Cripps Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Cripps 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

Cripps Wood is a charming forest located in the county of Kent, England. Nestled in the southeastern part of the country, this woodland area is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Cripps Wood offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

The forest is predominantly made up of deciduous trees, such as oaks, beeches, and birches, which provide a stunning display of colors during the autumn months. The dense foliage and towering canopies create a cool and shady atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll or a family picnic.

Cripps Wood boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors may have the opportunity to spot various bird species, including woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches. Additionally, small mammals like squirrels and foxes can be seen scurrying around the forest floor.

There are several well-maintained footpaths that wind their way through the woodland, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These paths are suitable for both walking and cycling, providing options for different types of outdoor activities.

Cripps Wood is easily accessible, located just a short distance from the town of Tunbridge Wells. The forest is open to the public year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty in every season. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a keen photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Cripps Wood is a must-visit destination in Kent.

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Cripps Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.334987/1.0965033 or Grid Reference TR1564. 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

House at Great Ruckinge Farm

This attractive house can be seen from Thornden Wood Road.

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Track at Warren Farm

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

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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.

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Thornden Wood Road through Thornden Wood

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

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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

Wildwood, Herne

Fallow deer resting in the sunshine.

pam fray

House at Great Ruckinge Farm

This attractive house can be seen from Thornden Wood Road.

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Thornden Wood Road

This view looks north from Great Ruckinge Farm.

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Thornden Wood Road

This view looks north from the entrance to Warren Farm.

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Thornden Wood Road

This view looks south from the entrance to Warren Farm.

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Thornden Wood Road through Thornden Wood

This looks north from the site of the former car park seen at Link

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Path into Thornden Wood

This is looking west from the West Blean & Thornden Woods Car Park into Thornden Wood. West Blean and Thornden Woods are managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. They are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and in July 2022, as part of the Wilder Blean project, European bison were released into West Blean and Thornden Woods - see Link