Oldbury Hill and Styant's Wood

Heritage Site in Kent Tonbridge and Malling

England

Oldbury Hill and Styant's Wood

An orchard Orchards are a farming method for fruit. Most orchards are apple orchards, although pears, plums and other soft fruits are also grown. Due to changes in the economy and competition from abroad many orchards have been grubbed up and converted to other land uses. Fruit orchards are common across Kent (The Garden of England) and to a lesser extent Sussex. — An orchard Credit: N Chadwick

Oldbury Hill and Styant's Wood, located in Kent, England, form a unique heritage site with both historical and ecological significance. Oldbury Hill is an Iron Age hillfort, situated atop a prominent chalk hill overlooking the Medway Valley. The hillfort dates back over 2,000 years and is believed to have been occupied by a local tribe during the late Iron Age.

Covering an area of around 15 acres, Oldbury Hill features impressive earthworks, including a series of concentric ditches and ramparts that once served as defensive fortifications. The site provides a glimpse into the ancient past, offering visitors a chance to explore the remains of the original settlement and envision the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Adjacent to Oldbury Hill is Styant's Wood, a beautiful ancient woodland that has been protected as a nature reserve. With an area of approximately 23 hectares, the woodland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Ancient oak and beech trees dominate the landscape, creating a rich habitat for wildlife.

Visitors to Styant's Wood can enjoy peaceful walks along well-maintained trails, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and observing the various plants and animals that inhabit the area. Bluebells carpet the woodland floor in spring, attracting a kaleidoscope of butterflies, while birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and warblers can be heard and seen throughout the year.

Oldbury Hill and Styant's Wood provide a captivating blend of archaeological and ecological wonders, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of the Kentish countryside. Whether exploring the ancient hillfort or wandering through the enchanting woodland, this heritage site offers a unique experience for all.

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Oldbury Hill and Styant's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.282/0.267 or Grid Reference TQ5856. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

An orchard

Orchards are a farming method for fruit. Most orchards are apple orchards, although pears, plums and other soft fruits are also grown. Due to changes in the economy and competition from abroad many orchards have been grubbed up and converted to other land uses. Fruit orchards are common across Kent (The Garden of England) and to a lesser extent Sussex.

N Chadwick

Electricity Pylon

Matthew Chadwick

The Bank, Ightham

This is a row of (originally) four terrace houses with chequer brickwork, red with blue headers. The houses are Grade II listed, and the brickwork rat-trap bond according to the listing details, which also state that the houses were built in the 17C, which surprised me. Bank cottages to the left, also Grade II listed, were originally of the 16C.

Humphrey Bolton

The Town House and the Old Forge House, Ightham

A corner of the George and Dragon is on the far left, then The Town House, Grade II listed, a Hall-house, altered during the C16 and restored during the late C19. On the right is the Old Forge House, Grade II* listed. This is part of a 16C hall-house, dated 1555, with 19C additions.

Humphrey Bolton

War memorial and listed houses, Ightham

Surprisingly, the two houses, listed Grade II, are together based on a 16C hall-house, heavily disguised in the 19C. The war memorial is apparently not listed yet.

Humphrey Bolton