Protect

Kent High Weald Partnership manage this site for nature and for people so that both the local wildlife and residents can enjoy this beautiful woodland. To ensure it is protected for both, we need to carry out certain management tasks.

Grazing occurs in the meadow areas of Barnett’s Wood. Grazing is vital to maintain the diverse flora of wild meadows and to prevent the growth of tussocky vegetation, scrub and trees. Most plants of wild meadows are perennials – meaning they die back in the autumn and re-grow from rootstock in spring, so are not dependent on regenerating from seed every year. Grazing at light to moderate levels will only remove part of the above-ground growth and will not kill the plants. Failure to graze or cut a wild meadow during spring and/or summer will encourage coarse vegetation, causing the number of wild flowers to rapidly decline.

When cows are grazing these meadows, don’t get between cows and their calves. Walk around the herd and re-join the path when safe. If you have a dog, keep it on a short lead around cows and sheep, but consider letting go of the lead if you feel threatened by cattle so you can both get to safety separately.

Explore

In March 2024 Dr Nicola Bannister undertook an Archaeological Assessment of Barnett’s Wood – and the results were fascinating!

The woodlands and fields of Barnetts are a remnant of a piece of wooded landscape of the medieval South Frith Chase. The woodland has been intensively managed for its woodland resources in the subsequent centuries, and the farm has been in use for at least 600 years. Within its boundaries it is possible to find evidence of the past activities. In later centuries the wood was an important source of timber and underwood for the iron industry, for fuel, for timber for building and other construction either used locally or exported. The brickworks are evidence of the demand for materials for the expansion of Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells at the beginning of the 20th century.

The mature and veteran trees in the woodland are genetic descendents of the medieval trees of the frith. This continuity is important for the biodiversity of the woodland, and where possible the oaks and beeches should be able to regenerate naturally.

 

Enjoy