20 High Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 2004 Pubs of the High Weald High Weald Anvil

The Rock Inn, Chiddingstone Hoath, Edenbridge, The Oak Inn, , West A free guide to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Serves beer from a local brewery – Larkin’s of Edenbridge Serves Harvey’s and a guest local real ale Sandstone is what makes the High The timber-framed building was first Weald different from the Low Weald – recorded as an inn in 1625. Many of the which is composed only of Weald clay. old timbers are still on view in the two Bands of sandstone and clay give the bars. High Weald its rolling hills. The clay is The heavy clays of the High Weald soft and easily worn away: it forms the grow one thing to perfection – oak trees. low valleys of the High Weald, with the The oak woodlands of the High Weald harder sandstone forming the high ridges, were a source of timber and fuel but were running east-west. Streams have carved also used by early farmers as a seasonal out distinctive, steep-sided ravines (called source of food for their : during gills) in the sides of these ridges. the early autumn months, they would drive Sandstone has also produced the sandy their pigs from their settlements on the JH soils that favour the development of , North Downs and coastal Weald. It also accounts for its distinctive, JH heathlands. Harder areas of sandstone plains into the woods to feed on acorns. dispersed pattern of settlement – arising An unspoilt pub with a brick floor and have formed the famous sandrock out- This method of feeding pigs is known as from the scattered woodland pastures or bar. Lots of old wood everywhere and a crops of the High Weald and these shelter pannage. dens created by pannage. Furthermore, it

large hearth. some extremely rare plants. The annual acorn pilgrimage began the explains why there are so many north- © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf process of human colonization of the High south routes in the High Weald. Local Products • Exploring • Heritage • Events • Wildlife • Attractions • Map The Two Sawyers, , The Old Vine, Cousley Wood, East Sussex Serves beer from its own micro brewery: The Old Forge Serves Harvey’s beer plus others This 14th Century Inn serves food pre- This 16th Century Inn with beamed ceil- ed in the number of vineyards to be found pared from local produce where available, ings and inglenook fireplace was voted in the area. including fresh fish from the trawlers of a Wealden’s Best Village Pub in 2003. Food English winemaking is not a new phe- family firm based in . is prepared at The Old Vine using fresh nomenon, but began when the Romans The High Weald boasts the greatest local produce. brought the vine to around 2000 proportion of Ancient Woodland in the The climate of the High Weald seems to years ago. It reached its peak in early Tudor country. This woodland is of international particularly suit the vine and this is reflect- times when English vineyards produced importance to wildlife. almost 3 million bottles a year, but declined

High Weald woodlands have been man- JH with the dissolution of the monasteries by aged for centuries by skilled workers. Henry VIII. The revival in English wine Woodlands need to be worked: without habitat because many British flowering production began about 40 years ago and management, they become derelict and plants, mammals and insects thrive under is a growing industry. wildlife species that depend upon working the rotational coppice management system Why not try a bottle of our local wine? woodland as a habitat suffer. Coppice – many of the rarer species now only being You can find the details of High Weald woodland, in particular, is an important found in working coppice. (See page 17.) wine producers and their outlets on our website at www.highweald.org, along with

JH all our other producers. The Bull Inn, Three Leg Cross, , East Sussex Serves real ales including own brand Jack Fuller’s, Oxley’s Green, East Sussex landscape of the High Weald. Eight thou- sand years ago, the High Weald was an Free house untamed wilderness: mainly wooded but Named after a famous High Weald char- The choices made by land and property with grassland and heathland clearings. acter, Squire John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller of owners in the High Weald continue to These were kept open by large, wild graz- (1757–1834). The pub original- greatly affect the landscape today. ‘Mad © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf ing animals such as aurochs – the ancestor ly opened in 1834 as the Green Man. Jack’ left behind a legacy of eccentric but of modern . By the 14th Century AD, Today, it contains many details and mem- interesting local landmarks. Will modern • Special ‘Caring for the High Weald’ Edition • the High Weald had been colonized and orabilia of Jack Fuller’s life and times. planning and farming follies be looked rearing domestic cattle and had ‘Mad Jack’ was a compulsive folly upon so kindly in 200 years’ time? become one of the main uses of the land. builder, decorating the landscape around This still holds true today. Brightling with a cone known as the Sugar JH The Sussex is ideally suited to the High Loaf, a rotunda, an observatory, an The Bull Inn was built between 1385 and Weald environment and was a famous obelisk known as the Brightling needle, a 1425 and is reputed to be one of the oldest plough breed on the heavy Wealden clays. tower, and, lastly, his own pyramid tomb dwelling places in the country, but only Sussex cattle are also renowned for their in Brightling churchyard – built 24 years became a pub towards the end of the 19th unfussy grazing habits. before his death. These projects provided century. The Bull Inn shows its age: it has Grazing livestock also play a key role in employment for his tenants at a time of a wealth of old beams and low ceilings. Its conservation: the rare animals and plants great poverty in the countryside – indeed, sign depicts a Sussex bull. of the High Weald’s heathlands and that may have formed part of his reason- From earliest times, grazing animals flower-rich pastures rely on grazing to ing. He also bought Castle to save have had a hand – or hoof – in shaping the maintain their habitats.

it from total destruction. JH

Produced by the High Weald AONB Unit with funding from members of the High Weald Joint Advisory Committee: Countryside Agency; County Council; East Sussex County Council; Kent County Council; County Council; District Council; Tandridge District Council; Council; Council; Sevenoaks District Council; Tunbridge Wells Borough Council; Council; Ashford Borough Council and Hastings Borough Council. JP Photography as indicated: JH Janina Holubecki; MJ Martin Jones; JP Jacob Purches; GS Gerry Sherwin. Caring illustration by David Anstey. Front page photographs: Peter Greenhalf, Janina Holubecki and Jacob Purches. Designed and produced by Angel Design Partnership Ltd 01797 321380 [email protected] Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the publishers can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Horsham • • • • Heathfield • Battle • • • Cranbrook • • Rye 2 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 3

The High Weald AONB comes of age

he High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Landscape of inspiration TBeauty (AONB) designation was confirmed by the Secretary of State for the Environment in October 1983. This means that the High Weald AONB will be 21 years old in 2004. Rudyard Kipling’s High Weald What was happening 21 years ago? But gnarled and writhen thorn – The Conservative party gained a landslide victory in the Bare slopes where chasing shadows skim, General Election, with Margaret Thatcher winning her And, through the gaps revealed, second term in office. Demonstrators marched in cities Belt upon belt, the wooded, dim, across Europe in the biggest anti-nuclear protests in 20 Blue goodness of the Weald.” years. Britain’s biggest-selling car was the Metro. The first commercial mobile phone call was made and com- Kipling wrote of the discovery of pact discs began to sell on the High Street. Culture Batemans’ in his autobiography Something Club’s Karma Chameleon got to Number 1. Julie Walters of Myself: starred in Educating Rita and Richard Attenborough’s “...it was the heartbreaking Locomobile

