Woodland for sale

Exact Location, viewing Instructions and further details can be found in our brochure below.

A beautiful woodland with a varied mix of rotation sweet chestnut coppice along with oak, birch and hazel, open space and a pond, presenting a great opportunity for an ecologically minded, enthusiastic forester.

Located a short distance north of the historic city of Canterbury, Honey Wood is a majestic Ancient Woodland, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and forms part of a wider wooded area in pastoral northern Kent. It is accessed along a woodland track that runs from the west to the northeast boundary, with a few further tacks and trails that spur off, allowing access to other spots of the wood, and could prove useful for potential harvesting projects.

Located over mostly flat loamy clays, the woodland is a blend of mixed broadleaves, and could be separated into two parts, northeast and west of a ride which accommodates a power line above.

The western side of Honey Wood is largely comprised of sweet chestnut coppice at varying ages of rotation; this has traditionally been coppiced every 15 to 20 years or so in small felling coupes, sympathetic to the woodland's SSSI status. Several coupes are nearing maturity and could be felled, subject to the appropriate permissions, providing possible income from firewood, fencing materials, or standing sales to local craftspeople. Many machinery options could be considered for extracting timber from here, such as a nimble all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a low impact mini forwarder, perhaps in conjunction with handsaws or, for the more adventurous, a walking tree harvester. Compartments of birch can be found near the southern boundary, with some excellent oak standards throughout.

Northeast of the ride presents a pleasant contrast with species that include further majestic oak, ash, beech, sweet chestnut, willow, hornbeam and birch. Shrub layer dwellers include hazel coppice, hawthorn, field maple, wild service tree, and holly. This area of the wood is certainly ideal for any number of activities perhaps close to the small section of a stream that meanders into the boundary and out again at its northern point. Equally, a lovely large glade west of the powerline would make an ideal spot for woodland recreation. A seasonal pond that flanks the southwestern edge of the ride is home to a wealth of insect activity; rare water beetles have been identified here.

An interesting ecological feature found throughout Honey Wood is a number of wood ant colonies - known as ecosystem engineers, because their construction of nests helps cultivate and aerate the soil. Their presence indicates a thriving and healthy woodland. A diverse mammal population includes deer (muntjac and fallow), badger, hare, fox and wood mouse. A number of fairly unusual birds are known to the area, including hobby, long-eared owl, nightjar, and tree pipit, to name a few. Countless harmonious songbirds make their presence known in the tree canopy with their mellifluous sounds.

During warmer times of the year, the ground layer is adorned with woodland flora including bluebells, wood anemones, dog’s mercury, herb Robert, wood sorrel, primrose and climbing honeysuckle.

Our Forester'sThoughts

Sam says...

"Chestnut coppice is historically known to this corner of England and subsequently could potentially meet the needs of an already established local market. Uses range from fence posts, hop poles to corduroy (timber) roading and rustic furniture. I would be keen to make connections and encourage visits from ecologists to study the woodland further - perhaps also hosting a visit from the Royal Forestry Society and other professionals."

Please remember some management operations require approval and/or a licence.