Hartley Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Sevenoaks

England

Hartley Wood

Westerham and Winston Churchill The green at Westerham is presided over by Winston who lived at Chartwell, just a few miles away. The far statue is of General James Wolf who lived at Quebec House. — Westerham and Winston Churchill Credit: Nigel Freeman

Hartley Wood, located in the county of Kent in southeastern England, is a picturesque and diverse forest area that covers approximately 3 square kilometers. This woodland is situated near the village of Hartley, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.

Hartley Wood is known for its rich biodiversity, with a wide variety of trees, plant species, and wildlife thriving within its boundaries. The forest is primarily composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and birch, creating a beautiful and vibrant canopy overhead. The forest floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the overall enchanting atmosphere of the wood.

The forest is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous walking trails and paths that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and offer opportunities for leisurely strolls as well as more challenging hikes. Along the way, visitors may encounter an array of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species.

Hartley Wood is also home to several picnic areas and seating spots, providing a perfect setting for a peaceful lunch or a moment of relaxation surrounded by nature. The forest is well-maintained, with regular conservation efforts in place to preserve its ecological balance and protect its inhabitants.

Overall, Hartley Wood in Kent is a captivating and accessible forest that offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a haven for nature lovers, providing a harmonious blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and recreational opportunities.

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Hartley Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.277793/0.068552084 or Grid Reference TQ4455. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Westerham and Winston Churchill

The green at Westerham is presided over by Winston who lived at Chartwell, just a few miles away. The far statue is of General James Wolf who lived at Quebec House.

Nigel Freeman

Looking south from London Road

The white specks in the distance are lorries on the M25 London orbital road.

Nigel Freeman

Squerryes Court, Westerham, Kent

Squerryes Court is a beautiful 17th century manor house which has been the Warde family home since 1731. It is surrounded by 20 acres of attractive and historic gardens which include a lake, restored parterres and an 18th century dovecote. The house contains a fine collection of Old Master paintings from the Italian, 17th century Dutch and 18th century English schools, furniture, porcelain and tapestries.

Philip Talmage

Dovecote at Squerryes Court, Westerham, Kent

Interior wide-angle view of the 18th century dovecote, used to raise "squabs" (fledgling pigeons) with which to feed the household.

Philip Talmage

The driveway of Cerne Easter

Pip Rolls

The North Downs Way

Pip Rolls

Pilgrim House

Pip Rolls

The Spinning Wheel at Hawley's Corner, TN16

At the end of Gray's Road, which leads west from the A223 Westerham Hill. In front of the restaurant-cum-pub is the private Spinning Wheel Cottage.

Philip Talmage

In Squerryes Park

Walking through the park with Tower Woods to the left

Chris Heaton

Pilgrims Way

Standing in Pilgrims Lane looking towards the junction with Clarks Lane (left), Croydon Road (right) and Pilgrims Way (forward). The house on the left is in Surrey, that on the right is in Kent (and the edge of the London Borough of Bromley is only a kilometre away). The colourful sign is the contractor's safety, etc. notice in connection with works on Thames Water's Westerham Disinfection Plant and pumping station which is tucked into a fold of the North Downs at this point.

Roger W Haworth

Farm buildings, Cudham Grange, Kent

Dr Neil Clifton

The Pilgrim's Way

This minor road, which here roughly parallels the M25 motorway, is on the exact alignment of the ancient Pilgrim's Way from Winchester to Canterbury.

Dr Neil Clifton

Former Westerham Railway, Kent

Once upon a time, and here we're talking around fifty years ago, Westerham had its own railway station. A tank engine, usually a push-pull fitted H Class, trundled two antiquated carriages up and down, some four miles to the junction with the South Eastern main line at Dunton Green, where you could change for a train up to London or down towards the coast at Dover and Hastings. But the line did not pay its way, (they never tried diesel cars here). Part of the line was built over when the M25 was constructed, but this small section towards Westerham escaped that fate and the right-of-way survives as a farm track. Ironically the M25 never gave a direct connection to Westerham, because local residents objected to the planned interchange just north of the town, and drivers are faced with a few miles along the A25 before they can access the motorway.

Dr Neil Clifton

Lodge, Valence School, Westerham, Kent

Valence School is set in beautiful parkland to the south of the A25 near Westerham. Here just a small part of the school grounds and lodge can be seen.

Dr Neil Clifton

M25 bridge over B2024 (Croydon Road), Westerham

Although the M25 passes very close to Westerham, there is no direct connection. Slip roads were originally planned at this point, but were never built. Whether this was to save money, or to preserve the sanity of the Westerham population, is not recorded.

Dr Neil Clifton