Whiddet's Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Whiddet'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

Whiddet's Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Kent, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, this enchanting forest is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Situated near the village of Whiddet, the wood is characterized by a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, pine, and fir. These towering trees create a dense canopy that filters sunlight, casting beautiful dappled shadows on the forest floor. The wood is also home to a variety of wildflowers, such as bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which bloom in abundance during the spring months.

The woodland offers a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. As one ventures deeper into the wood, they may encounter a babbling brook that meanders through the trees, adding to the tranquility of the surroundings.

Wildlife thrives within the confines of Whiddet's Wood, with sightings of deer, foxes, badgers, and an array of bird species being common. Nature enthusiasts often visit the wood to observe and photograph these creatures in their natural habitat.

Whiddet's Wood is managed by the local council, which ensures the preservation of its natural beauty and the safety of its visitors. With its serene atmosphere and captivating scenery, this woodland gem in Kent is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

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Whiddet's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.346243/1.1099302 or Grid Reference TR1665. 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

Molehill Road

The footpath on the left here has been re-routed compared to the OS Map.

Marathon

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

Railway seen from Greenhill Bridge Road

The route between Faversham and Whitstable was opened by the Margate Railway on 1st August 1860, and was extended to Herne Bay on 13th July 1861. Herne Bay station is just around the bend in the distance.

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