Cole Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Cole Wood

European bison, Wildwood, Herne They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions — European bison, Wildwood, Herne Credit: pam fray

Cole Wood, Kent is a picturesque forest located in the southeastern county of Kent, England. Spread across a vast area, this woodland is a part of the larger Blean Woods complex and is known for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The woodland of Cole Wood is mainly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, with their canopies creating a dense and enchanting atmosphere. The forest floor is covered with a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, creating a vibrant and colorful undergrowth.

This ancient woodland holds great historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. It has been a source of timber for centuries, providing wood for the construction of ships during the medieval period. Today, it is managed and protected by the Forestry Commission, ensuring the preservation of its unique biodiversity.

Cole Wood offers a haven for a wide range of wildlife species. The forest is home to numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, nightingales, and tawny owls. Mammals such as deer, foxes, and badgers can also be spotted roaming through the trees. The forest's ponds and streams are inhabited by various aquatic creatures, including frogs, newts, and dragonflies.

Visitors to Cole Wood can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, with several walking trails and footpaths that meander through the forest. These trails provide opportunities for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers to explore the beauty of the woodland and observe its flora and fauna.

Overall, Cole Wood, Kent is a captivating forest that offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Cole Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.324672/1.0936977 or Grid Reference TR1562. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

European bison, Wildwood, Herne

They have a close resemblance to their American cousin but are a separate species. Heaviest wild land animal in Europe. Historically, it could be found throughout western, central and south eastern Europe, but suffered wide scale extinction by 1920s. Currently, there are semi-wild herds in Eastern Europe and Russia following reintroductions

pam fray

Fallow deer, Wildwood, Herne

Introduced to Britain by the Roman Empire, but again later on by the Normans in the 11th century. Originally they were kept in deer parks for entertainment purposes, however once popularity of the species declined, interest also declined and there were a number of escapees. Although not technically native, they are regarded as naturalised in the UK and are now widespread.

pam fray

Bear Bridge, Wildwood, Herne

Bridge over the bear enclosure. Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

Part of the bear enclosure, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is home to two European brown bears called Fluff and Scruff. They arrived in November 2014 after being rescued from a shocking life in Bulgaria. They were born at a brown bear breeding centre, bred to be hunted. They lived their entire lives there, in barren, small, concrete pits until the centre was abandoned. They were severely underweight, and showing signs of serious stress, anxiety and psychological trauma. Their rescue was possible due to Wildwood’s fantastic supporters who helped to raise £50,000 to bring them to the park. Here they live in a spacious woodland home, with inside denning areas. For the first time in their lives, Fluff and Scruff entered torpor (a form of semi hibernation) in 2015, a crucial natural behaviour that they had never had the opportunity to undergo before.

pam fray

A soay sheep, Wildwood, Herne

Small, hardy breed of domestic sheep. Normally brown in colour with lighter faces, underside and rumps. Descended from a population of feral sheep found on the Scottish Island of Soay. Have since been transported to other UK islands and mainland UK. They shed their wool naturally so there is no need for shearing.

pam fray

Orchard View, Sweechgate

This view shows TR1661 : Orchard View, Sweechgate, when the site was under construction

John Baker

Close, Sweechgate

The green noticeboard directs visitors to The Granary, Orchard House, Pond Bungalow and The Old Granary.

John Baker

83, Sweechgate

Prior approval has been granted by Canterbury City Council under application number CA/21/00230 for an “application under the prior approval process for first floor extension with a maximum height of no more than 3.5 metres, where the existing dwelling house consists of one storey”.

John Baker

Broad Oak (Canterbury) Village Sign

Village sign

Paul

Track at Warren Farm

This track leads off Thornden Wood Road. Warren Farm is on the left.

Marathon

Former car park in Thornden Wood

Street view of July 2009 for Thornden Wood Road shows this as a very small car park but as can be seen, it has now been closed off.

Marathon

Thornden Wood Road through Thornden Wood

This is looking south from the entrance to the West Blean & Thornden Woods Car Park.

Marathon

Spider web, Wildwood, Herne

Wildwood is a native species conservation charity established in 2002 to push the boundaries of innovative conservation and rewilding. Its aim is to halt the extinction of species and to create resilient habitats for nature to thrive.

pam fray

Arctic fox, Wildwood, Herne

Viewed from the walkway above the enclosure. The coat of the arctic fox changes colour with the season. In the summer, their coats are brown or black. They then turn white in winter. There are two adults at Wildwood, named Albert and Flo. Arctic foxes were present in the UK at the time of the last Ice Age.

pam fray