Furnace Farm

Kent Wildlife Trust submits offer on 36 acres of Lamberhurst countryside

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Charity appeal to purchase land in Lamberhurst moves one step closer to reality after media coverage results in major donation 

Kent Wildlife Trust has taken a major step forward in its mission to restore and reconnect vital wildlife habitats in the heart of the High Weald.

The conservation charity has announced that it has made a formal offer on land in Lamberhurst, part of the ambitious Hoathly Farm appeal, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of a major donor who heard about the appeal on the local news.

Launched earlier this month, the appeal aims to raise £500,000 from public donations to secure and rewild 400 acres of land, forming a continuous nature corridor linking Furnace Farm with the National Trust’s Scotney Castle estate.

In a remarkable turn of events, a major supporter was moved to act after learning about the appeal in the media. Their significant private donation has enabled the Trust to move swiftly and make a formal offer on a 36-acre parcel of land known as Mount Pleasant, land the charity now hopes it can protect.

The Hoathly Farm public appeal has created significant momentum. The charity has already raised £145,000 of the £500,000 needed and is calling on the public to help secure the remaining land currently available for purchase. If the half-million target is reached it will unlock vital match funding which could secure the total 400 acres of land.

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Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “To have a donor step forward with such generosity after seeing our story in the press is more than we could hope for. Their support has put us in the position to make a real and immediate difference and we’re now on our way to securing this precious countryside of land for wildlife.

“This is about more than just land acquisition. It’s about restoring a landscape, reconnecting habitats, and safeguarding nature for future generations. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has donated so far. Together, we are making a wilder Kent a reality.”

Kent Wildlife Trust is now urging individuals, businesses, and communities across the county and beyond to help them secure the final 200 acres. Every donation, no matter the size, brings Kent one step closer to a future where nature and people thrive side by side.

The deadline for donations is 24th May, and supporters are urged to act quickly. Every pound donated will be doubled through generous match funding, up to a total of £500,000, bringing the total potential funds to £1 million.

The project aims to: 

  • Reconnect fragmented habitats. 
  • Support native wildlife, including the potential return of lost species like the Pine Marten. 
  • Enhance carbon storage, flood prevention, and water quality. 
  • Create immersive natural spaces for community health and wellbeing. 

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