Valence Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Sevenoaks

England

Valence Wood

Emmetts The House at Emmetts is private, but the gardens are National Trust. Towards East of gridsquare. — Emmetts Credit: Chris Shaw

Valence Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Kent, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers alike. The wood is situated near the town of Gillingham, within the larger Valence Park area.

The woodland boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important ecological site. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and enchanting canopy. Additionally, the forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of bluebells and wildflowers during the spring months.

Several well-maintained footpaths traverse the wood, allowing visitors to explore its beauty and immerse themselves in nature. There are also designated picnic areas and benches scattered throughout the woodland, providing opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment of the surroundings.

Valence Wood is not only a haven for wildlife but also a site of historical significance. It is believed to have been part of an ancient forest that covered much of Kent during medieval times. Remnants of this history can still be observed in the form of old timbered structures and the presence of ancient trees.

The wood is easily accessible, with ample parking available nearby. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing an ideal setting for nature lovers, families, and individuals seeking solace in a tranquil environment.

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Valence Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.266409/0.097313 or Grid Reference TQ4654. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Emmetts

The House at Emmetts is private, but the gardens are National Trust. Towards East of gridsquare.

Chris Shaw

Brasted High Street on the A25

Picture taken from close to the village hall, this village was 'saved' by the building of the M25 nearby.

Nigel Freeman

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

Hosey Common

To the left is French Street, and straight ahead is the road that takes you to Chartwell, the former home of Winston Churchill

Nigel Freeman

Hosey Common signpost

Nigel Freeman

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

Farmland looking towards M25 and North Downs

Over the fields is Brasted village on the busy A25 with the equally busy and noisy M25 motorway beyond that, with the North downs in the distance.

Jean Barrow

Birchfield Farmland

This photograph was taken from New Road that runs from Ide Hill to Brasted and is looking across towards Sundridge.

Jean Barrow

St. Martin's Church, Brasted, Kent

This fine parish church is built mainly of the local Kentish ragstone. It occupies a secluded site on the northern edge of the village - and there is even a quiet pub. (the Stanhope Arms) adjoining.

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

A25 near Brasted Sand Pits, Kent

The opening of the parallel M25 did not mean that the A25 became some quiet backwater. It still carries a great deal of traffic and can become congested, threading its way as it does through Westerham, Brasted and Sundridge. This eastward looking view was taken from the entrance to Brasted Sand Pits.

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

A muddy bridleway

It occurred to me as I took this photograph to wonder if anyone goes out taking geographs on horseback? Some use a car, others, especially in urban areas, use public transport. A motor cycle or bicycle is useful. But on this extremely muddy bridleway, which runs westwards from New Road, Sundridge, Kent, a horse would have been the best of all.

Dr Neil Clifton

Road mirrors, Brasted Chart, Kent

Several of the large houses on the east side of Chart Lane have positioned mirrors opposite the exits from their drives, in order to be able to see properly if it is safe to drive their cars out onto the lane. Some three of these mirrors are to be seen in this photograph.

Dr Neil Clifton

Semi-detached houses, Pipers Green Road, Brasted Chart, Kent

Pipers Green Road runs westward for about 350 yards from its junction with Chart Lane as a metalled lane, where it meets Pipers Lane at right angles. This then runs as an unmetalled BOAT, northward and finally north-east to rejoin Chart Lane almost a mile from the end of Pipers Green Road. These semis occupy an enviable position on Pipers Green Road, and have well-tended cottage gardens.

Dr Neil Clifton

Footpath through Hosey Common

This ancient common is, in modern times, almost completely wooded, with beech, maple and hornbeam prominent among the many species. Peaceful pathways, as seen here, run through the wood and, mercifully, there is no evidence of abuse by dog or horse owners here.

Dr Neil Clifton

Birchwood apartments -Sundridge

Originally built as a Poor Law Institution and later a hospital for people unable to look after themselves. Today there are about 27 apartments plus individual housing.

Jean Barrow