What a fantastic mix of broadleaved species to be found in this wood – mature oak, birch, hazel, ash, alder, willow, beech, as well as the occasional sycamore and mountain ash. There is a woodbank along the north and west boundaries (which sit inside the edge of the wood). Woodbanks and ditches were often used to mark the boundaries of woods and further confirm the ancient status of the woodland.

Birchets Wood has been designated as Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) by Natural England. This is woodland that has been under constant tree cover since at least 1600AD. It is valued as a rich reserve of biodiversity. There is an approved Management Plan and Felling Licence for Skents Wood (of which Birchets Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request. The Management Plan is not mandatory, but it is full of good advice, and a lot of background information which will certainly be interesting and useful. There are a couple of clumps of laurel in the wood which could be controlled or removed, so as to prevent spread.

The management plan notes that bird species including garden warbler, spotted flycatcher, willow warbler, lesser redpoll, lesser spotted woodpecker and woodcock might be present within the woodland. It is also noted that bat species will be present and will make use of the woodland and open areas within it for foraging. There is plenty of opportunity to enhance the habitat for wildlife here, from the simple provision of bird and bat boxes to the management of the tree cover and ground flora. Muntjac, roe and fallow deer have been recorded in the vicinity of the woodland.

- An ancient semi-natural mixed woodland within the High Weald AONB.

- Splendid field views to the west.

- Huge variety of broadleaves including mature oak standards.

- Flat and accessible with a private track through the wood.

- A rustic bench set in a clearing – a perfect spot for family camping.

Access to Birchets Wood is via a set of double metal gates off Free Heath Road (an owner will be provided the combination number for these locked gates). A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to Birchets Wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car within the wood itself.

There are no public footpaths within the wood or adjoining the wood.

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

The owner of Birchets Wood will be asked to enter a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the wood.

For those looking for firewood, the birch may benefit from some thinning to allow more light through to the forest floor. It is a good firewood as because it burns well and produces a moderate amount of heat. It splits fairly easy and dries fast once split. In the coming years this woodland has enormous potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

Alternatively, why not construct a basic wildlife hide or set up wildlife cameras to catch observe and enjoy the wildlife?

The management plan suggests that during the 16th and 17th centuries Skents Wood would have provided important fuel wood for the many iron furnaces then present in the vicinity. It seems likely that what would have originally been oak woodland with hornbeam coppice was converted to mainly sweet chestnut coppice in the late 19th century (as there are not many very large coppice stools in evidence). It is understood that the woodland previously formed part of the Bayham Abbey estate of the Marquess of Camden, which was broken up in the 1990s.

There are a number of important historical sites all within a short distance of Birchets Wood. The English Heritage site of Bayham Abbey is approx. 3 miles north and features ruins dating back to the 13th century. Scotney Castle is approx. 3 miles away – this impressive 14th century moated castle is well worth a visit. For those who love water, Bewl Water is only 4 miles from Birchets Wood and offers various water sports, as well as cycling and fishing. There is a 15th century pub called The Elephants Head in Hook Green, walking distance from Birchets Wood.