Gandhi won eight Oscars. Manchester United beat that brought us to the house called JH 4-0 in the FA Cup Final replay. ‘Bateman’s’. We had seen an advertisement In Puck of Pook’s Hill, Kipling describes the special con- of her, and we reached her down an ditions to be found in a High Weald gill stream. Welcome to the fifth edition A typical High enlarged rabbit-hole of a lane. At very first Weald sunken sight the Committee of Ways and Means They were fishing, a few days later, in the bed of the of The High Weald Anvil lane leading [Mrs Kipling and himself] said ‘That’s her! brook that for centuries had cut deep into the soft valley n 2004, with a brand new to Bateman’s The only She! Make an honest woman of soil. The trees closing overhead made long tunnels Management Plan under her – quick! We entered and felt her Spirit – I JH through which the sunshine worked in blobs and patches. its belt to help guide activ- her Feng Shui – to be good. We went Down in the tunnels were bars of sand and gravel, old ity over the next 21 years, hen we conducted our public sur- able in one poem, The Run of The Downs, through every room and found no shadow roots and trunks covered with moss or painted red by the the High Weald has truly vey of High Weald AONB by directly comparing the Weald to the of ancient regrets, stifled miseries, nor any W irony water; foxgloves growing lean and pale towards the come of age. residents in 2002, we asked intervie- Downs in a somewhat unfavourable way: menace though the ‘new’ end of her was light; clumps of fern and thirsty shy flowers who could In the 21st Century, there wees to name any famous people, three hundred years old...” not live away from moisture and shade. are ever increasing pressures historic events, buildings, books, etc. The Weald is good, the Downs are best – The “enlarged rabbit hole” no doubt on the countryside and caring that came to mind when thinking of the I’ll give you the run of ‘em, East to West. being a reference to one of the typical High for the High Weald is not just High Weald. The most popular response Weald sunken lanes leading to Bateman’s – a matter for Government: it is up to us all as individuals to was “Rudyard Kipling”. With such memorable works as The in the leafy summer months giving a very make decisions which have a positive effect upon our envi- In a nationwide poll conducted by BBC Jungle Books and Just So Stories under good impression of a tunnel! ronment in general – and the outstanding landscape of the Television’s Bookworm to find the Nation’s his belt, Kipling was a celebrity – regarded as “England is a wonderful land,” the well- BATEMAN’S High Weald in particular. favourite poem, Rudyard Kipling’s If was the People’s Laureate and the poet of travelled Kipling wrote, announcing his , East Sussex TN19 7DS This issue of the Anvil is dedicated to Caring For The voted number one. He was also the original Empire. But this meant that, living so close arrival at Bateman’s. “It is the most marvel- High Weald – A Charter for Residents and Visitors. In the creator of jungle-dwellers Mowgli, Baloo, to Brighton, he became a tourist attraction lous of all foreign countries I have ever been charter, which you can see on page 4, we have laid out Shere Khan and Kaa. The connection and so, in 1902, he sought the seclusion of in. It is made up of trees and green fields some of the practical ways in which you can help to care for between this best-selling author and the Bateman’s near Burwash. It was here, in the and mud and the gentry.” The Dudwell Valley the High Weald AONB. National Trust property Bateman’s at High Weald, that he spent his remaining Puck of Pook’s Hill, Kipling’s children’s JH There is only limited room in the Anvil each year to pro- Burwash is well known, but to what extent years. book written in 1906, is based in the coun- vide practical guidelines. For more information, visit our was Kipling inspired by the High Weald While at Rottingdean, he had suggested tryside of the Dudwell Valley around evidence all around them, they learn about She has ground her corn and paid her scape of the Dudwell Valley came to shape website and if you cannot find what you need, please con- landscape around his home? We have been that the Downs surpassed all in beauty: on Bateman’s, where the two central charac- centuries of English history. In the first of the Ever since Domesday Book. the second half of Kipling’s life’s work. tact the High Weald AONB Unit – the specialist team reading some of his works to find out… moving to Burwash, he began to appreciate ters, Dan and Una, live. It mentions real book’s poems, scattered amongst the chap- “Kipling knew something of the things dedicated to advising on the care of the area. After a life of much travel and living the intimacy of the High Weald landscape. places, such as Willingford Bridge, Bog ters, Puck proudly tells how the High Weald As an early motoring enthusiast, being which are underneath” T.S. Eliot said of him. abroad, Rudyard Kipling returned to In the 1902 poem Sussex, he makes the Wood, Cherry Clack Windmill (Punnett’s played its part – in particular by supplying driven around the countryside in the com- It was the Dudwell Valley that introduced England from America with his wife and Downs seem (though majestic) bare and Town) and Dallington. (“Pook’s Hill” is wood, iron and water power. fort of his Rolls Royce gave Kipling the Kipling to these things. Writing at almost • Beautiful Jacobean house, built in 1634 and set in children in 1896. They settled first in inhospitable, in comparison with the more thought to be the hill that can be seen to opportunity to make direct comparisons the end of his life, Kipling expressed his 10 acres of garden The Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith Rottingdean, on the Downs. benign and welcoming Weald: the south-west from the lawn at Bateman’s.) From Puck’s Song between the contrasting landscapes of gratitude this way: • Home of Rudyard Kipling from 1902 - 36 President, High Weald AONB Kipling’s fondness for the landscapes of The sequel – Rewards and Fairies (1910) See you the ferny ride that steals Sussex and identify for himself their individ- “The Old Things of our valley glided into • Oriental rugs and artefacts featured throughout the house Sussex, the county he adopted as his own, is No tender-hearted garden crowns, also mentions Kings’ Hill Road, Brightling, Into the oak-woods far? ual characteristics. every aspect of our outdoor works. Earth, • Working water-mill producing wholemeal flour In 1993 the High Weald Forum, a partnership of over 40 evident in the words of many of his stories No bosomed woods adorn Netherfield and . O that was whence they hewed the keels It seems, from the last poem of Puck of Air, Water and People had been – I saw it at • Kipling’s 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom 1 on display local, regional and national organisations and groups, was and poems. He wrote enthusiastically about Our blunt, bow-headed, Puck introduces the children to several That rolled to Trafalgar. Pook’s Hill, that Kipling came to see the last – in full conspiracy to give me ten times • Groups welcome – special rates available. set up to promote and co-ordinate the conservation of the the Sussex Downs – even doing the unthink- whale-backed Downs, historic Sussex characters and, through the Sussex High Weald as being equal to the as much as I could compass, even if I wrote a For further information please contact High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). And mark you where the ivy clings Downs and Marshlands. He couldn’t decide complete history of England, as much as that The work of the Forum is guided by the High Weald Joint the Administration Office on 01435 882302 To Bayham’s mouldering walls? which of the three Sussex landscapes he might have touched or reached our valley.” Advisory Committee (JAC) composed of councillors from 13 local authorities, the Countryside Agency and five individ- Children from Colliers Green school find inspiration in the High Weald landscape O there we cast the stout railings most liked: to him, they were all special. uals drawn from Forum member organisations to represent That stand around St. Paul’s. Glossary community, recreation, wildlife and farming interests. The I woke up in the morning and saw When I walk through the countryside From A Three-Part Song Gills are wooded, steep-sided ravines In this issue… current chairman of the JAC is Councillor Paulina Stockell of The clear, fiery sun. I listen to the birds sing, the lamb bleat, the dog howl, See you the dimpled track that runs I’m just in love with all these three, formed by streams carving their way Caring for the Events Kent County Council. High Weald Pages 14 & 15 A beautiful red robin flew across the sky. The cattle lowing and the clucking. All hollow through the wheat? The Weald an’ the Marsh an’ the through the soft clay and sandstone hillsides The JAC directs the work of the High Weald AONB Unit. The Page 4 Natural resources O that was where they hauled the guns Down countrie; of the High Weald. Unit is the specialist team that provides advice, expertise and It landed on my windowsill Local products Pages 16 & 17 guidance on the care of the area and encourages and enables Like a butterfly. When I walk through the countryside That smote King Philip’s fleet. Nor I don’t know which I love the most, Shaws are strips of woodland. Page 5 Day in the life… others to work together to manage the area sustainably. His chest was a bright red ruby I watch the bird feed its chicks, The Weald or the Marsh or the white Websites Countryside advice Page 18 Shining in the sharp knife sky. I watch the calf drink milk from her mother. (Out of the Weald, the secret Weald, chalk coast! Pages 6 & 7 Editor/writer Janina Holubecki (except where otherwise indicated). Friends of the Men sent in ancient years, I’ve buried my heart in a ferny hill, The Kipling Society Out of bounds! High Weald Published by High Weald AONB Unit, Woodland Enterprise When I walk down the countryside The horse-shoes red at Flodden Field, Twix’ a liddle low shaw an’ a great high gill. www.kipling.org.uk/ Page 8 Page 19 Centre, Hastings Road, , East Sussex, TN5 7PR Exploring and map Quiz Tel 01580 879500 Fax 01580 879499 I feed the birds, I feed the pigs, I feed the cows, The arrows at Poitiers!) Oh, hop-bine yaller an’ wood-smoke blue, Pages 9 to 11 Page 19 email [email protected] website www.highweald.org I feed the sheep and I feed the chickens. I reckon you’ll keep her middling true! The National Trust Walks High Weald pubs See you our little mill that clacks, Funded by members of the High Weald Joint Advisory www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Pages 12 & 13 Page 20 Committee (see back page for members). When I walk down the countryside So busy by the brook? In many ways, Bateman’s and the land- I go fishing and feed the ducks. © High Weald AONB Unit 2004 I look for frogs – but no sign so far. Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] 4 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 5

