Heather Wood
Hawkhurst, Kent
Set in the picturesque and historic High Weald National Landscape in Kent, Heather Wood is home to a valuable mosaic of habitats that we are restoring to their former glory.
This site has been intensively farmed for decades, resulting in the loss of precious ancient woodland and hedgerows. But since acquiring Heather Wood in 2022, we have begun vital work to boost biodiversity, with plans to plant 10,000 trees.
Heather Wood supports diverse plant life and an astonishing array of rare animals, including many families of hazel dormice as well as 41 different breeding birds. Under our care, remnants of ancient semi-natural woodland, open scrubby habitat, ponds, mature hedgerows, gnarled old oak trees and rich ground flora will be sensitively managed, creating the ideal conditions for nature to recover.
Features
- Public access
- Good views
- Ancient woodland
- Spring flowers
How to get to Heather Wood
Heather Wood is a 38-hectare (91-acre) site located approximately 1km south of Hawkhurst, Kent, in the heart of the High Weald National Landscape.
Heather Wood is located south of Stream Lane, off the B2244 Hastings Road. Access by car is limited, with no on-site parking. Visitors arriving by car should drive to The Moor, south of Hawkhurst. From the centre of Hawkhurst, head south on the A229 Highgate Hill for approximately 1km until reaching The Moor.
Parking is available around the village green and at the nearby King George V playing fields. From here it is a 10-minute walk along Stream Lane to Heather Wood.
The closest train station is Robertsbridge Station, located 9.3km from the site.
Visit National Rail for more information.
The closest bus stop is 0.8km from the site on Moor Hill, near the Eight Bells pub.
Visit Traveline for more information.
Facilities and access
There is no wheelchair access to Heather Wood because of the terrain. There are some gently sloping paths on uneven ground.
There are three pedestrian access gates off Stream Lane, located at grid references TQ765292, TQ764291 and TQ768290. There is a fourth entrance at the southern end of the site, on the Sussex Border Path, at grid reference TQ764284.
The Sussex Border Path is a restricted byway that runs from the northern to the southern end of Heather Wood. This historic route begins in Emsworth in Hampshire and stretches across 218km to Rye in East Sussex.
A network of permissive grassy paths criss-crosses the new woodland and open areas of Heather Wood. These paths are unsurfaced and can become very muddy in wet conditions.
There is no on-site parking. Please respect local residents by not parking on Stream Lane. Instead, please use the nearest public parking on The Moor (located 1km from the site) or at King George V Playing Fields, Hawkhurst, TN18 4QB.
There are no toilet facilities at Heather Wood. The closest public toilets are in Hawkhurst at the Kino Cinema.
Wildlife and habitats
Animals
When surveying Heather Wood, we found a delightful surprise – nine nesting tubes occupied by extremely rare hazel dormice! In one, a new mum cuddled four tiny pink pups, still with their eyes closed. We estimate there are at least 70 resident dormice in total, as well as protected species including badgers and great crested newts, plus 41 different breeding birds.
Look out for:
Trees, plants and fungi
With 145 recorded plant species here, there is huge potential for nature to thrive. The fragments of ancient semi-natural woodland are dominated by mature oaks, with a diverse understorey of hornbeam, hazel, ash, alder, willow and field maple.
New woodland creation areas have been planted to reflect the species present in the existing woodland, with an array of other native species including small-leaved lime, wild cherry and shrub species such as hawthorn and blackthorn. This new woodland will create vital corridors for wildlife, linking together isolated fragments of ancient woodland.
Look out for:
Habitats
We are restoring remnants of a mosaic of habitats in this ex-arable land, including ancient semi-natural woodland, mature hedgerows, open scrub and ponds. At the southern side of the site lies Ghyll Woodland, which is a distinctive wet woodland with steeply sided gullies.
By creating new woodland through planting and natural colonisation, we aim to connect and buffer areas of ancient woodland. We will also develop other habitats through sensitive management, including planting new hedgerows to replace those lost in the past.
Explore:
History of Heather Wood
Heather Wood was acquired in late 2022, having been intensively farmed for decades. We took on this £1.2 million site thanks to the generosity of a Trust life member.
Our research revealed a difficult history – the loss of precious ancient woodland and hedgerows had fragmented habitats which were once connected. Under our care, this ex-arable land will be restored to a healthier, more resilient and better-connected landscape for people and nature.
We have designed the site to boost biodiversity and nature recovery while also being conscious of the historic High Weald setting. Newly planted areas will blend naturally with existing woods on the lower slopes of the site, whilst open habitat areas on higher ground will ensure distinctive views remain unaltered.
Things to do
Walking
A permissive path network has been built into the design of Heather Wood, so visitors can continue to use the site in much the same way as before our acquisition. Wide open grassy paths will cross through the new woodland and open fields, giving the opportunity to see these habitats mature and develop. The path network will link with the Sussex Border Path and our four existing entrance points.
Visiting woods
Walking dogs in our woods
Dogs are welcome for walkies in our woods. Take a look at our tips and guidelines for ensuring we keep our woods safe and special for dogs and wildlife.
Visiting woods
Walking
Taking a walk in the woods is the easiest way to enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Every year, thousands of people give their precious time to help us protect and care for woods and trees.
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