This mixed woodland site·supports an abundance of butterflies not often found in the region and a rich bird population. It is popular with people too, and Tunbridge Wells' residents just need to cross Broadwater Down to access it from their homes!
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Website: http://www.wt-woods.org.uk/hargateforest
Grid Reference: TQ574370(OS Map)
OS Map: 188
Directions/Transport: Contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233
Car Park Information:Please park carefully on the roadside at Broadwater Down, with consideration to local residents, and walk into the site.
Features:
- Hargate Forest is a very modern name for this site. It was known as Hargate Wood before 1880 and is a remnant of the ancient Waterdown Forest, one of the four great medieval forests of the High Weald .
- Hargate has a good track, ride and path network, with two waymarked trails: the one-mile long green route and two-mile long red route. The red route is a circular walk, but some sections can get muddy.
- Set on sloping land, there are extensive views from the regenerating heathland area at Mount Nod and a brook flows through its southern section.
- The Woodland Trust has created ponds throughout the site.
- A conservation volunteer group exists, to help the Woodland Trust manage the site. For further details, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Opening Times: All year
Prices: Free
Site Enhancements 2009 - 2012
Gateways were created into Hargate Forest from Broadwater Down and, to improve access around the site, two waymarked trails were formed. The one-mile long green route leads to a woodland pond, and is surfaced and with gentle gradients, making it suitable for buggies. The two-mile long red route provides a circular walk option and follows unsurfaced rides.
The red route leads the visitor to the Old Carriageway: the original route for the owners of Eridge Park to attend church in Tunbridge Wells! On the Carriageway, extensive rhododendron was cleared and specimen trees - protected by ornamental tree grilles designed by local children and interpreting the history and wildlife of the area - were planted.
The volunteer group was also established; to carry out access and habitat management tasks on site.
The 2009 - 2012 site enhancements were funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
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