Caring for the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Caring for the High Weald A charter for e now have a new Management AONB objectives. But now, over to you! Local product profiles WPlan for the High Weald AONB, Local planning authorities can produce Policy makers can only do so much. Through but who will deliver the plan? The planning policy that supports AONB designa- individual actions residents, visitors and Caring For The High Weald encourages us to buy local products, but what exactly does the area produce? Sharon Hall explains residents & visitors answer is that everyone with an interest tion and can also take a proactive approach in businesses can contribute significantly to the The following are actions that all residents, visitors and in the AONB has a role to play in its supporting community services such as coun- care of the High Weald AONB and the he High Weald is a productive landscape. It ostrich are also available from local farmers businesses can take to help care for this nationally future management. tryside management projects; procuring local achievement of management objectives. Thas yielded raw materials for the iron, and suppliers. important landscape. The High Weald AONB partnership (page products and supporting pilot initiatives such Caring for the High Weald is a charter for brickmaking and forestry industries. In some 2) – the Joint Advisory Committee and its as wood fuel. residents, visitors and businesses to inform parts of the AONB, the soils and climate are From the 1 Purchase local products and services sold by land dedicated staff Unit – will have key responsi- Land owners and managers play a crucial and encourage everyone to take actions – ideal for growing hops and fruit – including There are many local products based on sheep, managers who actively manage their land to benefit bility for promoting and encouraging role in the long term conservation and man- both large and small – to help care for this grapes for wine. Many centuries ago, acorns or cows’ milk available from the High the environment co-ordinated action in support of the plan; for agement of the AONB and will be vital outstanding, nationally valued landscape. from its woodlands were used to fatten pigs Weald, including fresh milk, cream, hard and Rationale: The landscape and wildlife value of the area’s seeking resources to assist implementation of partners in action targeted particularly at key and today the rearing of livestock is still one of soft cheeses, yoghurts, ice cream and flavoured woodlands, hedges, meadows, heathlands and field mar- action programmes and for monitoring the features or important habitats. Their response the main uses of the land. Here, we take a milk drinks. gins are dependent on traditional management. Money Plan’s impact. to CAP reform and changes in rural develop- behind-the-scenes look at local products of the In particular, there is a wide range of local- invested in products and services that help support this Government departments, such as the ment policy will be critical. Councillor Paulina Stockell, Chair, High Weald High Weald. ly and traditionally made cheeses to choose management is money invested in conserving the AONB Countryside Agency, support AONB man- Parish Councils, amenity organisations Joint Advisory Committee from. Cheese making is based on warm milk to and its local economy. agement plans as statements of public policy and community groups will be important Fruit, fruit juice and cider which acid-producing bacterial cultures and a Get even more involved in looking relating to the care of these nationally pro- partners in driving community initiatives to Orchards are scattered across the whole of the coagulant (rennet or lactic acid), has been after the High Weald – Become a 2 Manage your land for wildlife and maintain the tected areas – and through accords are identify, protect and promote features of local Friend! See page 19 for details. AONB, but are concentrated in the Kent High added. This turns the milk into two compo- rural nature of your property committing themselves to the delivery of distinctiveness. Weald. Some of the fruit you will see growing nents – a watery fluid called whey and a more Rationale: Fields, woodland, paddocks and gardens sup- in orchards includes cherries, plums, pears and solid curd. The curd is pressed and eventually port valuable and threatened wildlife. Inappropriate apples. Black, red and white currants, goose- matured into the finished cheese – the duration materials and features, often associated with urban areas, berries, strawberries, raspberries and other and storage conditions varying according to are leading to the gradual loss of the AONB’s valued rural fruit can also be found growing in the area. the variety being produced. feel. Apart from buying at markets and farm shops, many producers offer the opportunity to pick Coppice wood counts 3 Help prevent the spread of invasive and harmful your own fruit from the farm. Coppice is woodland where the trees are cut plant and animal species Local suppliers press apples and pears into periodically and are left to re-grow from the Rationale: Introduced plant, animal and fish species juices, often using single varieties such as cut stumps or stools, often producing multiple spread rapidly in the High Weald countryside, competing Jonagold, Cox, Russett, Worcester and stems or poles. It is a highly sustainable with our native wildlife and leading to its loss. Comice. Apples are also used to make cider method of producing rapidly growing, useful where the juice is fermented in casks, using the wood without the need to replant. Although 4 Use less water natural yeasts in the apples. Perry is made in a most native hardwood trees in Britain such as Rationale: Demands for water lead to high levels of water similar way using pears. A range of fruit based oak, ash, willow and birch will coppice freely, extraction, damaging the wildlife of the AONB’s streams, 6 wines is also available and you will also find those mainly coppiced in the High Weald are rivers and wet grasslands. Increased demand in future will local fruit being used in a wide variety of prod- Hornbeam, Hazel and Sweet Chestnut. create pressure for new reservoirs within the AONB. ucts including jams and chutneys and to The poles cut from coppice wood are used flavour other local products such as yoghurt. for many different purposes – ranging from 5 Reduce, reuse and recycle, and dispose of all litter firewood to fence panels, depending on the Photos 1-4 © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf responsibly From the vine species and the age at which the poles are cut. Rationale: Litter spoils enjoyment of the countryside for English made grape-based wines are more Some local producers and craftsmen based the majority of residents. Less rubbish means less pressure widely available than ever and the High Weald Photos, clockwise from above: charcoal in and around the High Weald still use the for landfill sites and incinerators in the AONB. -- is home to a number of vineyards producing making; trug making; farmers’ market stall; abundant Sweet Chestnut for items such as red, white and rose still and sparkling wines. Sussex cattle; hop drying hurdles, bird boxes, fencing materials, stakes, 6 Respect other users – follow the Countryside Code Vines need a well-drained sunny site, ideal- walking sticks, trugs, rustic furniture and char- Rationale: Through responsible behaviour we can all use ly on a south-facing slope. They are planted in coal. and enjoy the countryside without damaging the enjoy- spaced rows usually supported by trellises and ment or livelihoods of others. wires and have to be pruned each year to Wood to charcoal 10 encourage new growth. Different grape vari- Charcoal is made by heating wood out of con- 7 Slow down for people, horses and wildlife and eties are grown to suit the climate, the soil and www.highweald.org tact with air. Charcoal burning is one of the avoid using the car where possible the type of wine required in terms of colour, world’s oldest crafts dating back to pre-Roman Rationale: Traffic spoils enjoyment of the High Weald for flavour and sugar content. Three widely grown times. It has a long history in the High Weald, 5 You can find the details of High 80% of its residents. Speeding cars kill people, horses, white grape varieties in England are Muller Weald producers and their being used in the production of iron from the badgers, deer and foxes, and ancient routeways and their 3 Thurgau, Syval Blanc and Madeleine outlets on our website. time of the Roman occupation. rare plants are damaged by inconsiderate driving and Angevine. English sparkling wines are made by Low value, coppiced or ‘waste’ wood is

4 JH parking. Car emissions contribute to climate change, the same method as is used by the French in the normally used for charcoal production and is which may eventually lead to the loss of valued wildlife Champagne region, undergoing a double fer- ideally seasoned or dried to speed up the burn- From the fields such as bluebells. mentation process either in the bottle or in a in September and dried in a special kiln called ing process. The production process has 9 tank. an oast. Bales of dried hops are then sent to Farming in the High Weald has primarily been changed very little over the centuries. Most 8 Take pride in the High Weald – promote its special 1 Some producers in the High Weald offer breweries where they are added to malted bar- based around grazing animals: distinctive burning takes place on the site where the wood features and places to family, friends and visitors visitors a chance to see how the vines are ley, yeast and water as part of the process of conker-coloured Sussex cattle and tough has been felled. In the past, the wood was care- Rationale: Promoting what you find special about the grown and processed by providing vineyard fermentation – which produces alcohol from Sheep form a traditional part fully stacked in a dome and covered with litter High Weald is the best way of encouraging commitment tours and trails as well as having a shop on the sugars in the barley. In traditional ale, hops of the landscape. Although livestock has and then wet sand and turf, but nowadays the and action by others to the area. 2 site. and other ingredients are also added at the end declined throughout the High Weald within the wood is stacked in portable steel kilns, sealed 7 of the process before the beer is filtered and last ten years, there is still a widespread indus- with sand (at the bottom) and a metal lid. The 9 Have a say Hops make beer then put into casks or bottles. try based on beef, lamb and – to a lesser extent length of the burn varies but roughly takes Rationale: Your views can influence care of the area – use The High Weald remains one of the areas tra- Hops grown in the High Weald are used in -– pork, which is often reared as free-range. about 24 hours. consultation processes operating at parish, district, coun- ditionally associated with the growing of hops breweries throughout the UK as well as in local Apart from cuts of meat, there is a range of Charcoal was used as a domestic and indus- ty and AONB level to steer policy and action that affects 8 for beer making. Hop varieties such as Amos’ breweries and play an important part in the locally produced specialist products such as trial fuel and had a range of other uses but now the area. Early Bird, Cobbs, Golding and Fuggle all have production a range of distinctive ales, beers cured and smoked hams, sausages and bacon, most locally produced charcoal is graded to their own characteristics and each add differ- and lagers. Many pubs across the High Weald often available directly from the farm. supply the barbecue market, either through 10 Get involved – support local conservation organisations ent aromas and flavours to the beer. sell real ales produced by local breweries: Organically reared meat is becoming more local outlets or via co-operative producer Rationale: With your financial and practical support, local Hop plants or bines grow up strings Harveys, Shepherd Neame, King and Barnes, widely available. Free-range poultry and game schemes to supply national outlets such as DIY conservation organisations can take action to care for the attached to hop poles. The hops are harvested Larkins and Old Forge. (See page 20.) and more specialist foods such as venison and chains and petrol stations. area such as monitoring threatened wildlife, undertaking pratical conservation tasks and lobbying government. Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] David Anstey 6 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 7

News in brief For up-to-date information on local advisors Right to Help! I need somebody… www.highweald.org moan? Advisor profiles Countryside help and advice Case study

