Slipper Wood £89,000 Freehold
- Biddenden, Kent
- about 4 ¾ acres
- South East England
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A splendid mixed woodland
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Autumn sunlight in the woodland
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The rustic style bench in a small private clearing
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Mature oak and mixed broadleaves
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The northeastern facing edge of the woodland
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The ride stop entrance to Slipper Wood
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The footbridge over the shallow ditch
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The stunning view across the meadows
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Mature ancient woodland
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Hazel
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Hornbeam and ash
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The stoned track leading to the entrance to the wood
Description
Slipper Wood is an Ancient Semi-natural Woodland (ASNW) as designated by Natural England - a habitat that has remained continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD. Such woodlands are treasured for their exceptional biodiversity. The presence of hard ferns and bluebells attests its ancient origins, as both species are well-known indicators of long-established woodland.
Slipper Wood is situated approx. 3km south-west of Biddenden and 4km north-east of Benenden in the county of Kent. A private stoned track on the edge of open meadows provides access to the wood. There is a place for a new owner to park within the wood itself. Just beyond the ride stop a footbridge has been installed across the shallow ditch to reach the woodland. There is stock fencing along the edge of the woodland (from when livestock were previously grazing the meadows). A short section of fencing has been opened up to allow easy access into the woodland. The southeastern and north facing boundaries are marked with a line of chestnut fencing posts. The west facing boundaries are fenced. Boundaries are clearly marked with BLUE markings.
Part of the wider Brogues Wood landscape, Slipper Wood is embraced by open meadows to the northeast and companion woodlands to the north and southeast. The meadows stretch out in gentle light, offering breathtaking views and a haven for birds, butterflies, and bees. Hidden deep within the trees, a rustic wooden bench rests in a secluded clearing—a quiet sanctuary where time seems to slow, inviting you to sit, breathe, and lose yourself in the tranquil rhythm of the woodland.
Trees
Slipper Wood is a mature oak woodland, quite open in places, with bracken understorey. Younger birch and alder feature along the flushes. A draft Woodland Management Plan for Brogues Wood (of which Slipper Wood is a part) is available upon request. There is a Tree Preservation Order on a very narrow strip along the north edge of Slipper Wood (details of this TPO are available upon request), though this does not prevent normal forest management when covered by a Forestry Commission approved woodland management plan. Slipper Wood sits within the Local Wildlife Site known as Sandpit Wood. Details of this can be downloaded from here.
Wildlife
Priority bird species including grasshopper warbler, spotted flycatcher, wood warbler, lesser redpoll, tree pipit, hawfinch, woodlark and yellowhammer are recorded locally and may make use of the woods for breeding or overwintering. Why not pop up a hide and see what bird species you can spot? Muntjac, roe and fallow deer have been recorded in the vicinity of the woodland.
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/
Features
- A splendid ancient woodland with mature oaks.
- Bluebells and hard ferns.
- Surrounded by woodlands and meadows.
- Great all year-round access via a stoned track.
- A rustic bench set within a private clearing.
Access, tracks and footpaths
Slipper Wood is easily accessed from a quiet country lane (Benenden Road), through a locked wooden gate (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). There is a stoned track providing access to the wood. There is a place for a new owner to park inside the boundary of Slipper Wood.
Just beyond the ride stop a footbridge has been installed across the shallow ditch to reach the woodland. There is stock fencing along the edge of the woodland (from when livestock were previously grazing the meadows). A short section of fencing has been opened up to allow easy access into the woodland. The southeastern and north facing boundaries are marked with a line of chestnut fencing posts. The west facing boundaries are fenced. Boundaries are clearly marked with BLUE markings.
Rights and covenants
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.Activities
Slipper Wood is a truly delightful family woodland, offering the perfect setting for private camping, outdoor adventures, and peaceful woodland escapes. Rich in natural beauty and history, it presents a wonderful opportunity for a new owner to take on the rewarding role of caring for and managing an ancient woodland. Families can enjoy quality time together collecting firewood, creating small clearings, and encouraging the vibrant bluebells that flourish each spring. With its serene atmosphere and timeless charm, Slipper Wood is the ideal place to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature.
