The west side of Hackney Wood will be ready for cutting in approx. 3 years, and the east side of the wood in approx. 6 years. Of course, it will conveniently regrow. It is worth noting that Woodlands.co.uk offer £300 towards a course for a new owner. This would provide the opportunity to learn the skills required to resume coppicing in the future. The sweet chestnut would provide a good source of firewood, or durable timber for making posts. Alternatively, an owner could encourage a more varied and diverse wood to develop by ‘singling’ the chestnut and planting mixed native broadleaves. You can read more about this in our blog. Hazel, birch and ash are found in the wood as well as some splendid mature oak standards. These single large-stemmed oaks would benefit from ‘halo thinning’- removing newer trees from around the mature tree so it is not out-competed by younger neighbours.

Hackney 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 a draft Management Plan for Newlands Wood (of which Hackney Wood is a part) – details of this are available upon request. It is noted in management plan that stands are generally well stocked; the chestnut is of good quality, and they would lend themselves to management on a relatively short rotation, providing timber for either commercial or private use.

The Woodland Wildlife toolkit suggests the range of bird species including garden warbler, hawfinch, spotted flycatcher, willow warbler, lesser redpoll, lesser spotted woodpecker, tree pipit, marsh tit and woodcock might be present within the woodland. Why not set up a wildlife hide and see what species can be found in Hackney Wood?

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.

- An ancient semi-natural mixed woodland within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

- Good quality chestnut coppice providing a lifetime supply of firewood.

- Some splendid oak standards.

- Rustic bench in a small private clearing – a perfect spot for family camping.

- Great access and a convenient shared timber stacking area to facilitate the management of the wood.

There are two separate vehicular access routes to Hackney Wood.
The main access is via double metal gates off Court Lane. A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to Hackney Wood. Here owners are able to drive in and park a car within the wood itself. A convenient timber stacking area by the main gates will be shared with other woodland owners here.
The second access is via a single metal gate off Cox Street. From here an unsurfaced track leads to the entrance to Hackney Wood
An owner will be provided with a key for both of these locked gates.

There are no public footpaths within the wood. The North Downs Way is accessible approx. 1 mile from the wood.

The wood is sold with the sporting rights.

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

- Learn how to manage a small chestnut coppice wood and make posts from the timber.

- Private family camping.

- Practice bushcraft such as natural shelter building, building a fire and cooking over a fire.

- Install some bird boxes to encourage birds into the wood.

- Build a bug hotel.

The wood is approx. 1 mile from the Kent Showground, home to the annual Kent County Show. Held in July, this well-established show includes animals, horses, vintage vehicles and retail stands for a celebration of the best in the county. Maidstone is approximately 5 miles south-west of the wood.