ou may have heard that the new High Weald AONB Unit Are you an individual, community group or business with icki and Chris Agar farm 47 acres at was once a meander in the Ouse as it passed Y‘Right To Roam’ legislation – cour- The specialist team dedicated to advising on the responsibility for a piece of land (large or small) in the High Weald? VFletching. They bought the farm in 1997 through the meadows. The Environment Agency’s tesy of the new Countryside and Rights care of the area, providing general information Want to enhance the landscape, wildlife and/or access value of that and for first 2 years, the land was managed (EA) Ouse Valley Project became interested in the of Way (CRoW) Act – will open up great about the High Weald AONB. If we can’t help by a local farmer. Then Vicki stopped work possibility of restoring this section of the river to a swathes of the British countryside to then we may know someone who can! land, but don’t know where to start? There are many organisations and took over the management herself. They more natural form, as a demonstration project – walkers, starting with the South East in www.highweald.org out there whose job it is to help you! Here, we profile some have a further 38 acres of outlying wet subject to the necessary hydrological surveys to summer 2004. How will the High Weald 01580 879500 countryside advisors and find out how their advice has helped two meadowland at a separate site. ensure that the risk of flooding downstream is AONB be affected? Email [email protected] Work on the farm is driven by a desire to reduced by the work. Right To Roam sounds sweeping. The landowners in the High Weald. improve the wildlife value of the land, which is A preliminary appraisal by the River Restoration Act will certainly open up some 1.2 to Weald Meadows Initiative (WMI) mostly in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme Centre has suggested restoring the meander and 1.8 million hectares for recreation, but in Attached to the AONB Unit, the Weald Meadows network is underpinning both the Weald Kent (CSS). For example, they sought FWAG advice on re-creating a more natural, shallower river profile reality this only accounts for 12% of Initiative provides farmers, landowners and other Meadows Initiative and the Weald Heathland Paul Cobb/Alex Long 01233 813186 pond creation, subsequently creating one at with a weir at one end of the land. This would England and Wales. And it really only clients with site-specific and practical support to Initiative by providing a mechanism for the long Email [email protected] Spring Farm and another at the outlying meadow. mean that the restored river section can function applies to mountain, moorland, down- enable the management, creation and enhance- term sustainable management of these sites. Though she has a Masters in Fish Biology and more as nature intended and the meadow would land and heath. In the High Weald, our ment of wildflower grassland. The project operates Caroline Fitzgerald 01580 879958 Surrey Chris is a keen fisherman, Vicki says that the infor- flood more naturally. This would greatly benefit largest area of heath – – across the Weald, which covers parts of the coun- Email [email protected] Ben Underwood 01483 404255 mation was invaluable and without it, they wildlife: the RSPB, for example, have advised that is already ‘Open Access’. ties of Kent, East and West Sussex and Surrey. Email [email protected] © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf wouldn’t have known what to do. She says the the restored meander would be much better for Here are some types of land that will www.highweald.org Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) advisors have not just delivered information and bird life. (In its present state, Vicki points out that NOT be subject to the new access rights: Dawn Brickwood, 01580 879957 A national charity, FWAG provides farmers and Kent High Weald Project (KHWP) Case study advice but have “helped them to learn”, which “wet meadow” is a misnomer – as the land is • Private courtyards, parks and gardens Email [email protected] landowners with practical advice on making A countryside management project operating they were very keen to do, having no farming actually unnaturally dry most of the time!) • Land within 20 metres of a dwelling adjustments to farm operations and enhancing within the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, most of hen Caroline and Bernhard Tute moved entailed. When they decided to apply, FWAG background. The Weald Meadows Initiative advised that the • Quarries and other mineral workings Weald Heathland Initiative (WHI) farm features – in order to support wildlife, land- which lies within the High Weald AONB. The Winto a converted oast at Bentham Oast prepared the application and WMI supported They keep alpacas – plus a few horses on the soil chemistry of the wet meadowland was unsuit- • Agriculturally improved or semi- Attached to the AONB Unit, the Weald Heathland scape, archaeology, access and other conservation Project’s aim is to link the local community and Farm, Southborough, they found that the land it with a species survey. non-CSS land. Due to very low stocking numbers, able for re-seeding with wildflowers in its present improved grassland Initiative is a £1.3 million, five-year programme issues. The organisation also provides assistance the countryside by raising awareness and encour- included with the property was suffering from They now have a 10-year work programme Vicki finds that they can be very flexible and adapt state. (This is possibly because rich, silty deposits • Cultivated land i.e. ploughed or drilled which aims to re-introduce management to with drawing up management plans and grant aging action. the effects of several years of neglect and of capital projects. So far, they have done to extreme wet and dry weather conditions which from the river have raised the fertility.) So Vicki has in the past year for crops or trees heathlands, restoring them for the benefit of applications. FWAG Advice is based on: www.kenthighwealdproject.org under-management. work on fencing, hedge restoration and cop- would leave most holdings either poached (trod- taken a practical approach and restricted herself • Land in use for temporary livestock wildlife and people. Restoration work on 1500 • a whole farm approach since all parts of the Will Farmer 01580 715918 The property came with 40 acres (of which picing in the woodland. Two fields next to den-up and muddy) or – the other extreme – to spreading flower seed-rich hay from a neigh- pens hectares of Weald heathland will include scrub farm are important for conservation Email www.kenthighwealdproject.org 10 are woodland). Neglected or not, the fields Southborough Common contained so much over-grazed. To ensure that the grazing is kept at bouring ancient meadow on the bank of the • Land within 20 metres of a building clearance, bracken control, woodland ride widen- • tailor-made conservation plans designed to suit held great potential for wildlife: they were all bramble and bracken that they needed flailing. just the right level to suit the wildlife, the fields are . Only this bank, she thinks, may used for housing livestock ing, heather cutting and seeding, fencing and the farm type and location – and the farmer's Environment Agency (EA) quite “unimproved” – in other words they They are hoping the project will eventually “mown” by a roving flock of sheep owned by a have escaped the silt problem and will not be So Right To Roam certainly won’t be introducing grazing to some sites. resources As the leading public body for protecting and had escaped being ploughed up and fertilised break even, but the CSS is helping to pay for local farmer, who brings them in when required affected by any river restoration work that is car- opening the floodgates for walkers to Two Heathland Project Officers offer expert • the understanding that conservation need not improving the environment in England and to a great extent and are therefore particularly improvements such as 13 new gates – vital for and removes them afterwards. ried out – in other words, her effort will not be swarm all over the mostly agricultural advice, training and grants to heathland owners, compromise the farm's commercial objectives Wales, it is the Environment Agency’s job to make good for wildflowers. In fact, some of the controlling the movement of grazing stock, The outlying wet meadowland was bought 5 wasted. land of the High Weald AONB! managers and community groups. www.fwag.org.uk sure that air, land and water are looked after by fields are designated Sites of Nature brought in to provide their fields with the cor- years ago. It is bounded by the Bluebell Railway on The river restoration project will take time. In When the Countryside Agency has www.highweald.org West Sussex & East Sussex Downs everyone in today's society – so that tomorrow's Conservation Importance (SNCI). rect management. one side and the River Ouse on the other. Vicki the meantime, the EA’s Ouse Valley project did finished the task of mapping, the new Caroline Fitzgerald 01580 879958 Paul Holmes-Ling/Chris Harvey generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. Caroline and Bernhard knew that they Several of their fields are so rich in wild- says that these meadows were full of weeds when suggest one practical wildlife enhancement that access areas will be marked on official Email [email protected] 01273 891190 The Agency is working towards an enhanced wanted to enhance the wildflowers and other flowers that WMI have been able to harvest they bought them. “Wall-to-wall thistles, docks could be carried out, pending other work on the maps and should eventually feature on Richard Allum 01293 544118 Email [email protected] environment for wildlife. This will involve restor- wildlife on their farm. They also knew that, in Weald Native Origin Seed from them to be and ragwort. We weeded the ragwort out by site: the planting of native black poplar trees Ordnance Survey maps such as the useful Email [email protected] ing damaged habitats and helping to boost order to achieve this, the land needed manage- sold for wildflower enhancement schemes on hand!” But for Vicki, this piece of land holds the around the wet meadow. Around 100 of the rare ‘Explorer’ 1:25,000 scale series. Kent & East Sussex Weald populations of threatened species. ment – but they had no idea how to go about other land holdings. This activity provides a most exciting landscape and nature conservation damp–loving trees now eagerly await the next Further information from: Weald Grazing Network Rebecca Harvey/Stephen Podd www.environment-agency.gov.uk it. Before the move, they had a large 1-acre small amount of extra income, but for potential of all. chapter of this exciting river and wet meadow www.countryside.gov.uk/access/ The Weald Grazing Network is being set up to 01580 879399 EA General Enquiry Line garden and to some extent this prepared them Caroline the most important thing is to sup- Old maps and aerial evidence show that there restoration story. help support the owners of important sites. The Email [email protected] 0845 9333111 for what was to come. Caroline can now see port the principle of wildflower meadow some similarities between managing a garden enhancement and creation – with the money ing, insurance and other support for mem- Weald of Kent Preservation Society East Sussex Herpetological Society RSPB Office and farming: “Cutting hedges, managing the coming as a welcome side effect. She finds the More useful contacts Freepost, Hawkenbury, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 0BR bers of the public wishing to set up local 01424 730433 www.rspb.org.uk grass and removing undesirable weeds all still idea that her fields produce something useful ADVICE AND HELP WITH WILDLIFE, conservation groups and can also organize 01273 775333 LANDSCAPE AND ACCESS PROJECTS small teams of volunteers to assist landown- Ramblers Association Ashdown Forest Conservators have to be done”. that can be used by others elsewhere very sat- ers with conservation work at a modest cost. www.ramblers.org.uk www.ashdownforest.org RSPB Youth West Sussex County Council www.btcv.org For details of local groups 020 7339 8500 01342 823583 01767 680551 Caroline says that one of the main prob- isfying. Email ramblers@.ramblers.org.uk A countryside management service dedicated West Sussex Jason Gaskell Email lems with having no farming background was They have received an enhancement grant to the conservation of the High Weald AONB 01243 814481 [email protected] [email protected] British Dragonfly Society SPECIALIST GROUPS and surrounding area within West Sussex. Kent Mike Cook Email [email protected] having absolutely no farming contacts. For to put wildflowers back into one of the more www.westsussex.gov.uk 01233 812033 [email protected] Sussex Ornithological Society The following local and national groups Jackie Lewis(p/t) 01293 542088 East Sussex Dean Morrison www.susos.org.uk example, they were unused to dealing with “improved” (i.e. agriculturally intensified) offer specialist advice. RAMSAK Ltd Email [email protected] 01424 446395 [email protected] 01424 813722 Contracting and hire of agricultural agricultural contractors. Seeking sources of fields. To keep costs down, they will be using Surrey [email protected] WILDLIFE machinery in East Sussex and Kent East Sussex County Council – Rye Bay For general information on wildlife: Kent Ornithological Society www.ramsak.farming.co.uk help on the Internet, they found the High their own harvested seed. With any luck, if Office PRESSURE GROUPS Sussex Conservation Careline 01273 494777 www.kentos.org.uk 01580 241349 Dedicated to the conservation of the Rye Bay Membership: 61 Alpha Road, Birchington, Weald AONB website and, through this, made conditions are suitable, it can be spread imme- and Rother area of the High Weald. The following county based groups are Butterfly Conservation Society Kent, CT7 9ED British Deer Society contact with advisors from the Weald diately after harvesting. Being seed from the www.ryebay.demon.co.uk involved with lobbying for the conserva- Sussex Branch www.bds.org.uk Simon Fathers 01797 226488 tion of the High Weald. www.butterfly-conservation.org RSPCA Headquarters 01425 655434 Meadows Initiative (WMI) and the Farming same holding (same soil and climate etc.) it Email [email protected] 01273 492279 www.rspca.org.uk Email [email protected] and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG). should do very well, Caroline thinks. Sussex Wildlife Trust 0870 5555 999 Surrey County Council www.sussexwt.org.uk Butterfly Conservation Society ARCHAEOLOGICAL “The advice given by WMI and FWAG The public have access to some of www.countryside-management.org.uk 01273 492630 Kent Branch Sussex Moth Group Nick Baxter, Head of Countryside Email [email protected] www.butterfly-conservation.org www.sussexmoths.org.uk Officers helped us get on our feet with the pro- Caroline’s fields – both rich and not so rich in Management 01483 517594 Wealden Iron Research Group 01322 526888 01293 886278 ject, made sure we were on the right track, wildflowers – since they are crossed by foot- Kent Wildlife Trust The Sussex Mammal Group South of England Hedge-Laying Society Sussex Reptile & Amphibian Group provided us with a management plan and gave paths. She likes the fact that others can benefit The Society can provide details of profession- www.kentwildlife.org.uk 01243 554018 Sussex Archaeological Society 01622 662012 www.froglife.org Email [email protected] al hedge layers. 01986 873733 www.sussexpast.co.uk us contacts in the agricultural world”, Caroline from the wildlife enhancements they are mak- John Blake, Coppicing Officer 01444 483999 Email [email protected] 01273 405737 The Kent Mammal Group Sussex Botanical Recording Society enthuses. She thinks that they probably would ing. But how many walkers will stop to Campaign To Protect Rural England (CPRE) Helen Rigley 01795 890285 The Small Farm Training Group Email [email protected] The above is not a have got there eventually, but the advice helped wonder why one field has more flowers than Training and Support for smallholders. Sussex branch comprehensive list. www.sftg.co.uk www.cpre.org.uk Sussex Bat Group Kent & Medway Biological Records For more information… them up a very steep learning curve. the other? Will anyone notice that, over the 01825 890975 Centre www.sussexbatgroup.org.uk VOLUNTEERING Email [email protected] www.kmbrc.org.uk 01903 810119 They decided to look at what the years, the wildflowers are gradually return- 01622 685646 www.highweald.org Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) ing? Caroline hopes so. British Trust For Conservation Volunteers Kent branch Kent Bat Group © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf (BTCV) www.cprekent.org.uk Sussex Biological Records Centre www.kentbatgroup.org.uk A national charity that involves volunteers in 01233 813172 www.sxbrc.org.uk 01277 275439 practical conservation work. It provides train- Email [email protected] 01273 497553 Email [email protected] Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] 8 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 9 History behind hedges Planning your visit Many hedges are of considerable antiquity in the High Weald, planted or created when fields were created out Out of bounds! Exploring Travelling around the High Weald AONB of the woodlands and common wood pasture in the Wherever possible, use public transport. Information on the Saxon and medieval periods. Hedges surrounding the The rural feel of the High Weald countryside is one of the things that make it special to those of us frequency of the services is provided but, for exact times, 14th century farmhouse may be as old or if not older who live in and visit the area – its billowing hedges, sinuous woodlands and restful views. However please call Traveline 0870 6082608 www.traveline.org.uk than the farmstead. These hedges contain many different If you do choose to travel by car, please use car parks or if flower and shrub species, some of which are indicative of as one of the country’s most densely populated AONBs, with 120,000 residents living in 51,000 spaces are not available, park in a sensible location that will not a woodland origin, such as hazel, dogwood, wild service, properties, its rural feel is very much at threat – as we unwittingly introduce inappropriate features the High Weald cause obstruction. Leave your car securely locked with any hornbeam and field maple. There may also be crab valuables out of sight. apples or damsons, highly sought after for jam and jelly through adapting our homes for modern lifestyles. Although the changes are small scale their cumu- making. The shrub component is often growing on large lative affect is to ‘urbanise’ our countryside. Gerry Sherwin of the High Weald AONB Unit looks at Rights of way rounded or asymmetrical banks associated with ditches, Using the countryside responsibly Most landowners welcome people on their land, provided that which may now have become silted. The hedgerows were some of the worst culprits and highlights the options … Through responsible behaviour we can all use and enjoy the countryside without dam- they do not stray from the rights of way and that they abide by managed not only as stock proof barriers and shelters aging the enjoyment or livelihoods of others. The following are actions that we can the visitors’ code. but also for the underwood and food that could be Boundary features Avoiding the suburbanisation of the take to help care for the nationally valued landscape of the High Weald AONB whilst harvested from them. The boundary features of the modest farms, countryside does not mean sticking to out and about. Footpaths, for use by pedestrians only, are Nicola Bannister cottages and barns which characterize the a rigid set of rules. There is lots of scope • Dispose of all litter responsibly: if there is no bin nearby, please take your litter marked using yellow arrows agricultural landscape of the High Weald are to experiment with locally available home with you and recycle it if possible. simple gateways, gates and well-managed materials and to develop management • Drive considerately: slow down for wildlife, horses and people and avoid damaging Bridleways, for use by horses, cyclists, and hedges. Even entrances to the area’s larger approaches that maintain the rural feel the High Weald’s wildlife rich roadside verges by driving or parking on them. Avoid pedestrians, are marked with blue arrows properties – small manor houses and other of the countryside that we value. using the car where possible. historic buildings – tend to be discreet, fea- • Why not take some local produce home as a reminder of your day out? Byways, paths open to all turing the careful and creative use of local • Promote the High Weald’s special features and places to family, friends and visitors. traffic, are marked with red arrows materials, particularly timber and sandstone. If you are visiting and have enjoyed your visit, please tell others about the High JH Large, ornate gateways and gates, concrete Weald and take a copy of The Anvil home for your friends. Where rights of way leave the road, metal or wooden finger In keeping a well managed native hedge kerbstones, coloured pavoirs and tarmac are posts, or a stone plinth indicate the way. At other points, such only a recent introduction and do not blend as field boundaries or path junctions, footpaths are marked with the area’s rural homes and settings. with short posts or taller finger posts. In addition to the posts, public rights of way in Kent and East Sussex are usually marked with small coloured arrows to show the status of the path and direction. In West Sussex the classification of the rights of way JH

