Cinderhill Wood
*Cinderhill fire 18 April 2025* – We are very saddened to report that a large fire broke out on the Cinderhill heathland on Friday 18th April 2025. The amazing fire service managed to stop it, but it has burnt a vast area of the heathland and will be quite shocking to people who enjoy visiting the site. Fortunately, the heathland will recover over time and we will be working with the council to ensure it is safe and restored as quickly as possible and that measures are in place to reduce future fire risk. We are unsure as to the cause of the fire but the dry conditions at that time meant accidental fires can happen and can spread quickly. This is an important reminder to ensure everyone takes extra care in our greenspaces during dry weather as things like cigarette butts, litter and bbqs can very easily cause fires. Please contact 999 if you see a fire of any size as soon as you can.
Site Information
Cinderhill Woods is maintained both for its important, wildlife-rich habitats and for the local community, as a place to enjoy the beauty of the countryside on their doorstep. Covering a total area of 12 hectares, there are heathlands and grasslands, woodland and streams to explore. A well-managed network of paths and permissive bridleways across Cinderhill provide the opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna throughout the year.
Areas of lowland heathland are of great importance; each small area of heath acts as a ‘stepping stone’ enabling flora and fauna to migrate across the high weald and beyond.
The heath needs to be managed in order to prevent colonisation by birch and bracken and to maintain the heather by cutting it to encourage re-growth. In the summer months Cinderhill is host to a flock of soay sheep that graze on the bramble and birch saplings. A part of the heath is significantly wetter and here you can find areas of sphagnum mire, a moss bog. Mires such as this are particularly rare in Kent.
The stream-side woodland mainly consists of mixed coppiced trees, including ash, alder and hazel. Coppicing encourages a wide variety of ground flora such as bluebells and primroses in the spring months, as well as several orchid species and the scarce lesser skullcap.
The Sweet Chestnut Coppice at Cinderhill is being brought back into management so that the wood can be harvested in a sustainable way for fencing materials, garden furniture and firewood. KHWP is working with the Kent Wildlife Trust to maximise the potential of this woodland management method for wildlife, by simultaneously cutting areas on both reserves.
A total of 60+ bird species have been seen at Cinderhill over the years, including Cuckoo’s and Wood Cocks . The green woodpecker can be seen searching for insects, and Kestrels can be seen hovering over their prey. Willow tits dart in and out of the streamside woodland as they build their nests in the snags of deadwood. Many reptiles also make a home at Cinderhill, including slow worm, common lizard, and the grass snake.
Site Location
Cinderhill Community Woodland is located approximately 2km to the northeast of Pembury and about 1km to the west of the village of Matfield. There are access points from Brenchley Woods, Chestnut Lane, and Tudeley Brook.
Access Information
A firm stone path runs from the carpark area down to the Snake sculpture and viewpoint. It can be used as an accessible route, the path meanders through woodland so can be more difficult in winter months.
Toilets – No toilets at this site. Public toilets available next to the village hall.
Getting there– Approx 100 meters past the 30 sign on chestnut road, Go along the track marked ‘Nature Conservation Area’ to the small car park which is the meeting point for volunteers.
Postcode: TN12 7EF
OS Grid Ref: TQ 651424
Town– Matfield, Kent
Contact Details
KHWP manage the site on behalf of Matfield and Brenchley Parish Council. If you would like to get in touch with any questions, issues or wildlife sightings, please email us at cmp@khwp.org.uk.
Please contact the local police on 101 to report anti-social behaviour or call 999 if it is an emergency.
