SOLD: Hardwick Meadow £59,000 Freehold
- Benenden, Kent
- over 3 acres
- Tree planting land South East England
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Ride stop at entrance
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The land is found in a private and secluded corner of the High Weald
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Looking north to nearby woodland
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Looking east from the entrance, with the woodland fringe on the right hand side
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The boundary between the open meadow and the woodland fringe
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The land was historically part of an apple orchard
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Expansive views from the south east corner
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Neighbouring woodland to the east frames the meadow
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Down in the grass
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Looking back towards the access track and entrance
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The land is ideally suited to tree planting
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Autumnal skies over the meadow
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The trees in the area will provide an excellent source of seeds for natural regeneration
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Looking south along the eastern boundary
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Looking north
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A peaceful retreat
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The woodland fringe to the right, which provides important habitats for wildlife
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Woodland fringe on the left
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The colours of Autumn
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A perfect scene
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The meadow is ideal for those who are looking for a small parcel of private land
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Hardstanding at entrance
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Name plate
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Main access track
Description
Hardwick Meadow occupies a quiet corner of the High Weald which was once the site of an extensive apple orchard. Since it was grubbed out some 40 years ago the land has been farmed agriculturally as a part of Apple Pie Farm, a holding surrounded by extensive belts of woodland. The meadow now presents the opportunity for a new custodian to care for and enjoy the land, conserving and diversifying its natural beauty.
The land is accessed via a stoned track which terminates in the south east corner of the meadow, where lies an area of hardstanding. It is an almost perfect square in shape with clearly defined boundaries on all sides. The length of the southern boundary is formed by a small belt of woodland fringe which acts as a wildlife corridor through which animals can traverse. Ensuring pockets of woodland are linked up allows for wider networks to form, broadening the boundaries in which animals can roam. The broadleaved trees in this fringe also provide precious seeds come the autumn, which are dispersed by the wind, birds and animals to naturally regenerate areas of open ground. Neighbouring woodland to the east and west will serve the same purpose.
The land itself is perfectly suited to tree planting and woodland creation, as the abundance of trees in the immediate vicinity attest to. The Forestry Commission include the meadow within its ‘Woodland Priority Habitat Network’ - a map that specifically identifies locations which are favoured for new woodland planting. There aren’t any stipulations as to which species could be planted, although native broadleaved species are heavily encouraged. Fruit and nut trees are also good options, and a nice nod to the land’s history. Wide open rides, glades or even sections of open ground would also work well, enabling wildflower meadow development and spaces for butterflies and other insects.
Hardwick Meadow would be of interest to anyone who is looking to own a manageable parcel of land with potential for woodland creation in the South East of England, whether for environmental, carbon offsetting or amenity purposes.
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
- Very quiet and private location
- Open land ideal for tree planting
- Small fringe of woodland, providing habitats and a seed source
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 790 339
- Nearest post code: TN17 4ET
- GPS coordinates: 51.077, 0.555259
Location map
Directions
Hardwick Meadow is accessed via a metalled road, and then track, which leads 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.
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.
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 route on the maps, which will take you across the large field directly in front of you, before turning 90 degrees to your right. Follow straight for around 100m and the entrance to Hardwick Meadow is on your 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.
A sheltered parcel of private meadowland in a quiet corner of Kent's High Weald. Formerly part of an apple orchard, the land is ideally suited to tree planting.
