Good luck with it.
Very good points Toddy Few things that spring to mind from a professional point of view (I am a landscape architect) and certainly not exclusive to the others points etc.
1.
Land Contamination. Make sure that your solicitor does a good search and double checks for possible contamination because that could land you with real problems in the future. For instance woods planted in the past on old coal mining spoil pits, old tanneries or industry etc, even 100 years ago could leave potential hazards especially when they might affect the ground water and cause damage to neighbouring land. Check out fly tipping etc on the land)Remember today it is 'the polluter pays'. This can be very costly! Check further details here
Environment Agency
2.
Ransom Strip/ PROW. especially ensuring you have decent access without a potential 'ransom strip (ie piece of land separating you from anything you require) Also important to establish if there are any public rights of way or other wayleaves, easements over the land
3.
Public Liability Insurance. even if someone enters your land without consent you can be sued for any injury, for instance from a falling branch or a trip. Make sure you get decent cover. Sad but necessary.
4.
Seasons. Try to visit any woodland during the winter to see it at it's starkest. you may have some less than inviting views not seen in the leafy summer months. Also check for seasonal flooding etc and whether it is in a floodplain (should all be included in a proper property search)
5.
Grants. check with the local council for any potential grants available for planting, creating ponds etc. These tend to vary from county to county with national grants available also (
Countryside Stewardship for example). Also local wildlife trusts etc. Just be aware that they often have specific interests and you need to retain an overview of what your uses will be as well.
6.
Planning Zoning. Check to see if there are any existing planning consents on land in the vicinity, or land liable to be included in any local authority 'Local Plan' which may have an effect on the woodland (such as industrial development or housing next to it). Also that a road isnot designated to go thorugh it in the future! (again should be covered in any search but needs checking). Also, worth clarifying with the local authority whether it would be possible to locate a building on the site, such as a wooden tool store etc, or even a holiday cabin?! There are certain rules which govern what you are permitted to construct depending on the size of the woodland and other planning restrictions (like being in Greenbelt or conservation boundaries etc). It is very useful to be able to store tools etc on site. Also if you want to construct even a rough access road or parking area you may need planning permission. Best to find out what the local authorities attitude is beforehand. They are often helpful especially if you are proposing management which enhances the environmental value of the woodland.
7.
Conservation Status. Whilst having land in a SSSI(Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest) or other designation (also archaeological etc) may be wonderful for the wildlife it will impose often quite severe restrictions on what you may wish to do on the land or even use it for bushcraft, with restrictions on fire lighting or even camping.
8.
Aspect. If you view a wood located in a valley for example it may seem sunny and inviting in June, but quickly becomes enveloped in deep shade for most of the year, it will not be as appealing. Also sloping ground, whilst not being undesirable, if it is steep will restrict what you can do especially vehicular access.
9.
History. Not really crucial but personally I love to do a bit of research on historic land uses and will often give a hint as to what grows best or type of soil or how species rich the wood may be (the older generally the more species). Old OS maps are available at libraries and even online here
Ordnance Survey - Old Maps and will often show features not shown on modern maps, such as old ponds or clay pits now filled in (potential contamination?!) or springs or old buildings etc. Remember that there is little 'natural' woodland left in Britain and it is all man made to a lesser or greater extent. It is often a good place to start when considering how to manage the site for the future as well. One of the most interesting aspects is the toponomy or place names, which may well give a clue to the origins of the woodland.
10.
Maps. Check 9. but also get a decent OS large scale map and check the site AND the area around to give you a clear idea of the context.
11.
Land Management. It is important to carefully consider not just the type of management for the woodland but how it will be done and paid for over the longer term. Grants can be useful here but will also brings some responsibilities and restrictions. The trust should include how this will be dealt with. Also well worth talking to the local authority (most have a conservation officer with good local knowledge) and/ or local trusts who will often be happy to provide advice on planning future management.
A lot of this should be covered by a solicitors land search but the more you know about s potential site the better.
Good Luck
i fancy a mixed broad leaf woodland with either a hazel or sweetchestnut coppice. Im usually a want it now person but its out there someware and it will probably find me rather then me it, if you know what i mean 
