Underdown Wood

Wood, Forest in Kent Canterbury

England

Underdown 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

Underdown Wood, located in Kent, is a picturesque woodland that covers an area of approximately 300 acres. This enchanting forest is situated in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering visitors a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The wood is primarily composed of oak, ash, and birch trees, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. These majestic trees provide a dense canopy that shades the forest floor, allowing a variety of wildflowers and plants to flourish beneath. Bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic are just a few of the colorful blooms that can be found scattered throughout the woodland.

Underdown Wood is home to an array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The wood's diverse habitats provide shelter for a plethora of bird species, including woodpeckers, tawny owls, and various songbirds. Keen-eyed visitors may also spot rabbits, squirrels, and even deer roaming freely among the trees.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, inviting visitors to explore its natural beauty. These paths meander through the forest, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for peaceful walks and picnics. Additionally, the wood is intersected by a small stream, adding to its charm and providing a soothing soundtrack to the surrounding nature.

Underdown Wood is a cherished natural gem in Kent, attracting visitors throughout the year. Its beauty and tranquility make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the wonders of the natural world.

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Underdown Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.338449/1.1219387 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

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

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