Description

Clarence Wood is a fantastically varied and interesting wood. There are several features which make the wood very special. Situated far from any roads it is incredibly quiet and peaceful. A stream runs though the north side of the wood, part of which is within the wood itself (and part of which lies on the boundary). This provides a constant water supply for birds and other wildlife. Two separate seasonal ponds, which are situated in the north of the wood, could be further dug out and improved.

There is an attractive glade at the entrance to Clarence Wood which provides somewhere to park, as well as an area for recreational and woodland activities. This would be a perfect spot for family camping around a campfire, or for learning bushcraft skills. The glade also provides a good butterfly habitat and is edged with foxgloves, thistles, and wildflowers.

From the south of the glade, a private walk track winds through the wood, passing by several bird boxes and bat boxes installed on trees. Deep inside Clarence Wood, far from any tracks and in a very private small clearing there is a hand-made bench. This is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the tranquillity. The woods attract many birds – buzzards have been spotted overhead but there are also reports of lesser spotted woodpeckers, pipits, spotted flycatchers, marsh tits and hawfinches in the area.

Clarence Wood is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Natural England designates the majority of the wood as Ancient Replanted Woodland (PAWS). This means the land has been wooded since at least 1600AD.

Clarence Wood features 3 separate compartments. To the east there is an area of mixed broadleaf which was planted after the storms of 1987. Here there is oak, ash, wild cherry, beech, sweet chestnut, and birch. To the west of this area is a Scots pine plantation, which is about the same age. Furthest to the west is an area of Norway Spruce and Scots pine which is at least 60 years old. All compartments would benefit from some thinning in the coming years. This would allow the stronger trees to flourish and for more light to reach the forest floor. Other species found in the wood include mature hybrid poplars (found along the stream), hazel, field maple, sycamore, hawthorn, and holly. On the forest floor there are wild primrose, some stunning mature ferns, and small patches of bluebells.

Clarence Wood is easily accessible being approximately 500 meters from the A228. A concrete laid track leads from the A228 to the entrance of Horse Pasture Wood, in which Clarence Wood is found. It is worth noting that existing owners do not feel that the water treatment plant located here affects their enjoyment of the woods in any way. Beyond the locked single metal gate at the entrance to Horse Pasture Wood, a stoned track leads across a stream into the woods. Clarence Wood is approx. 200 meters down the main stoned track on the right. There is a public footpath to the south and a bridleway to the west of Clarence Wood (both just outside the boundaries).

We are fortunate to have two useful studies, which were undertaken by professionals. The Management Plan has been written by a qualified and experienced forestry professional to indicate a way in which Horse Pasture Wood (of which Clarence Wood is a small part) as a whole might be managed, but only you can know what you want to achieve and what your resources are. The Management Plan is not mandatory, but it is full of good advice, and a lot of background information which will certainly be interesting and useful. We also have a report from Prof. Julian Evans, author of “Getting Started in a Wood of Your Own”. The report covers the wider area of Horse Pasture Wood and again, advice is not compulsory. Please bear in mind that not everything in either of them applies to the particular area of Horse Pasture Wood which is Clarence Wood.

The town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is approximately 4.5 miles away. For those seeking adventure on water, a little further away (approximately 10 miles) is Bewl Water, which is the largest stretch of open water in the South East, offering fishing, cycling and boating.

Clarence Wood has recently been named after a type of horse-drawn vehicle.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of adjoining woodlands and meadows.