Hinge Wood is an incredibly diverse ancient mixed woodland. To the west of the ride stop entrance there is a belt of woodland following the ride edge with an ‘intimate mix of species' including western hemlock, larch and Douglas fir interspersed by sweet chestnut, silver birch and oak. To the north of this area is an oak plantation, planted approx. 35 years ago, with silver birch understory, some wild cherry, some older oak standards, ash, hazel, elder and a small pocket of conifers, including western hemlock and grand fir. The southeast area of Hinge Wood includes silver birch and sweet chestnut coppice with a few oak standards and goat willow found in the understory.

Hinge Wood has been designated as Ancient Semi Natural Woodland (ASNW) by Natural England. Patches of Dogs Mercury can be found in the wood, an ancient woodland indicator. Ancient semi natural woodland is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. There is a draft Woodland Management Plan for Wiskett’s Wood (of which Hinge Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request.

For ideas on how to manage your woodland for wildlife why not have a look here:

https://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/managing-your-woodland-for-wildlife/

Brown Long-eared bats have been recorded in Wiskett’s Wood, as well as reports of turtle dove, lapwing and skylark. Fallow and Roe deer can be found in the wider woodland.

- Easily accessed from the A21, with a stoned track leading to the wood itself.

- An incredibly diverse ancient woodland - with both broadleaf and conifer species.

- Privately owned woodlands on all sides.

- Located near Bewl Water and Scotney Castle - there is lots to do locally.

Hinge Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Bewlbridge Lane), through a locked metal gate (an owner will be provided the combination number for this locked gate). A stoned track provides access to the wood. There is an additional unsurfaced track providing access to the west side of the wood. (see ‘Wood Maps’). There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself.

There are no public footpaths within the wood itself or adjoining the woodland.

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

As is the case for all our woodlands, the purchaser will be asked to enter into a covenant which serves to protect the peace and quiet of the woodland.

Hinge Wood is a delightful family woodland, perfect for private camping and a variety of outdoor pursuits such as building wildlife hides for photography, creating meandering private woodland paths, or collecting firewood. It provides an excellent opportunity for a new owner to take on the rewarding role of caring for and managing an ancient woodland.

Woodlands.co.uk are pleased to offer up to £300 for new owners to attend a woodland related course of their choosing to pursue their woodland interests. We offer support for new woodland owners, including books, subscriptions, introductions to neighbours, advice on local suppliers and money towards relevant training. You can read more about this here: https://www.woodlands.co.uk/owning-a-wood/support/

There are many historical sites in the area. The English Heritage site of Bayham Abbey is approx. 4.5 miles away and features ruins dating back to the 13th century. Scotney Castle is just over 1 mile away – this impressive 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. For those who love water, Bewl Water is less than half a mile down the road from the woods and offers various water sports including sailing and stand up paddle boarding, as well as cycling and fishing.

Historically, Wiskett’s Wood was likely to have been coppiced on rotation to supply wood for charcoal making (to support the Wealden Iron Industry), and later, to provide surrounding farms with hop poles, firewood and fencing materials.