Hawks Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Sevenoaks

England

Hawks Wood

Goathurst Common Well Prior to the sinking of the well in 1901, villagers used water from rainwater storage tanks. When these ran dry, villagers had to walk down a steep hill to the springs south of Stubbs Woods, to collect their water. Piped water was brought to the area during the 1920s. — Goathurst Common Well Credit: Nikki Mahadevan

Hawks Wood is a picturesque forest located in Kent, England. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is a well-preserved woodland that offers a tranquil and natural escape for visitors. The wood is situated near the village of Shadoxhurst, about 10 miles south of Ashford.

Hawks Wood is known for its diverse range of native trees, including oak, beech, birch, and ash. The forest floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers and ferns, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape throughout the year. The wood is also home to a rich array of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The forest features several well-maintained walking trails that wind through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These paths are suitable for both leisurely strolls and more adventurous hikes, with some routes offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Hawks Wood is managed by a local conservation organization, ensuring the preservation of its natural habitats and the protection of its wildlife. It is open to the public throughout the year, with no admission fee, making it an accessible destination for all. The wood also hosts educational programs and guided walks, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about the area's flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.

Overall, Hawks Wood in Kent is a serene and enchanting forest that offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the British countryside.

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Hawks Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.260055/0.14469583 or Grid Reference TQ4953. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Goathurst Common Well

Prior to the sinking of the well in 1901, villagers used water from rainwater storage tanks. When these ran dry, villagers had to walk down a steep hill to the springs south of Stubbs Woods, to collect their water. Piped water was brought to the area during the 1920s.

Nikki Mahadevan

Woodland footpath to viewing point at top of York's Hill

This mixed deciduous woodland was ravaged by the Great Storm of 1987.

Jean Barrow

Stubbs Wood - Hanging Bank

This view through Stubbs Wood, showing Bough Beech Reservoir in the distant valley, would not have been possible before the Great Storm of 1987. Many of the mature beech and other native trees were flattened overnight.

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

Ragstone outcrop, Dryhill Nature Reserve, Kent

Dryhill Local Nature Reserve is to be found just south of the A25 near Sundridge village. This fine Ragstone outcrop and other interesting rock formations are to be seen.

Dr Neil Clifton

Dryhill Lane, a public bridleway

Thankfully, the southern portion of Dryhill Lane only has bridleway status, so those nasty gas-guzzling 4x4s (or other motor cars) cannot be brought here to disturb its peace.

Dr Neil Clifton

Footpath into Hawks Wood

This path leads westward from the little-used Back Lane into Hawks Wood, near Sevenoaks, Kent. It's late May and there are still plenty of bluebells about.

Dr Neil Clifton

Little Norman Street Farmhouse

I am indebted to Jean Barrow of Ide Hill for supplying the name of this attractive house on the north side of Penn Lane about half a mile west of Brook Street, near Sevenoaks, Kent

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

Penn Farm, Penn Lane, near Sevenoaks, Kent

The substantial farm house shown here stands on the west side of Penn Lane, whereas most of the farm buildings are on the other side of the lane, behind the photographer.

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

Farm buildings at Penn Farm - Ide Hill

These farm buildings are on the other side of a very narrow road opposite Penn Farmhouse. The name "Penn" derives from the Old English Pynd, meaning an enclosure.

Jean Barrow

Penn Farmhouse gate - Ide Hill

An interesting notice on a farmhouse gate.

Jean Barrow

Converted farm buildings - near Ide Hill Sevenoaks

Little Norman Street Farm buildings now converted into housing. Something that is happening a great deal in this part of Kent.

Jean Barrow

Cob Tree Orchard - Great Norman Street Farm

The cob orchard at Great Norman Street farm is a hundred years old and two nearby fields are known, according to a map of 1840, as Walnut Tree Field and Cherry Field, giving an indication of the crops grown at that time.

Jean Barrow

Little Norman Street Farmhouse Ide Hill, Kent

The farm buildings of this small farm have now been converted into housing. Little Norman Street is fortunate in having deeds which show that it has been an independent small-holding of under ten acres for at least three hundred years. Until 1900 it was described as "Brook, near Brook Place".

Jean Barrow

Farmland suffering from a summer of drought

This photograph was taken from Back Lane. Part of Hawks Wood is in the near distance whilst in the far distance can just be seen the shingled spire of Ide Hill Church.

Jean Barrow