Much of the woodland on the Hadlow Estate, including some 850 acres at Pembury Walks, is in the High Weald National Landscape (formerly AONB). Some of this is Ancient Woodland and is a survivor of the old Forest of Andreaswald which covered much of the Weald Forest Ridge.
The woodland was managed for many years in conjunction with the RSPB as Tudeley Woods Nature Reserve but is now looked after by the Estate, to the same high standards of conservation management.
It is a haven for wildlife including nightjar, lesser spotted woodpecker, warblers and many migrant birds that over-winter here. Plant and insect life is rich and over 1,100 species of fungi, including rare varieties, have been found here.
Sensitive management, including chestnut coppicing and a return to active forestry operations, underpins our approach to wildlife conservation and the maintenance and enhancement of these habitats. We regularly monitor the bird population, flora and fauna in the woodland and across the Estate as a whole to gauge what conservation methods are working and to ascertain how we can support wildlife diversity and create new habitats in future.
Tudeley Woods Nature Reserve is crisscrossed by a number of ancient sunken paths, footpaths and rides, traditionally used by drovers and there are three well-marked nature trails which give access for people to enjoy this beautiful environment.
Bluebell walks are a popular spring activity as are our farm walks. These walks give an insight into how we run our farm and contribute to food production and the local economy, whilst caring for nature.
We are careful to balance the sensitivities of such a rich natural ecosystem with access to green space and fresh air, so we do request that walkers respect footpath signs across the Estate, particularly in the nesting season.
