Woodland for sale

Description:
Soames Meadow is a delightful stretch of land. Spanning approximately 6 ¾ acres in the heart of Kent, it features open ground for planting, a tranquil pond, and a woodland shaw. This diverse landscape creates a distinctive setting, well-suited for those with a passion for conservation, environmental projects, or amenity use.

The meadow is level and has been used agriculturally in recent years as part of Apple Pie Farm. Historically, the land was a thriving orchard, as evidenced by old ordnance survey maps, until the apple trees were removed around four decades ago. Under new stewardship, the return of trees to this land will be a welcome sight, restoring a landscape once shaped by orchard rows.

Beyond the open meadow, the land extends eastward to include a section of woodland shaw, which eventually merges with the larger Benenden Wood. This connection forms an essential wildlife corridor, providing passage for local species such as badgers, rabbits, and deer. A badger sett lies within the meadow’s eastern boundary, and the area is home to an array of farmland and woodland birds, including pheasant and partridge, which are frequently seen. Further tree planting will only enhance the already rich habitats present on the land.

In the southeast corner of the meadow, a picturesque pond is enclosed by broadleaved trees. This area is part of a larger section of land designated as ancient woodland, meaning it has maintained continuous tree cover for at least 400 years. The pond serves as a thriving haven for wildlife, offering opportunities for conservation efforts to support newts, frogs, insects, and other pond life.

The northern boundary of the meadow is defined by field stakes, with the potential for new hedge planting, for which grants are available. To the south, deer fencing protects a neighbouring willow plantation, where English willow is cultivated for cricket bats. Boundary markers are identified with purple paint.

Soames Meadow presents a rare opportunity to own a peaceful and scenic parcel of land within the High Weald National Landscape. It offers a canvas for conservation and tree planting, integrating into the surrounding woodlands. Beyond its ecological potential, the meadow provides a private retreat - a place to pause, reflect, and immerse oneself in the quiet beauty of nature.

In their eagerness to preserve this meadow, and as recognition of its value, the local council have given it an extra level of protection by including it within an Article 4 area, which means that it is protected from unsympathetic development.

Access, tracks and footpaths:
The meadow is accessed via a metalled road and stone track from Mounts Hill (B2086). There are no public rights of way across the land.

Rights and covenants:
Sporting rights are in hand.  As is the case for all our meadows, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the meadow.

Location:
OS Landranger: OS No. 188
Grid ref: TQ 794 340
Nearest post code: TN17 4EU
GPS coordinates: 51.0769, 0.559729

Directions:

Soames Meadow is accessed via a metalled road, and then track, which leads from from the B2086, Mounts Hill.

Coordinates for satnav are: 51° 04' 31.2" N, 0° 33' 33.7" E for the field gate.

Satnav: the postcode TN17 4ET is the nearest to the meadow, but please note that this will take you to Mounts Hill, and not the specific entrance.

What3Words: ///flagged.clubbing.bagpipes

In terms of finding the meadow, when heading along the Cranbrook Road and then Mounts Hill (both the B2086) from the Cranbrook / Swattenden direction towards Benenden, you need to look out for a turning on your left hand side signposted for Mounts Farm. There is also a small post-box in the hedge on the other side of the turning to the sign. This turning is the last turning to the left off the B2086 before you reach the signs for Benenden Village, where the speed limit is reduced to 40mph. Head all the way to the end of this metalled road, which is around 0.5km. At this point, the road turns into a wooded track, continue along here and pass through the field gate. Travel a further 50m and turn right at the T-junction by the large poplar trees. Soames Meadow is around 150m down this track on the right hand side.