Woodlands.co.uk are also pleased to offer £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/
Local area and history
The wood is situated approx. 3km south-west of Biddenden and 4km north-east of Benenden in the county of Kent. The nearby village of Biddenden was in the 1300’s part of an important centre for Broadcloth manufacture, with much of the very attractive high street built during this period. Biddenden Vineyard is located nearby, which in addition to producing some fine wines, is also Kent’s largest cider producer.
Ordnance Survey maps indicate that the areas currently under pasture were until at least the 1960s also under woodland but were subsequently deforested. However, the external woodland boundaries have changed very little since the mid-nineteenth century. There are some features of potential local archaeological interest in the woodland, including external wood-banks and ditches, remains of old tracks, and pits.
Wood maps
Wood map
Boundaries
The boundaries of the wood are indicated with BLUE markings.
The southeastern and north facing boundaries are marked with a line of chestnut fencing posts. The west facing boundaries are fenced.
Find this wood
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 188
- Grid ref: TQ 842 353
- Nearest post code: TN27 8DX
- GPS coordinates: 51.0883, 0.62943
Location map
Directions
Google Maps Pin for main gate here.
What3Words reference for main gate here. (///softly.homeward.visit)
Closest postcode: TN27 8DX This will take you to the area as shown by the red dot on the map.
Coordinates for main gate leading to Slipper Wood (off Benenden Road) are: 51.091622, 0.630055
To find the wood follow the instructions below.
- From Ashford head south on the A28 for approx. 8 miles into Betherseden. In Bethersden take a right turn onto Bull Lane to Pot Kiln Lane. After 2 miles take a right onto High Halden Rd. After approx. 2 miles take a left turn onto the A262 Tenterden Road continuing straight over at the roundabout onto the Benenden Road. After approx. 1 mile go straight over the crossroads with Cranbrook Road (take care here – this is a known accident blackspot). A short distance up the road you will see Youngs Timber Merchants on the left-hand side of the road. Continue on approx. 160m and you will see woodlands for sale signs by the entrance on your left-hand side. (Please note there are other woods available with woodlands.co.uk opposite the timber yard).
OR
- From Tunbridge Wells head south approx. 5 miles on the A21 turning left at roundabout onto the A262 to Goudhurst. Stay on the A262 into Sissinghurst and take the right turn opposite The Milk House onto Chapel Lane followed shortly by a left turn in Golford onto the Cranbrook Road. After approx. 3.5 miles you will come to a crossroads (take care here – this is a known accident blackspot). Take a right-turn onto the Benenden Road. A short distance up the road you will see Youngs Timber Merchants on the left-hand side of the road. Continue on approx. 160m and you will see woodlands for sale signs by the entrance on your left-hand side. (Please note there are other woods available with woodlands.co.uk opposite the timber yard).
Once you arrive at the gate:
- For parking, there are a couple of options – either park on the concrete in front of Youngs Timber Yard making sure you are not blocking the entrance / door or anyone in (we have an agreement with the yard to park here to view the wood). Then walk carefully along the edge of the road on the left-hand side down to the gate entrance to the woods. Alternatively contact Ruth Feltham to arrange access.
- Walk through the trees on the stoned track approx. 100 meters out onto the open edge of the meadow. Follow the stoned track round to the right for approx. 330 meters and the ride stop entrance to Slipper Wood is on the right-hand side with its boundaries marked in BLUE.
- Sat Nav note: The post code TN27 8DX is for the point shown on the location map by the red dot.
How we support our buyers
Membership of the small woodland owners’ group
£300 for a woodland course of your choice
One year's free membership of the royal forestry society
Please note this wood is owned by woodlands.co.uk.
Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on their mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.
Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.
These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.
A wonderfully quiet and private ancient oak woodland set back from the road and with no public access.
