Highland Wood is a mixed age sweet chestnut coppice which will reach full maturity between 2028 and 2034. It could be harvested in a series of small blocks knows as ‘coupes’. Hazel, willow, 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.

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. In the coming years this woodland has enormous potential to provide a steady and sustainable supply of excellent firewood.

Highland 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 Highland 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.

It is noted in the management plan it is certain that bat species will be present and will make use of the woodland and open areas within it for foraging. Species recorded in the vicinity include soprano pipistrelle, noctule, Bechstein’s and brown long-eared bats. It is also noted that older and storm damaged trees could provide suitable habitat for these species – and it is suggested deadwood is detained.

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, either breeding or over-wintering.

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 mature 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.

Access to Highland Wood is via double metal gates off Court Lane (an owner will be provided a key for this locked gate). A stoned track leads to the ride stop entrance to Highland 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.

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

The wood lends itself to both amenity use as well as an opportunity to learn how to manage a small chestnut coppice wood. Camping or building wildlife hides and all sorts of other outdoor activities can be done here.

There are some features of potential local archaeological interest in the woodland including a woodbank inside the south boundary.

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.