Banker's Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Banker's 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

Banker's Wood is a small but significant woodland located in Kent, England. Situated near the village of Banker's Green, it is known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere. The wood covers an area of approximately 20 hectares and is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and ash.

The woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers due to its diverse wildlife. It provides a habitat for a wide range of species, including deer, rabbits, squirrels, and numerous bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes.

Banker's Wood is also home to a variety of flora, with bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic carpeting the forest floor during the spring months. The mixture of tree species and undergrowth creates an enchanting landscape that changes throughout the seasons.

The wood is accessible to the public and offers several well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. It is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance and is managed by local conservation organizations to preserve its unique characteristics.

Banker's Wood is not only cherished for its natural beauty but also for its contribution to the local ecosystem. It serves as a vital green lung, providing clean air and acting as a natural flood barrier for the surrounding areas.

Overall, Banker's Wood is a captivating woodland that offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Banker's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.341642/1.1091015 or Grid Reference TR1664. 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

The A299, Thanet Way

The A299, Thanet Way viewed from a layby near Greenhill.

Philip Halling

View from the entrance to Red House Farm

The houses in the distance are at Greenhill which is a suburb of Herne Bay to the south of the A299.

Marathon

House at Great Ruckinge Farm

This attractive house can be seen from Thornden Wood Road.

Marathon

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

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