GS is carved in words in the finger post. If the status of a path Hedges can provide colour plus food for birds changes along its length, so does the colour of the arrows or Further information Compromise a larchlap or close-boarded the wording on the finger post. Where a right of way is a pro- For more guidance on how to plant a native hedge visit fence with native hedge planted in front to moted path, the arrows are used in conjunction with the www.highweald.org/ Where property changes require soften the impact – once the hedge has route’s own symbol. David Anstey planning permission planning officers are able to advise on JH grown, the fence can be removed, since it High Weald paths can be muddy at all times of year so suitable materials and styles. Details of local timber and Less appropriate non-native trees will be unnecessary and probably in need of waterproof boots are recommended.

fence suppliers can be found at www.highweald.org GS repair. In keeping local sandstone, timber gates Walks for hearts and minds Mapping information: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk Ponds Websites Ponds are an important feature of the Common sense would tell you that a • Boost your immune system large muscle groups such as your legs. If you have any queries or comments about rights of way in Campaign To Protect Rural England AONB, many being remnants of the area’s brisk walk out in the fresh air – exploring • Help you breathe more efficiently Aerobic activity increases your body’s the area, or would like further information on access to the www.cpre.org.uk/ industrial past and therefore part of our cul- the outstanding High Weald landscape – • Aid restful sleep demand for oxygen and adds to the work- High Weald countryside, contact: tural heritage. They are a real asset to any is going to be good for you. But you may • Help maintain a balanced body chem- load of your heart and lungs. This West Sussex County Council – 01243 777620 The National Hedgelaying Society property but should be treated sensitively. not realise just how good. istry endurance-type activity strengthens your East Sussex County Council – 01273 482250 www.hedgelaying.org.uk/ Over-deepening, over-management and Did you know that…? • Build confidence and mental well- heart, improves your circulation, burns Kent County Council – 0845 3450210 the introduction of fish, wildfowl and non- • Only 20% of people in the UK get being calories and helps with weight control. (A Useful hedging information native plant species can destroy the natural enough exercise to maintain a healthy Regular walking can reduce the risk of a brisk one-mile walk in 20 minutes burns www.hedgelayer.freeserve.co.uk/ pond habitat and lead to the loss of rare lifestyle and satisfactory fitness level. number of health problems including: around 100 calories – as much as swim-

