Sweet chestnut, birch, scattered mature oak standards are found in the larger southern compartment of Downs Wood. Here there is also a magnificent veteran beech tree and a splendid old Scots pine. There are some old windblown trees, which with a little effort could be cleared, and would provide a good supply of firewood. The smaller northern compartment comprises Japanese larch, Norway spruce birch and oak. The occasional mountain ash can also be found in the wood. There is a short woodbank dividing the two compartments within the wood. Woodbanks and ditches were often used to mark the boundaries of woods and further confirm the ancient status of the woodland.

Downs 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 Downs 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 some lovely wide grassy rides alongside the wood and a fantastic scallop on the north boundary. These all provide fabulous habitats for butterflies and insects. 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.

- The most incredible bluebell display in Spring.

- Veteran trees (beech and pine) and mature oak standards.

- Surrounded by privately owned woods.

- Flat and accessible with a rustic bench set in a clearing.

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

This small woodland is the perfect size for a new owner to learn about woodland management. You could choose to clear the windblow and replant gaps with native broadleaves. Or you could thin the birch (a wonderful firewood). Or you could simply sit and enjoy watching the butterflies and listening to the birds and insects.

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 Downs 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 Downs 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 Downs Wood.