Lucy Carden
Near West Farleigh, you'll find Quarry Wood, a tranquil 26-hectare ancient woodland peppered with streams and ponds. Mature oaks and beech trees stand tall on the north side. As you wander towards the old ragstone quarry, the long, damp valley comes alive with ash and sycamore. In the heart of the reserve, once home to a hop harden, a small area of conifers now thrives.
Anne Waite
At the bottom of the valley, the stream is lined with golden saxifrage, cuckooflower, red campion, and a large colony of ramsons. The valley slopes are a vibrant display of life, with dog's mercury, early-purple orchids, twayblade, and the occasional common spotted-orchid adding a splash of colour.
Quarry Wood is great for adventurers, so you’ll need your wellies or walking boots in the winter months as paths can get quite muddy!
On the other end of the scale is the highly popular Bedgebury Forest, set 12 miles southeast of Tonbridge. This fantastic woodland not only contains the world's largest collection of conifers but is also a fantastic day out for families, thanks to the availability of activities for all ages. With walks, bike rides, Go Ape, and even light shows come Christmas, Bedgebury has something to offer everyone – it is also worth noting that the onsite café is pretty scrumptious too!
© Tim Horton
Let's cut to the chase on this one – it contains Bison. These woods are home to the Wilder Blean Project, a joint venture by Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust to rejuvenate and bring new life to the woodland in a natural way. Located in East Kent near Canterbury, you may consider getting the most out of your visit by booking onto a ranger-led safari, who will show you the best of the woods and fully explain the project. You’ll also be in with the chance of spotting the herd of free-roaming European Bison. You simply won’t find this anywhere else in the country, never mind Kent!
Back to the North Downs for this one, the 170-acre woodland on-site boasts beautiful views across the Kent countryside. The park contains a range of level footpaths, a delicious café, and a woodland play area, and is the perfect place to come and let off some steam. Of course, you must also always be sure to keep an eye out for the ‘Beast of Trosley’, a locally legendary creature which some say still prowls about the area to this very day…
Tucked away amongst the hustle a bustle of Maidstone, sits an unexpected 90-acre nature reserve. This natural setting amid such an urban environment is open to visitors all year round and provides a calm place for those in need of a little peace and quiet. A haven for both humans and wildlife alike, there is plenty to see as you wander through the reserve, hidden away from the outside world.
An extensive woodland of conifer and broadleaf located in East Kent, it is known for having one of the area's finest displays of bluebells come midspring. Kings Wood provides a peaceful setting and is home to a variety of wildlife, as well as an attention-grabbing ‘Sculpture Trail’, which ought to keep you occupied for a good two hours.
This little piece of National Trust-owned countryside nestled between Ightham Mote and Knole Park might be small, but it sure is mighty. Whilst it may not be the largest of woods or perhaps the easiest to reach (perched high up on the North Downs), it is nonetheless worth the effort on a pleasant day. Come Spring, One Tree Hill is flooded with Bluebells whilst offering a stunning vista across the High Weald AONB below – one of this writer's absolute favourites and recommendations!
On the southeast side of a peaceful valley lies Cromers Wood, an ancient woodland near Sittingbourne that is rich with wildlife and history alike. The upper slopes and plateau of this reserve are covered with sweet chestnut and tall oak trees, quietly standing guard.
But it's the lower slopes, where the chalk softens the soil, that the most vibrant woodland plants thrive, creating a beautiful and rare ecosystem. Visit for a woodland experience like no other – it's even got a story trail you can follow with little ones.
Speaking of... we've got a fabulous event coming up at Cromers Wood on November 11th if you fancy a guided walk with our Head of Land Management - find out more here!
Another relatively small woodland, this time nestled between Snodland and Vigo. Holly Hill Woodland is actually one of the highest in the area, and on a clear day you can see all the way out to London, Canary Wharf appearing tall and distinct on the horizon. It is also only a short distance from Coldrum Long Barrow, the UK’s best preserved Megalithic burial ground dating back around 6000 years, which is well worth a visit!
Just a short hop over the A2 from where we started our journey at Ranscombe Reserve, we finish our tour of Kent’s woodlands at Shorne Woods Country Park. In comparison to its neighbour, these woods feel a lot more family focused, containing a visitor’s centre, restaurant and playpark all on site, whilst still offering an extensive woodland to explore, packed full of all the things we love the most about the woods; from winding paths to an abundance of wildlife, Shorne Woods has it all.
Will you help us save our precious woodlands, before it’s too late?
By donating to our Save our Woodlands appeal, you will be supporting us to...
Continue vital woodland management across our existing woodland reserves,
Facilitate urgent advocacy work,
And increase the amount of woodland under our protection.