GS species both within the pond and surround- • Health problems due to lack of exer- • Coronary heart disease – regular walk- ming for 10 minutes, playing football for On The Hoof Less appropriate wide entrance kerbstones, ing waterways. cise are now one of the ten leading ing can halve your risk of a heart 12 minutes or doing aerobics for 16 min- Caring for your horse at home pavoirs, oversize gates, non-native trees global causes of death and serious ill- attack utes.) ness, responsible for more than two • Strokes Brisk walking, being a weight-bearing Comprehensive Equine Service MARIANNE & ROBB OLIVER RIBA Minimise stress for you and your horse we will care million deaths worldwide each year. • Diabetes activity (as opposed to swimming) can for him at home whilst you are away working, on Architects Boundaries • Lack of exercise is most likely an even • High blood pressure increase leg bone density and thus protect holiday or just fancy a lie in! Hedges of native trees and shrubs and nar- more important factor than bad diet in • Bowel and breast cancer you against osteoporosis. row, linear strips of woodland are the the dramatic rise in obesity. • Alzheimer’s disease Walking uphill will strengthen your GS natural boundaries of the High Weald. • Lack of exercise causes more illness • Osteoporosis muscles – creating good balance and pos- These boundaries are often ancient and Old hedges can be restored through than smoking in European Union • Arthritis ture. (Stronger, larger muscles also use up wildlife rich (see insert top left) and are coppicing and planting native shrub countries. • Anxiety, stress and depression more energy, helping you to burn yet Design and drawings, surveys, planning species in any gaps applications, listed building applications, therefore protected by law - with their You might guess that walking, as a form What kind of walking is beneficial and more calories.) Walking up hills burns at building regulations applications and removal subject to planning permission. In of exercise, would deliver dramatic health why? least a third more calories than walking approvals, tendering, contract administration the past, new boundary features have been MJ Are you changing benefits for your heart, circulation and Routine and regular moderate activity on the level – and soft surfaces like grass, created using local materials such as san- In keeping pond with good vegetation in blood pressure. But… did you know it may actually be more beneficial than mud and sand use more energy than hard, New build, conversions, alterations and extensions drock for walls (often around estates) and and around your property? benefits your bones? And did you know it short bursts of intense activity. The paved surfaces. So the hilly (and often Commercial, agricultural, medical and timber for post and rail fencing or paling. If so, ask yourself can also help to prevent diabetes, stress, British Heart Foundation recommends muddy) High Weald landscape is very care provision, educational, residential New introductions to the landscape, includ- • Are the changes in keeping with my depression and even cancer? brisk walking for 30 minutes, five times a good for you indeed! Full daily care tailored to and historic buildings individual requirements including ing non-native trees, larch lap fencing or home and surrounding properties? Regular walking will: week, as an ideal exercise programme. At Websites daily checking • turn out/bring in • mucking Initial consultation free red brick walls which are uniform in colour • Can I create a natural boundary or • Improve your heart and circulation a brisk pace, your heart beats faster, you out • grooming • exercising • pasture care and shape contrast sharply and incongru- habitat feature or restore an existing • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol become warmer and your breathing Walking The Way To Health Initiative ously with the varied colour and shape of one? levels becomes heavier – though you should still www.whi.org.uk/ Newick, East Sussex Blacklands countryside hedges and local materials. As • Can I use local materials and styles? • Promote weight loss be able to talk. Crowhurst, Battle The Ramblers’Association 01825 722287 land is divided for a variety of non-farming • Can I soften the impact of property • Improve flexibility of joints and muscles Brisk walking is an aerobic activity – a East Sussex TN33 9AB www.ramblers.org.uk/ Caring, professional, qualified and fully insured purposes, a plethora of new boundary changes by combining natural fea- • Build strength in muscles and bones repetitive, rhythmic exercise involving Tel/fax 01424 830360 demarcations changes the traditional field tures with the more urban features [email protected] pattern that is part of the High Weald’s JH that are being introduced? Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] local distinctiveness. Less appropriate manicured duck pond 10 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 11

16. High Beeches Gardens 52. Stocks Mill Public transport VISITOR , West Sussex Rye Road, Wittersham, 01444 400589 Kent information ATTRACTIONS 01797 270295 www.highbeeches.com Headcorn Traveline Houses, gardens Open 19 Mar-30 Jun, 1 Sept-31 6 May-30 Sept, Sun, Bank Hol Oct, Every day except Weds; July Tonbridge Mons, 1430-1700 0870 608 2608 and castles & August, Every day except Weds Edenbridge Hawkenbury & Sat, 1300-1700 hours Gr Museums National Rail enquiries eensand 1. The Almonry Way 08457 48 49 50 Battle, East Sussex 17. Hole Park Gardens 53. Battle Museum of Local 01424 772210 Rolvenden, Kent Chiddingstone Way Marden History National Express (coach) 01580 241344 ald Battle, East Sussex Open daily, except Sun, 1000-1630 9 e 08705 80 80 80 Closed 24 – 26, 31 Dec, 1 Jan Open Bank Holiday Mondays, W 01424 775955 Wednesdays and Thursdays from Penshurst Open 1st April to 31st October, 2. Bateman’s Easter to the end of October. 25 38 Monday to Saturday 10.30am to Hever 4.30pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm The National Trust, Burwash, 1400 -1800 hours (or dusk if 15 Frittenden Accommodation East Sussex sooner). Matfield 54. Buckleys Yesterday’s World Tourism South East 01435 882302 Pembury Battle, East Sussex www.nationaltrust.org.uk 18. Lamb House 32 01892 540766 or local Cowden Tunbridge Brenchley 01424 775378 Wild Garden open 2-17 Mar, Sat, Rye, East Sussex East 49 JH © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf Wells 20 Horsmonden www.yesterdaysworld.co.uk tourist information centres. Sun, 1100-1600. House open 28 01892 890651 Grinstead www.nationaltrust.org.uk 62 Open all year, daily, 0930-1800. Mar-31 Oct, Sat-Wed, 1100- Birdwatching at Ardingly Reservoir 27 14 Sheffield Park (1700 in winter) Closed 25,26 Dec Battle TIC 1700; last admission, 1630. Mill Open 2 Apr – 1 Nov, Wed, Sat Spa Valley Biddenden grinds corn most Sats, 1400-1600 1400-1800. Last admission 1730 Railway Goudhurst 01424 773721 13 Sissinghurst 55. C M Booth Collection of Crawley 58 33 30 Historic Vehicles 3. Battle Abbey 19. Leonardslee Gardens 68 23 4 10 57 Lower Beeding, Horsham, Rolvenden, Kent Battle, East Sussex Cranbrook 01580 241234 01444 238202 01424 773792 West Sussex Saint Hill Lamberhurst H Eridge i 50 Open all year, Mon-Sat, 1000- Cranbrook TIC www.english-heritage.org.uk 01403 891212 70 28 5 g Green h 1800. Closed 25, 26 Dec Open 29 Mar-30 Sep, daily, 1000- www.leonardslee.com Faygate Bells Yew 01580 712538 1800; 1-31 Oct, daily, 1000-1700; Open 1 Apr-31 Oct, daily, 0930- Weald La 60 66 Green ndscape T 56. Court Hall Museum 1Nov-23 Dec, daily, 1000-1600. 1800. Closed Christmas period. ra Tenterden Crawley TIC i 48 , East Sussex Closed 24 – 26 Dec, 1 Jan 64 65 Gills l 01797 226382 20. Marle Place Gardens Horsham Danegate Benenden 01293 846968 Green Open 1 May- 30 Sept, Tues-Sat, 4. Bayham Abbey Marle Place Road, Brenchley, Bewl Water East Grinstead TIC 42 Wadhurst Bank Holidays, 1030-1230 Lamberhurst, Kent Kent Flimwell Sunday 1400-1700 01892 890381 01892 722304 45 01342 410121 59 34 Chelwood Hawkhurst Rolvenden www.english-heritage.org.uk Open April to October, daily, 16 Ardingly Mark Cross 55 17 57. Cranbrook Museum Edenbridge TIC 0930-1730 hours 26 Gate 35 Crowborough 41 Open 29 Mar-30 Sep, daily, 1000- We Reservoir Cranbrook, Kent 1800; 1-31 Oct, 1000-1700; High ald Smallhythe 01732 868110 Lan 37 Ticehurst 01580 712069 1 Nov-31 Dec, Sat, Sun 1000-1600 21. Merriments Garden d 39 12 31 Open 1 Apr-31 Oct, Tues-Sat 19 s Horsted 24 Hastings (Old Town) TIC Hurst Green, East Sussex ca Handcross Sandhurst 1400-1630, plus Bank Hols 01580 860666 p Keynes Nutley Stone-cum-Ebony 5. Bedgebury Pinetum e 22 Stonegate 01424 781111 Goudhurst, Kent www.merriments.co.uk T Ardingly 51 Stone Kent & East 58. East Grinstead Town Open 1 Apr-31 Oct, Mon-Sat, r 44 21 Hastings (Queens 01580 211044 a Cross Sussex Railway Museum

