Ancient woodland under threat from quarry that would destroy more trees than HS2 and Lower Thames Crossing combined

Ancient woodland covers just 2.5% of the UK’s land – and it can never be recreated. Oaken Wood is classed as a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS): areas continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD. These sites remain ecologically invaluable retaining veteran trees, bluebells and other indicator wildflowers, and supporting rare and declining wildlife in the wider Oaken Wood Local Wildlife Site. Up to 70% of the UK’s ancient woodlands have been lost. With ancient woodland holding 37% of all the carbon stored in trees (equal to approximately 77 million tonnes of carbon that is projected to double over the next century), every hectare that survives matters -particularly at a time when Kent County Council has recently voted to rescind its climate emergency declaration.

Ancient woodland soil also holds a mycorrhizal network built over centuries – a hidden fungal web that feeds and connects trees – plus a natural seed bank of dormant wildflowers and trees, as well as huge stores of locked-up carbon. These complex ecological systems underpin the woodland’s biodiversity and resilience and cannot be recreated or replaced once destroyed.

The case for quarrying is the continued supply of Kentish Ragstone, a versatile and important stone used in the conservation and restoration of many historic buildings and monuments, including Canterbury Cathedral and the Tower of London. While Kent Wildlife Trust recognises the importance of preserving built historic heritage, it believes that this should not come at the cost of destroying equally important natural historic heritage.

Nick Trower, Planning & Policy Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said:

“Kentish Ragstone has played an important role in conserving some of the country’s most iconic historic buildings, and we recognise the importance of maintaining that heritage. However, we should not preserve one aspect of our historic heritage by sacrificing another.

Ancient woodland is a living part of our history. It has developed over hundreds, if not thousands of years, supports unique and rare wildlife and cannot simply be recreated elsewhere. Once it is gone, it is gone forever.

Oaken Wood presents us with a choice about the legacy we leave for future generations. This irreplaceable habitat must be protected by removing Oaken Wood from the Kent Mineral Sites Plan, ensuring that our natural heritage is valued alongside our built heritage.”

Jay Henderson, Campaigns Manager at The Woodland Trust, said:

“This quarry extension would cause the biggest loss of ancient woodland in England this century. Ancient woodland is irreplaceable and destroying it contradicts both national planning policy and Kent County Council’s own policies including the Kent Tree Plan, Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Minerals and Waste Plan. 

Oaken Wood is a vital part of Kent’s natural heritage as recognised by over 26,000 residents who have already opposed its destruction. We urge the council to change their mind, remove Oaken Wood from the Mineral Sites Plan and choose a suitable alternative that does not threaten ancient woodland.”

Jen Hickey, Campaigner for local group Friends of Oaken Wood, said: “As a parent and local resident, the council's decision has been heartbreaking. 

But as a campaigner, there is still cause for hope. It will be an uphill battle but our community and wildlife cannot afford to lose this green lung. So we're asking everyone, once again, to please take the time to object to these plans.”

Richard Thompson, Senior Planner at CPRE Kent, said: “A planning system worthy of the name should protect irreplaceable countryside like Oaken Wood, not treat ancient woodland as the easiest option before every less damaging alternative has been properly explored.”

Maidstone Borough Council has also formally objected to the proposed extension of Hermitage Quarry into Oaken Wood, citing concerns over the loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland, habitat fragmentation and impacts on biodiversity. The council's response adds to growing opposition to the plans. 

Cllr Stuart Jeffery leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: "At a time of climate emergency and biodiversity depletion, our council is doing everything in its power to restore and protect the natural world. Yet, this plan by Kent County Council flies directly in the face of those efforts. We cannot fight to bring nature back on one hand while allowing KCC to tear down vital ecosystems with the other.

"This is a critical moment for our environment, and we cannot afford to stay silent. I strongly urge every resident to stand with us, engage with this consultation, and let KCC know your fierce opposition to these destructive plans."

Kent County Council has launched a public consultation. Members of the public and organisations have the chance to challenge whether the Kent Mineral Sites Plan is legally compliant and sound, including whether it is positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national planning policy. It is our belief that the inclusion of Oaken Wood as a quarry site is at odds with national planning policy and therefore the plan cannot be considered sound.

Kent Wildlife Trust encourages everyone who wants to protect Oaken Wood to take part in the consultation. More information on how to take part in the consultation is available here.