SOLD: Apple Pie Meadow £79,000 Freehold
- Benenden, Kent
- about 3 ¾ acres
- Tree planting land South East England
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Apple Pie Meadow lies on the site of a former apple orchard
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Looking north towards neighbouring woodland
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A row of towering Poplar trees line the eastern boundary
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The Poplars provide excellent shelter for the land
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Looking towards the woodland fringe in the western section
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Looking down the border between the open land and woodland fringe
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Entrance into the wooded section
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The woodland is well spaced
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Dappled light showers the woodland floor
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Wintery colours
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The woodland is a mix of broadleaved species
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Both coppice and standards can be found
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There are three ponds within the woodland, which offer fantastic potential for wildlife and conservation
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The second of the ponds
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Reflections on the water
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Fungi on the banks of the pond
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Willow branches out from the edge of a pond
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Ideal for those with environmental interests
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An old den
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Views from the back of the land on to neighbouring land
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Looking back across the meadow from the wooded section
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Clear blue skies
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Name plate
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Private entrance
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Access track
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Low winter sun over Apple Pie Meadow
Description
Found in the heart of Kent, Apple Pie Meadow occupies around 3 ¾ acres of open land, ponds and woodland. As a mixed parcel of land, it presents an ideal opportunity for those with interests in the environment, wildlife, conservation and tree planting, potentially for carbon offsetting purposes. The land can be found on the site where a substantial apple orchard once stood, offering a new custodian the chance to restore the land to its more bountiful state of bygone times.
The land can be largely divided into two parts, with open land to the east stretching out from the entrance, and a section of mixed woodland to the west, which itself contains three ponds. This variance is valuable both in terms of amenity interest and biodiversity. The woodland fringe will also act as a valuable seed source for the open land, aiding the process of natural regeneration which could be utilised alongside active tree planting. The three ponds are an important habitat for a plethora of wildlife including aquatic plants, frogs, newts, water beetles, dragonflies and other insects and pondlife.
Upon entering the meadow on the eastern side, the open land stretches out in front of you towards the woodland fringe. Wooden stakes demarcate the northern and southern boundaries, which could be enhanced through the planting of new hedgerows, whilst a row of towering poplar trees line the eastern boundary, providing shelter from the wind. Heading west, one will reach a gap in the hedgerow which draws you in to the belt of woodland, which consists of a mixture of broadleaved species. The woodland provides shelter and habitat for a number of woodland birds and mammals, including badgers, rabbits and deer. A stock proof fence marks the edge of the parcel at the western boundary, from where views on to neighbouring fields can be enjoyed.
Apple Pie Meadow would appeal to those who are looking for a mixed parcel of private land of a manageable size, offering scope to both enjoy the habitats already in place and develop new ones through the rewilding and tree planting.
In their eagerness to preserve this meadow, and as recognition of its value, the local council have given it an extra level of protection by including it within an Article 4 area, which means that it is protected from unsympathetic development. You can read more about that here.
The purchasers of the meadow will be asked to enter into a covenantFeatures
- Open land for tree planting
- Woodland fringe with extensive habitats for wildlife
- Three ponds
Access, tracks and footpaths
The land is accessed via a track along which a full right of way will be granted. The meadow comes with freehold title and there are no public rights of way across the land.
Local area and history
Benenden is one of the Wealden 'dens' that commemorate the Saxon practice of appending forest clearings in the sprawling Andredsweald (the Weald) to their coastal manors. These clearings, or dens, were where the manor pigs rooted for the acorns and other 'pannage' on which they were fattened and from which timber and brushwood was collected.
Following the Norman Conquest, the manor of Benenden was given by William the Conqueror to his half-brother, the Bishop of Bayeux. The village was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as one of only four villages in the Weald to have a Church. It is reffered to as Benendine, its etymology originating from the Old English 'Bynna' meaning 'wooded pasture'.
From around the 14th century, Benenden became a place of indsutrial significance, most notably for the Wealden Ironmasters who contributed to the prosperity of the village.
Wood maps
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Find this wood
This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.
Location
- OS Landranger: OS No. 188
- Grid ref: TQ 793 339
- Nearest post code: TN17 4ET
- GPS coordinates: 51.0759, 0.557874
Location map
Directions
Apple Pie Meadow is accessed via a metalled road, and then track, which lead from from the B2086, Mounts Hill.
Click here for Bing Maps directions, enter your own postcode, (the location coordinates are already entered), and click on the "Directions" box. This will take you to the field gate at the entrance to the site. Please park about 50m further along by the large poplar trees, and thereafter follow the maps. The meadow will be in front of you on the right hand side.
Coordinates for satnav are: 51° 04' 31.2" N, 0° 33' 33.7" E for the field gate.
Satnav: the postcode TN17 4ET is the nearest to the meadow, but please note that this will take you to Mounts Hill, and not the specific entrance.
Directions:
In terms of finding the meadow, when heading along the Cranbrook Road and then Mounts Hill (both the B2086) from the Cranbrook / Swattenden direction towards Benenden, you need to look out for a turning on your left hand side signposted for Mounts Farm. There is also a small post-box in the hedge on the other side of the turning to the sign. This turning is the last turning to the left off the B2086 before you reach the signs for Benenden Village, where the speed limit is reduced to 40mph. Head all the way to the end of this metalled road, which is around 0.5km. At this point, the road turns into a wooded track, continue along here and pass through the field gate before parking by the large poplar trees at the end. Please then walk following the green highlighted. The meadow will be in front of you on the right hand side.
How we support our buyers
Membership of the small woodland owners’ group
EITHER £300 for a woodland course of your choice
OR £300 contribution towards buying trees, tree shelters or stakes
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.
Charming meadow with woodland fringe and numerous ponds in the heart of kent, ideally suited to tree planting and woodland creation for carbon offsetting or environmental purposes.