0930-1700. Sun, 1030-1700 i Bluebell

Open daily, 1000-1800, or dusk if l Furners Mayfield Railway Wittersham East Grinstead, West Sussex Square) TIC

earlier. Closed 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan TL 7 Green 52 01342 323636 22. Nymans Garden Lindfield A Bodiam Open all year, Wed, Sat, 1400- 01424 781111 6. Bodiam Castle Handcross, Haywards Heath, 29 1600 hours West Sussex Haywards Five Ashes 6 Horsham TIC Bodiam, East Sussex 8 11 Beckley 01580 830436 01444 400321 Heath Burwash B 59. Horsham Museum 01403 211661 47 43 0 K i l o m e t r e s 10 20 30 www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk 2 Horsham, West Sussex Castle – open 3 Jan-13 Feb, 1000- Open 1 Mar-3 Nov, Wed-Sun, Piltdown Hadlow Robertsbridge 01403 254959 Rye TIC 1600 hours, Sat & Sun. 14 Feb-31 Bank Hols, 1100-1800, or sunset Down 46 Open all year, daily except Sun, 01797 226696 Oct, 1000-1800 hours, daily. 6 if earlier. 4 Nov-31 Dec, Sat, Sun, 9 Staple 1000-1700. Nov-6 Feb 2005, 1000-1600 100-1600. Closed 28, 29 Dec Cross 18 Closed Bank Holidays Sevenoaks TIC hours, Sat & Sun. House open from 27 Mar-3 Nov Blackboys Darwell Rye Reservoir 01732 4503050 M i l e s 5 10 15 20 Heathfield 61 60. Tenterden and District 7. Borde Hill Gardens 23. Owl House & Gardens Broad Oak 59 Museum Powdermill 63 Sussex Country (South) TIC Haywards Heath, West Sussex Mount Pleasant, Wivelsfield Ridgewood Tenterden, Kent 01444 450326 Lamberhurst, Kent 40 Reservoir 01580 764310 01323 442667 Green 69 www.bordehill.co.uk 01892 890230 Brede www.ukpages.net/kent/ Sussex Country (North) TIC Open all year, daily, 1000-1800, Open all year, daily, 1100-1800 Winchelsea museum.htm or dusk if earlier Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan 56 Open Apr-Jun, daily, 1400-1630; 01825 713862 Jul-Sep, daily, 100-1630; Battle 53 Westfield Tenterden TIC 8. Brickwall House and 24. Pashley Manor Gardens Henfield Pett 1-31 Oct, daily, 1400-1630 Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex 54 Gardens Weal 36 01580 763572 Northiam, East Sussex 01580 200888 d W 1 3 61. The Story of Rye a 01797 223329 www.pashleymanorgardens.com y Rye, East Sussex Tonbridge TIC 1066 Country Wa 01797 226696 Open Jul-Aug, Wed 1400 – 1700 Open 6th April to 30th lk 01732 770929 September, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat Whitesmith www.rye.org.uk/heritage 9. Chiddingstone Castle & BH Mons, 1100-1700 hours Open Mar-Oct, daily, 0900-1730; Tunbridge Wells TIC Nov, Dec, daily, 1000-1600. Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent 01892 515675 01892 870347 25. Penshurst Place Offham 67 Closed 25, 26 Dec, 1 Jan Open Spring Bank Holidays, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent (check for opening times) 1130-1730. Jun-Sep, Wed-Fri, 01892 870307 1400-1730 www.penshurstplace. com Hastings 62. Tunbridge Wells Museum Banks Open weekends from 6 March. Hastings Tunbridge Wells, Kent Sun, Bank Hols, 1130-1730; Last Country Park In addition to main towns, admission, 1700. Daily from 27 March – 31 Hooe 01892 554171 October 2004. Free entry to Gift www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk banks with cashpoints can 10. Finchcocks Shop which is open all year Bexhill /museum Goudhurst, Kent Open all year, daily 0930-1700, be found in the following Sundays 1000-1600, Closed Bank 01580 211702 26. Priest House villages: www.finchcocks.co.uk North Lane, West Hoathly, Holidays Brighton outh D Open 31 Mar-28 Jul, Sun Bank West Sussex S owns Wadhurst 01342 810479 W www.highweald.org 63. Ypres Tower and Rye Hol Mon, 1400-1800 a 1-31 Aug, Wed, Thu, Sun, Bank www.sussexpast.co.uk y Museum Cranbrook Hol Mon, 1400-1800 Open 1 Mar-31 Oct, Mon-Sat, Rye, East Sussex 01797 226728 Forest Row 2-29 Sep, Sun, 1400-1800 1100-1730, Sun, 1400-1730 Open 1 Apr-31 Oct, Mon, Thu, Hawkhurst Sun, 1030-1300, 1400-1700; 11. Great Dixter 27. Sackville College 1 Nov-31 Dec, Sat, Sun, 1030- Battle Northiam, East Sussex East Grinstead, West Sussex Interactive map on website 1530. Closed Christmas period. 01797 252878 01342 326561 Newhaven Heathfield Open Apr-Oct daily except Mon Open Jun-Aug, Wed-Sun, 1400- (open Bank Hol Mon) 1700 Country parks/sites Mayfield 3 KEY 1400-1730. Gardens only open 64. Ashdown Forest Visitor 28. Scotney Castle Garden Sun & Mon of Bank Hol weekends Centre Lamberhurst, Kent Featured walk Railway & station A3 , Forest Row Websites 12. Great Maytham Hall 01892 891081 (see pages 12 and 13) 01342 823583 Rolvenden, Cranbrook, Kent www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotn- Main bus routes conservators@ www.highweald.org 01580 241346 www.cha.org.uk eycastle 62 Attractions (see this spread) ashdownforest.fsnet.co.uk Open 1 May-26 Sept, Wed, Thur, Open 20th March to 31st www.southernengland. Long distance trail uk.com 1400-1700 October, and the Old Castle from 65. Bewl Water 1st May to 1st October. We are 11 Farmers’ markets Lamberhurst, Kent www.visitbritain.com 13. Groombridge Place open Bank Holidays 01892 890661 www.sussexcountry.co.uk Gardens & the Enchanted

© Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf www.bewl.co.uk Forest 29. Sheffield Park Garden Open all year, daily, 0900-sunset. www.sussexlive.com Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, East Sussex High Weald pub, Rotherfield This map is to be used as a guide only. It is not an accurate representation. Closed 25 Dec. www.village-net.com East Sussex 01825 790231 01892 863999 ww.nationaltrust.org.uk 66. Buchan CP www.groombridge.co.uk Open 2 March – 31 Oct, Tues to Crawley, West Sussex Gill stream near Benenden Open 1 Apr-6 Nov, daily, 0930- Sun, (plus BH Mondays) 01293 542088 1800 hours (or dusk if earlier). 1030–1800 hours. 2 Nov – 23 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open 27 March – 31 October 37. Davenport Vineyards Open for self-guided tours all 44. Heaven Farm 01825 830509 48. Kent & East Sussex Vineyards year, Mon-Fri, 1400-1730 Farms and woods Windmills Dec, Tues to Sun (plus BH Open 23 Mar-3Nov, Sat-Wed, (Weds – Sun + BH Mon), House – Rotherfield, Crowborough, Furners Green, Danehill, Uckfield, www.wildernesswood.co.uk Railway 67. Hastings CP 1100-1700 1100-1600 hours Shop and E Sussex Sat, 1100-1730, Sun, 1200-1500 open to the public East Sussex Tenterden Station, Station Road, 14. Park Mondays) 1030–1600 hours 35. Barnsgate Manor Vineyard Open all year, daily 1000-1730 50. Cranbrook Union Windmill Fairlight, East Sussex East Grinstead, East Sussex Last admission 1630 Restaurant – 1100-1700 hours. 01892 852380 01825 790226 (summer) 1000-dusk (winter). Tenterden, Kent Herons Ghyll, 40. Sedlescombe Vineyard 42. Ashdown Forest Llama Park The Hill, Cranbrook, Kent 01424 813225 01342 850594 30. Sissinghurst Castle Garden – 1100-1800 hours. 5 www.davenportvineyards.co.uk www.heavenfarm.co.uk Closed 25, 26 Dec 01580 765155 Crowborough, , Robertsbridge, 01580 712256 Open 1 Jun-30 Sep, Wed, Sat, Garden 32. Sprivers Garden November – 19 December (Fri, Open 1 Apr-30 Sept, Mon, Fri, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Open 1 Mar-31 Oct, daily, 1000- www.kesr.org.uk East Sussex East Sussex www.argonet.co.uk/users/ 68. Forest Way CP Sissinghurst, nr Cranbrook, Kent The National Trust, Sat and Sun only), Garden, Shop Sat. Please phone for exact times. Sussex 1730, 1-30 Nov, Sun, 1030-1700 Please phone for opening times Bank Hol Mon, Tour only, begins 01825 713366 01580 830715 Steam railways tonysing/union East Grinstead, West Sussex 1400 01580 710701 Horsmonden, Kent and Restaurant – 1100 – 1500 01825 712040 and exact train times Open summer 2.30-5.00pm. 01273 482670 01892 890651 hours. www.barnsgate.co.uk 38. Penshurst Vineyards www.englishorganicwine.co.uk www.llamapark.co.uk 45. Mount Farm www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open 1 Apr-31 Dec, daily, 1000- 47. Bluebell Railway Saturdays 1 April to end of Sept, Open 20 Mar-31 Oct, Mon, Tues www.nationaltrust.org.uk Open all year, daily, 1000-1700, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent Open daily. (ex 25-26 Dec) Wadhurst, East Sussex 49. Spa Valley Railway 15. Hever Castle & Gardens 1800. Closed 24,25 Dec Sheffield Park Station, Sundays: 2nd weekend in May Nature reserves Hever, Edenbridge, Kent and Fri, 1100 – 1830 hours, Sat, Open 25 May, 8, 16 Jun, 1400- 34. Wakehurst Place or dusk, if earlier 01892 870255 1000 – 1700 01892 783152 West Station, Tunbridge Wells, ("National Mills Day"), mid-July Uckfield, 01732 865224 Sun and Bank Holidays, 1000 – 1800. Last admission 1730 Ardingly, www.penshurst.co.uk Open 4 Mar-31 Oct, Sat, Sun, Kent to end of August, BH Mondays 69. NR 36. Carr Taylor Vineyards 41. Tenterden Vineyard Park East Sussex www.hevercastle.co.uk 1830 hours. (last entry at 1730 Haywards Heath, West Sussex 1 Mar-23 Dec, daily, 1000-1700. Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent 43. Farm World daily during Sussex school hols, 01892 537715 Rye, East Sussex 01825 722370 Open 1-31 Mar, daily, 1100-1600; hours). Closed Weds & Thurs 33. Standen 01444 894066 Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex Closed 24 Dec – 1 Jan 01580 763033 Great Knelle, Beckley, East Sussex 1000-1645 www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 51. Nutley Windmill 01797 223862 1 Apr-31 Oct, daily, gardens: 1100- Standen, www.kew.org 01424 752501 www.chapeldownwines.co.uk/ 01797 260250 www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Open Mar-Oct, Sat, Sun, Bank Nutley, Uckfield, East Sussex 1800, castle: 1200-1800; last 31. Smallhythe Place East Grinstead, West Sussex Open daily throughout the year www.carr-taylor.com 39. Sandhurst Vineyards tenterdenvineyardpark Open from 5 April, 1100-1730 46. Wilderness Wood Open all year, Phone for exact Hols, some weekdays during 01435 873367 70. Weirwood NR admission, 1700; 1-30 Nov, daily, Small Hythe, Tenterden, Kent 01342 323029 from 1000 hours. Closed 24 and Open daily 1000-1700 January to Sandhurst, Cranbrook, Kent Open all year, daily, 1000-1700 hours, Tuesday to Saturday and , Uckfield, train times. school hols. Please phone for Open Mar-Sept, last Sun of each Saint Hill, West Sussex

