Hucking Estate appeal, Kent
We're here on a crisp December morning at Hucking Estate.
My name's Clive Steward. I'm the site manager for the Woodland Trust in Kent.
This new extension is an amazing opportunity for the Woodland Trust to get more trees in the ground and create even more havens and habitat for wildlife at Hucking.
This land is the missing piece in the jigsaw. We see it as really completing Hucking, creating those important wildlife corridors but also transforming the air of the people.
The ancient woodland will make a really beautiful woodland walk with stunning displays of bluebells in the spring.
We'll be planting a few thousand trees really just to kick-start the regeneration. But after that nature will be allowed to take its course.
Please help this urgent appeal to bring yet more life to Hucking Estate. Every pound donated will make a difference.
Thank you.
A site in the making
We bought the Hucking Estate in 1997 and began our ground-breaking restoration project. Twenty years later the people of Kent and beyond rallied in their thousands to donate to our urgent appeal to bring a slice of disused farmland next to Hucking safely into our care.
The land we acquired is already brimming with life. Natural regeneration has begun to work its magic. Oak saplings are taking root and the wildflowers on the rare chalk grassland bloom with a blaze of glory every spring.
And now, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have raised the money needed to add a second extension to the Estate – Grinnels Wood.
Limitless potential
Impressed by the restoration and regeneration work we've been doing at Hucking in her beloved Kent, a sympathetic neighbouring landowner has offered us the sale of Grinnels Wood, 12.54 hectares (31 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, plus a further 12.14 hectares (30 acres) of open farmland.
Following our successful appeal we will be taking over ownership of this second extension in October 2020. Hucking Estate will become our largest site in the South East at 310 hectares (766 acres).
We have a very clear vision for the new extension – a vision we hope will justify the vendor’s faith in our work – and that we hope you will share too.
The land will need some trees planted initially, but after that it’s up to nature to take over and do what it does best.
It'll allow us to create one huge site with limitless potential as a species-rich mosaic of habitats, including fabulous ancient woodland and rare chalk grassland. Huge circular walks will be possible through the stunning Kent countryside.
Hucking Estate timeline
The work begins
Site purchased and over the next 17 years we plant 238,000 trees, a mile of hedgerow and help 135 acres of grassland bloom.
First extension
A further 47.14 hectares (116.47 acres) of grassland and ancient woodland was purchased and our work continues.
Grinnels Wood extension
With Grinnels Wood and adjacent land, the jigsaw is complete. Hucking will be our largest site in the South East.
We still need your support
Hucking Estate is just one of many woodland sites we own and manage across the south east of England. Your ongoing support helps us care for and protect trees, woods and wildlife across the region.
Whatever you choose to give, donating online is secure, quick and cost effective, so more money goes directly towards supporting our work where the need is greatest.
