The Wilderness

Wood, Forest in Kent Dover

England

The Wilderness

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne The East Kent Light Railway was constructed between 1911 and 1917 to serve the Kent Coalfields. It opened on 16th October 1916 and closed to passenger traffic on 30th October 1948. Shepherdswell was the location of the engine shed and works, and a large number of sidings. The next station along the line was Eythorne and the station reopened as part of the East Kent Railway in 1993. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.eastkentrailway.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.eastkentrailway.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

This is looking back towards Shepherdswell. — The East Kent Railway at Eythorne Credit: Marathon

The Wilderness, located in Kent, England, is a sprawling wood and forest area that spans approximately 11 square miles. Situated in the southeastern part of the county, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The Wilderness is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

The woodland in The Wilderness consists of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, creating a picturesque landscape throughout the year. Majestic oak, beech, and birch trees dominate the area, providing a habitat for a wide array of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The forest floor is covered in a lush carpet of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to the area's natural charm.

Trails and footpaths crisscross the wood, allowing visitors to explore and discover its hidden gems. The Wilderness also boasts several picnic areas and viewpoints, providing opportunities for relaxation and breathtaking vistas. With its serene atmosphere and tranquil ambiance, it is a haven for those seeking solace in nature.

The woodland is managed carefully to preserve its ecological balance and protect its inhabitants. Conservation efforts have been implemented to maintain the forest's biodiversity and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The Wilderness, Kent is a true gem for nature lovers, offering a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural world.

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The Wilderness Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.181948/1.2674709 or Grid Reference TR2847. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne

The East Kent Light Railway was constructed between 1911 and 1917 to serve the Kent Coalfields. It opened on 16th October 1916 and closed to passenger traffic on 30th October 1948. Shepherdswell was the location of the engine shed and works, and a large number of sidings. The next station along the line was Eythorne and the station reopened as part of the East Kent Railway in 1993. See Link

This is looking back towards Shepherdswell.

Marathon

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne

This is looking back towards Shepherdswell.

Marathon

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne

This is looking down the line beyond the level crossing at Shooters Hill. A little way down the line was a branch to Tilmanstone Colliery.

Marathon

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne

This is looking down the line beyond the level crossing at Shooters Hill. A little way down the line was a branch to Tilmanstone Colliery.

Marathon

The signal box at Eythorne station

The signal box was originally at Selling near Canterbury - see Link

The original control panel came with the signal box - see Link

Marathon

The signal box at Eythorne station

The signal box was originally at Selling near Canterbury - see Link

The original control panel came with the signal box - see Link A train from Shepherdswell has just pulled in.

Marathon

Colliery headstock at Eythorne station

The colliery headstock seen here was originally made as part of the stage scenery for the theatre production of 'Brassed Off'. After the last performance this part of the scenery was donated to the East Kent Railway and was rebuilt and moved into position here. See Link for the information board.

Marathon

Information board at Eythorne station

This is the information about the colliery headstock at Eythorne station - see Link

Marathon

The panel in the signal box at Eythorne

The signal box was originally at Selling near Canterbury - see Link

This is the control panel brought from Selling with the signal box.

Marathon

The Winding House, Singledge Lane

The Winding House is a spectacular restoration of an old Kent coal heritage building, where weddings are held Link

John Baker

Eythorne Level Crossing

The East Kent Railway crosses Shooters Hill at Lower Eythorne by this level crossing. Normal passenger services on the East Kent Railway terminate at Eythorne Station to the southwest of the crossing. The track to the northeast of the crossing which formerly served Tilmanstone Colliery continues for approximately 625m to just short of a former bridge over Wigmore Lane; it is partly used for the storage of rolling stock.

Adrian Taylor

The East Kent Railway at Eythorne

This section of the East Kent Railway east of Eythorne Level Crossing is not used for passenger services and formerly served Tilmanstone Colliery; it continues for approximately 625m to just short of a former bridge over Wigmore Lane and is partly used for the storage of rolling stock. This location was formerly a junction, the main line to Richborough Port continuing straight ahead where the bushes are growing.

Adrian Taylor

Guilford Colliery Junction

This former railway junction is on the East Kent Railway southwest of Eythorne Station. The main line to Shepherdswell curves off to the right, the branch to Guilford Colliery followed the tree lined embankment in the background. The Guilford Colliery Branch opened in October 1912 to serve the colliery which was being developed. The colliery was abandoned before it had produced any coal and the Branch closed on the 14th July 1937. The track was reinstated at the north end of the Branch briefly during the Second World War and used for stabling rail mounted guns.

Adrian Taylor

Class 365 unit at Eythorne

Stored in the siding at Eythorne Station on the East Kent Railway is the last remaining (incomplete) Class 365 unit number 365 524. The electric unit cannot run on the East Kent Railway as it needs overhead power, but it is to be placed on static display. In the background preserved Class 142 ‘Pacer’ unit number 142 036, with a destination blind still reading ‘Metro Centre’ from its last main line turn of duty in the North East, is waiting to depart with the next service to Shepherdswell.

Adrian Taylor

Looking NNW along the route of the former Guilford Colliery Railway

It was built in November 1912 to connect the colliery with the East Kent Light Railway at Eythorne. I shall have to return to this location, when there is less foliage to obscure the view.

John Baker

Looking ESE along the route of the former Guilford Colliery Railway

It was built in November 1912 to connect the colliery with the East Kent Light Railway at Eythorne. I shall have to return to this location, when there is less foliage to obscure the view.

John Baker

Footpath above a dismantled railway line

From its centre, one can either be TR2747 : Looking NNW along the route of the former Guilford Colliery Railway or TR2747 : Looking ESE along the route of the former Guilford Colliery Railway.

John Baker

A2 The A2 runs 72 miles from Borough <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5739288">TQ3279 : Great Dover St</a> in London to Dover, through Kent, formerly known as the Dover Road or Great Dover Road. It follows roughly the course of the Roman Watling Street and historically it has always been an important road because it connects London with Canterbury and the port of Dover. In the 18th and 19th century it was turnpiked and given its present designation in the 1920s.

The A2 runs 72 miles from Borough TQ3279 : Great Dover St in London to Dover, through Kent, formerly known as the Dover Road or Great Dover Road. It follows roughly the course of the Roman Watling Street and historically it has always been an important road because it connects London with Canterbury and the port of Dover. In the 18th and 19th century it was turnpiked and given its present designation in the 1920s.

N Chadwick

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The Wilderness is located at Grid Ref: TR2847 (Lat: 51.181948, Lng: 1.2674709)

Administrative County: Kent

District: Dover

Police Authority: Kent