Clip Wood features a fantastic mix of broadleaves – birch, hazel, occasional sweet chestnut, ash and mountain ash, holly, wild cherry, scattered mature oak standards and patches of alder along seasonal stream edges. There is a woodbank along the north boundary (which sits 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. There is a small, isolated clump of laurel in the southwest of wood which should be controlled or removed, so as to prevent spread. 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.

Clip 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 Clip 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.

This wood is clearly packed with wildlife. There are abundant animal tracks within the wood and evidence of setts and burrows on the ground. Muntjac, roe and fallow deer have been recorded in the vicinity of the woodland.

• An attractive seasonal stream.
• A rustic bench set in a clearing amongst the hazel and bluebells.
• An ancient semi-natural mixed woodland within the High Weald AONB.
• Mixed broadleaves and mature oak standards.
• Extremely private.

Access to Clip 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 Clip 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 Clip Wood will be asked to enter a covenant to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of the wood.

Owning a wood is a great opportunity for a new owner to learn about woodland management. Practicing bushcraft, spotting birds, camping privately with family and friends or simply immersing in nature – there is lots on offer in this charming wood.

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 Clip 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 Clip 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 Clip Wood.