After three successful years an initiative providing free heritage visits and land management advice for landowners in the High Weald is in its final few months.
Around 70% of the High Weald's woodland has been identified as ancient, defined as having been continually wooded since at least AD1600. This has played a significant role in the High Weald's official designation in 1983 as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and therefore worthy of special protection.
Uncovering the history of an area of land provides a basis for understanding how to preserve its distinctive characteristics for future generations to enjoy and learn from. This is the principle at the core of Matt Pitts' work in surveying land and woodland and giving advice on its management. The project supports landowners in recognising and preserving their property's unique historical and ecological features and consequently its heritage.
The project has received consistently positive feedback from landowners with one describing it as "A very enjoyable and informative visit." Another landowner commented "I was very impressed with the content, the knowledge and how Matt gave the presentation. Very inspiring! Thank you for the service!"
All properties of over 1acre that fall within the High Weald AONB boundary are eligible. To find out more or to book your free site visit and management plan contact Matt Pitts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01424 723007
- See if your property falls within the High Weald AONB boundary with our online map
- Keep up to date with other projects run by the High Weald AONB partnership on our projects page
- Keep up to date with the High Weald by following us on Twitter @highweald and liking the High Weald AONB facebook page.