Belce Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Belce 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

Belce Wood, located in Kent, England, is a picturesque woodland area encompassing approximately 100 acres. This ancient forest is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Belce Wood is situated near the village of Hartley, forming part of the larger Hartley Wood. The wood is easily accessible, with a designated car park available for visitors.

The woodland is primarily composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a dense canopy and create a serene atmosphere. The forest floor is covered in a rich carpet of moss and fallen leaves, adding to the wood's charm. Belce Wood is known for its vibrant displays of bluebells during spring, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species. These creatures thrive in the wood's diverse habitat, which includes both open spaces and dense undergrowth. Walking trails crisscross the woodland, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its hidden treasures while enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

Belce Wood also holds historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back centuries. The wood features remnants of ancient boundary ditches and earthworks, serving as a reminder of the area's past. Archeological surveys have revealed artifacts and structures from different eras, providing valuable insights into the region's history.

Overall, Belce Wood in Kent offers a captivating experience for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility amidst the beauty of the natural world. Its diverse ecosystem, scenic trails, and rich historical heritage make it a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.

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Belce Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.326535/1.107232 or Grid Reference TR1663. 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

Sweechgate at Broad Oak

The junction with Herne Bay Road is a little way ahead.

Marathon

Sweechgate at Broad Oak

The white car in the distance has stopped at the junction with Herne Bay Road.

Marathon

Thatched cottage at Broad Oak

This is seen from Shalloak Road by the turning to Chapel Lane.

Marathon

Broad Oak Chapel

The chapel was opened in 1867, and was licensed for marriage ceremonies in the 1940s as part of the Countess of Huntingdon Connexion - see Link

For more about the Countess of Huntingdon Connexion see Link

Marathon

Track at Warren Farm

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

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