Hoath Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Hoath 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

Hoath Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Kent, England. Spanning over 450 acres, it is one of the largest ancient woodlands in the region. The wood is situated near the village of Chiddingstone Hoath and is easily accessible by foot or car.

The woodland is predominantly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, ash, and sweet chestnut. These trees provide a diverse canopy that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna. In spring, the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, adding a burst of color to the landscape.

Hoath Wood is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The wood offers several well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These trails wind through the dense foliage, offering glimpses of wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species.

The wood is also home to a number of historical features, including remnants of ancient settlements and ironworking sites. These archaeological remains provide insight into the area's past and add an element of intrigue to the woodland experience.

Hoath Wood is managed by the Forestry Commission, ensuring its preservation and conservation. The commission carries out regular maintenance work, including tree thinning and path upkeep, to ensure the wood remains accessible and safe for visitors.

Overall, Hoath Wood is a tranquil and picturesque woodland that offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to connect with nature or explore Kent's rich history.

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Hoath Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.338089/1.1145045 or Grid Reference TR1764. 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

Hicks Forstal Road

The rood runs through East Blean Wood, which is a National Nature Reserve.

John Baker

The A299, Thanet Way

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

Philip Halling

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

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

Thornden Wood Road

This view looks north from the entrance to Warren Farm.

Marathon

Thornden Wood Road

This view looks south from the entrance to Warren Farm.

Marathon

Restoration of St Martinâs church

Details about the restoration can be found by clicking the tab “restoration” on the church’s website Link

These details read “St Martin's Herne PCC thanks the Heritage Lottery Fund for the grant of £248,800 in aid of Phase 1 of St Martin's Restoration. We have received permission to start the project which will start in May 2016 lasting for about 25 weeks. We are also in receipt of other funding which will be used to carry out less urgent work on the tower whilst whilst the tower scaffold is in place”. John Salmon’s TR1865 : St Martin's Church, Herne, Kent shows the building without scaffolding.

John Baker