Moat Meadow in an enclave of natural beauty in the heart of Kent. The central meadow is bordered on all four sides by thick rows of established broadleaved species, making the open land entirely private. The land also enjoys a well-managed woodland shaw which wraps around two sides of the meadow, as well as a fabulous pond near the entrance, which has a number of potential uses. This rare combination of meadowland, woodland and a pond make this piece of land a rare gem.

Access to the land is by way of a private field gate which leads from a shared access track. Just through the gate is an enclosure sheltered by trees, which provides space to park a number of vehicles, before a second gate leads on to the meadow through a post and rail fence. Here you step in to the heart of the land, a lush pasture field, which stretches out to the west and north in a near perfect square. The meadowland has an agricultural history, formerly as a part of Apple Pie Farm, where a significant apple orchard once stood before its removal around 30 years ago. It has been grazed by livestock in recent years.

Located in the southwest corner of the meadow is a substantial pond, which is bordered by a small belt of trees. The pond is in excellent condition and offers wonderful opportunities for recreation including angling, boating or swimming. For those with conservation interests, the pond could be managed to help wildlife flourish, expanding habitats for newts, frogs, insects and other pondlife.

Valuable diversity is afforded to the land by the charming woodland shaw which wraps around the western and northern edges of the meadow. By way of a third wooden field gate, one leaves the open land to enter a magical stretch of woodland, populated by a mixture of coppice and standard deciduous species. As well as bringing amenity value, the established woodland also serves as a valuable seed source for the open land for those who wish to utilise natural regeneration in combination with active tree planting. The woodland eventually joins up with the larger Benenden Wood, thereby playing an important role as a wildlife corridor through which animals can travel. Badgers, rabbits, deer and farmland birds including pheasant and partridge are just some of the wildlife known to populate the local area. The woodland very gently drops down to two valleys where gently meandering streams can be found, demarcating the western and northern boundaries of the parcel. Watercourses such as these are a valuable resource.

Moat Meadow is ideally suited to those with environmental and amenity interests, being both a vibrant mixed habitat which fosters diverse wildlife as well as an oasis of calm to which one can retreat. With scope to enhance the land through tree planting and rewilding, to compliment the established woodland which already stands, this meadow would appeal to those with a creative streak, wishing to make a meaningful contribution to conserving this quiet corner of Kent.

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 covenant