Lady's Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Swale

England

Lady's Wood

Sunken Garden, Doddington Place Looking across the central pond towards the house. This part of the gardens <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk/the-sunken-garden/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.doddingtonplacegardens.co.uk/the-sunken-garden/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> was re-designed some 10 years previously, adding eight new flower beds. — Sunken Garden, Doddington Place Credit: Paul Harrop

Lady's Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Kent, England. Situated near the village of Bedgebury, this enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 acres. It is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and walkers alike.

The wood is characterized by a mixture of broadleaf and coniferous trees, creating a rich tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. Ancient oaks, beech, and hornbeam trees dominate the landscape, providing a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells in the spring, while vibrant ferns and mosses thrive in the shaded areas.

Visitors to Lady's Wood can explore the numerous walking trails that wind through the forest, offering opportunities to admire the stunning scenery and encounter wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. The wood also boasts a tranquil pond, attracting waterfowl and providing a serene spot for reflection.

For those seeking adventure, Lady's Wood offers a variety of recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding, and orienteering. The well-maintained paths and trails make it accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Additionally, the wood is home to a number of historical landmarks, including a small Iron Age fort and remnants of an old charcoal burner's camp, providing insights into the area's past.

Overall, Lady's Wood is a captivating natural haven, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its idyllic setting and diverse ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Kent.

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Lady's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.282142/0.80931761 or Grid Reference TQ9657. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sunken Garden, Doddington Place

Looking across the central pond towards the house. This part of the gardens Link

was re-designed some 10 years previously, adding eight new flower beds.

Paul Harrop

Door in the wall, Doddington Place Gardens

In the small paved garden to the north of the sunk garden, the door leads through to the private grounds of the house Link

Paul Harrop

Doddington Place from the gardens

Doddington Place Link

was designed by the Victorian architect Charles Brown Trollope and built around 1860 for Sir John Croft, of the port and sherry family. It has been the home of the Oldfield family for over a century.

Paul Harrop

South terrace, Doddington Place Gardens

Overlooking the rock garden, the terrace has a wall at the end into which are set plaques commemorating several generations of the Oldfield family's dogs, as well as the housekeeper who walked many of them. Link

Paul Harrop

Folly, Doddington Place Gardens

The folly, at the eastern end of the gardens Link

was built in 1997 by Doddington-based builder, G L Streeting, using local flint, and bricks made in the area. The house's owner, Richard Oldfield designed it as a memorial to his first wife, Alexndra, who died in 1995. Sir Roy Strong described it as a ‘piece of Hampton Court’.

Paul Harrop

Pond at Doddington Place Gardens

At the end of the avenue of silver birch trees, an informal pond on the fringe of the woodland. Some of the park's many huge cloud-pruned yew hedges can be seen on the right

Paul Harrop

Horse chestnut tree with tree bracket fungus, Doddington Park

In the parkland, this tree is suffering from the effects of the Polyporus squamosus or Dryad's Saddle fungus which is growing all round the trunk. Tree bracket fungus is a disease of the tree’s heartwood. It attacks the hardwood interior and the structural integrity of the tree. If the disease attacks the trunk, the tree can fall. This particular tree looks quite sick.

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