Butler's Court Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Butler's Court Wood

Meeting of the ways! Denstroude Lane, footpath and road to Parsonage Farm — Meeting of the ways! Credit: Nick Smith

Butler's Court Wood, located in Kent, England, is a picturesque woodland area that spans over a vast expanse of approximately 100 acres. This stunning forest, also known as Butler's Court, is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

The wood is composed of a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant landscape throughout the year. Ancient oaks, beech, and birch trees dominate the wood, providing a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells in spring, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.

The woodland is home to numerous bird species, including nuthatches, woodpeckers, and tawny owls. It is also a haven for small mammals such as foxes, badgers, and various species of bats. Nature enthusiasts can often spot these animals while exploring the many walking trails that crisscross the wood.

Butler's Court Wood provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, attracting locals and visitors alike. The wood is managed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring its preservation and protection for future generations to enjoy. It offers a range of recreational activities, including walking, birdwatching, and photography.

With its serene atmosphere, diverse flora and fauna, and its designation as an SSSI, Butler's Court Wood is a true gem of the Kent countryside. Whether you are seeking solace in nature or simply want to immerse yourself in its beauty, this woodland is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Butler's Court Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.31602/1.0383875 or Grid Reference TR1161. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Meeting of the ways!

Denstroude Lane, footpath and road to Parsonage Farm

Nick Smith

Road to Brook Farm from Denstroude Lane

Nick Smith

Footpaths and road to Parsonage Farm off Denstroude Lane

Nick Smith

Looking NE along Denstroude Lane

Nick Smith

Entrance to Brook Farm, Denstroude Lane

N Chadwick

Footpath leading off Denstroude Lane

N Chadwick

Wooden Barn off Denstroude Lane

N Chadwick

Footpath sign on Denstroude Lane

A path (No.CB3A) leads past Parsonage Farm towards Brook Lodge then onto Denstroude Lane, near Honey Hill. Another path (No.ZR674) leads to Grimshill Wood and Church Wood.

David Anstiss

Ellenden Wood near Dargate

Footpath leading along the northern edge of the wood.

pam fray

Footpath in Blean Woods

Elliott Simpson

A290 past the Blean Tavern

Heading towards Whitstable.

Robin Webster

A290 past Meadow Grange Nursery

Heading towards Whitstable.

Robin Webster

A290 towards Whitstable

Robin Webster

A290 Pean Hill

Heading towards Whitstable.

Robin Webster

Route of the former Canterbury & Whitstable Railway

The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway is often said to have been the first passenger railway in the world. Construction of the 6 mile line took several years and work excavating the 828 yard Tyler Hill Tunnel proved difficult and lengthy. There were great celebrations for the opening on 3rd May 1830. In Canterbury, the cathedral bells were rung and guns were fired in salute. Sections of the line were so steeply graded that stationary engines were required to haul trains by cable up the steep ascents. After the First World War, bus competition began to cause problems and the line to Whitstable finally closed to passengers on 1st January 1931. Goods traffic continued for a number of years but final closure came on 1st December 1952 after which time the track was removed. A path now follows part of the old route and is known as the Crab & Winkle Way. Here though it is a private driveway to a house known appropriately as 'The Halt'. The Halt is now a private residence converted from an engineer's cottage. This section of the old trackbed is particularly interesting as Blean & Tyler Hill Halt was located ahead between here and Tyler Hill Road. It was opened in 1908 and closed a mere 22 years later with the last passenger train. See Link See Link

and Link

Marathon

Old sign for the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway

The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway is often said to have been the first passenger railway in the world. Construction of the 6 mile line took several years and work excavating the 828 yard Tyler Hill Tunnel proved difficult and lengthy. There were great celebrations for the opening on 3rd May 1830. In Canterbury, the cathedral bells were rung and guns were fired in salute. Sections of the line were so steeply graded that stationary engines were required to haul trains by cable up the steep ascents. After the First World War, bus competition began to cause problems and the line to Whitstable finally closed to passengers on 1st January 1931. Goods traffic continued for a number of years but final closure came on 1st December 1952 after which time the track was removed. A path now follows part of the old route and is known as the Crab & Winkle Way. Here though it is alongside a private driveway to a house known appropriately as 'The Halt'. The old sign has survived - see Link for a close up. The Halt is now a private residence converted from an engineer's cottage. This section of the old trackbed is particularly interesting as Blean & Tyler Hill Halt was located between here and Tyler Hill Road just behind where I am standing. It was opened in 1908 and closed a mere 22 years later with the last passenger train. See Link See Link

and Link

Marathon

Old railway sign

The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway is often said to have been the first passenger railway in the world. Construction of the 6 mile line took several years and work excavating the 828 yard Tyler Hill Tunnel proved difficult and lengthy. There were great celebrations for the opening on 3rd May 1830. In Canterbury, the cathedral bells were rung and guns were fired in salute. Sections of the line were so steeply graded that stationary engines were required to haul trains by cable up the steep ascents. After the First World War, bus competition began to cause problems and the line to Whitstable finally closed to passengers on 1st January 1931. Goods traffic continued for a number of years but final closure came on 1st December 1952 after which time the track was removed. A path now follows part of the old route and is known as the Crab & Winkle Way. Here though it a private driveway to a house known appropriately as 'The Halt'. The Halt is now a private residence converted from an engineer's cottage. This section of the old trackbed is particularly interesting as Blean & Tyler Hill Halt was located between here and Tyler Hill Road just behind where I am standing. It was opened in 1908 and closed a mere 22 years later with the last passenger train. See Link The other reminder that this was once a railway is this old sign - see Link for its location. See Link

and Link

Marathon