Ash Trees in the Heart of Kent

Join us and Kent Tree Wardens in this private woodland sanctuary for wildlife and see ash trees in this historic and very special place.

Saturday 30th June 2018, 10.30am - 1:00pm

Pierland Wood, meet at the small car park which is on Ash Hill, Ruckinge, near Ashford, nearest postcode at Horton Green, TN26 2PF

Pierland Wood was part of the larger Orlestone Forest, a fragmented area of woodland that is the remnant of a continuous oak forest that once covered the Weald in the very heart of Kent. It supports outstanding bird and invertebrate communities, and is home to rare moths and butterflies, breeding birds, newts and dormice.

Oak, ash, sweet chestnut, birch and hornbeam flourish together with hawthorn and hazel. The very special Wild Service, or ‘chequer’ trees are also found in the woods; they are another indicator of ancient woodland. In spring the floor of the woods is filled with primrose, white wood anemones and bluebells, whilst autumn is the perfect time for appreciating the fabulous fungi and autumnal leaves. In summer the woods are full of the sounds of insects while the woodlands themselves are at their richest and lushest.

Do be advised that country roads are often narrow and winding, and extra time should be allowed for your journey.

This walk is presented by the Kent Tree and Pond Wardens, a fantastic group of volunteers that work across Kent and Medway to care for trees in our communities.