1100-1600. 01580 762334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen 25 Dec. December. Closed 25 Dec-1 Jan. 01580 850296 Closed 24-31 Dec, 1,2 Jan Sundays through school holidays. East Sussex Closed 25 Dec exact train times month 01273 482670 JH 12 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 13 Mayfield Mayfield circular walk Walk round easily in Northiam A circular walk through a landscape of contrasts – The Northiam circular walks cross arable and pasture land in the a mosaic of fields, hedges and woodlands which vicinity of the centre of Northiam Village. They are simple to follow are the product of a unique history. and easy to walk and are accessible all year round.

Start/finish points: Car park Northiam 1944 – these being Rt Hon Winston Churchill, Start/finish points: Mayfield village (TQ829245) Great Britain; Rt Hon Mackenzie King, (TQ580267) Distance & time: Total 2 miles (3.2km), 2 hours Canada; Rt Hon Field Marshall Jan Christian Distance and time: 3 miles, (4.8km), 2 A Terrain: Pasture Smuts, South Africa and Hon Sir Godfrey M hours Waymarking: Wren waymarks Huggins, Southern Rhodesia. Waymarking: Mayfield Circular Walk See map on centre OS Maps: Explorer 125 Romney Marsh Walk a short way past these gates to the foot- pages for location discs Guide: Wren Walks leaflets – Walk, Relax and path signposted to Mill Corner and Ewhurst. of walk OS Maps: : Explorer 135 Ashdown Enjoy Nature, Strolls for healthy exercise. Proceed down this path onto the Recreation Forest Available from East Sussex County Council, on Ground passing the Bowls Club and Guide: Mayfield Circular Walk leaflet. 01273 481654 Northiam cemetery on your right. Follow the

Available from East Sussex County GS hedgerow until you reach the end of the Council, on 01273 481654 Recreation Ground. Go through the gap and Directions: follow the defined path until you reach a Route 1 Wren Marker post. Pause here to look at the Leave the Village car park by the main at Strawberry Hole that can be

© Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf entrance and turn right into Fullers Lane. seen straight ahead and the views over the After a short distance go through the gate on High Weald.

the left signposted to Goddens Gill. Keep to Turn left at the marker post and head towards JH News in brief the right hand side of the meadow until you the small copse at the end of this path. The tall Wildings Farm reach the gate in the hedgerow. From here you spire of St Mary’s Church, Northiam can be have a good view over the fields. seen from this path. At the end of the path go New Countryside Code Cross the field, which narrows as you reach down the slope to a bridge and up the other The old 'Country Code' has been the code of conduct for the paddock area. Go through the gate – the side to emerge into a field. Keeping to the right countryside visitors for more than 50 years and has not all weather paddock is on the right. Upon follow the path alongside a newly renovated been revised since 1981. reaching the gate at the end of the paddock Georgian House – Westwell House. Follow B As part of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act you emerge onto the road (Beales Lane) In the footpath back to the car park. See map on centre 2000 – which includes the new ‘Right To Roam’ legislation – front of you is a beautifully renovated pages for location the Countryside Agency is required to produce and promote a thatched barn (Wildings Farm). of walk code of conduct for the users of new access land, and for those If you would like to visit Goddens Gill, cross who manage it. the lane and follow the footpath opposite, So, the Country Code has been re-worded and will be re- descending between horse fencing. The going launched in July 2004. There will be a high profile campaign is not as level as previously, but you will be and education programme that will aim to: rewarded with a typical High Weald gill a) raise awareness of the new Countryside Code, stream enclosed in its steep-sided little valley b) encourage interest in visiting the countryside and surrounded by wildlife-rich ancient c) effectively communicate the key messages of the Code for woodland. Return the same way to rejoin the visitors and land managers. walk. Look out for the new Code – appearing at a cinema screen Turn left and proceed down Beales Lane pass- near you – and also on TV! (High Weald viewers may spot the ing by a metalled gate on the right. It is worth resemblance between the Code and our own ‘Charter For stopping here to look at the views – the Kent Residents and Visitors’. This is not purely coincidental.) countryside can be seen through the trees to ! your right and the village of Northiam to your left. Continue down the lane where you will see many wild flowers that grow in the grass JH verges and hedgerows and pass numerous nat- Wren waymark ROUTE 1 ural ponds on your right. As you approach the end of the lane the recently renovated Clench Directions: Green Barn can be seen. It was shown on Follow the Mayfield Circular Walk disks maps as far back as 1729. Fact Pack from the South Street car park accessed At the end of Beales Lane turn left into Main from the High Street. (see map). The Fact Pack Services Street, as you proceed up the road you will Attractions Mayfield circular walk is a 3 mile walk Mayfield – The Carpenter Arms, pass the Library with its wrought iron sign. Great Dixter – 01797 252878 Kent & East Sussex Steam Railway – 01580 ROUTE 2 through a landscape of contrasts, a Local producers based in the Fletching Street, Rose & Crown, Continue down Main Street where you pass a 765654 P mosaic of fields, hedges and woodlands Mayfield area Fletching Street, The Middle House, number of weather boarded properties, some which are the product of a unique histo- A Groombridge, 01825 830756 High Street. There are also village of which date back to the 18th Century. Carry Services ry. It is difficult to imagine that 500 Fencing & Logs shops, two tea rooms and a car park on in the same direction until you reach the Northiam – Crown & Thistle pub, two local years ago this was an industrial area with toilets. car park. convenience shops, fish & chips, post office Brook Farm, 01435 873269 alive to the smoke and noise of Route 2 and tea rooms. There are no public toilets in Waymarks England’s iron history. Hay & Straw Public transport Leave the village car park by the main Northiam. Village car park. The sandstones of this area provided Bus: 252/752, Eastbourne – Tunbridge entrance and turn left then immediately right, P Car park/start iron ore for the process and the wood- Charles Thomson, 01825 830691 Wells via Mayfield, hourly service, Mon- cross over the road and proceed down the Public transport Viewpoint land was coppiced for small timber Furniture & Ceramics Sat. 252/218 Eastbourne – Tunbridge road toward the centre of the village until you Bus: 300, Hastings – Northiam, hourly ser- products and charcoal to fire the iron Wells via Mayfield, Sunday Service, 4 reach the Recreation Ground on your left. vice, Mon-Sat. 400, Hastings – Beware of furnaces. Many of the large houses in Hen on the Gate, 01435 873422 buses. Traveline 0870 6082608 When you reach the Recreation Ground it is via Northiam, hourly service, Mon-Sat. No ! traffic ridge-top settlements like Mayfield were Tea room, organic eggs, beef, lamb & www.traveline.org.uk worth pausing to look at the Churchill Gates. Sunday Service. Traveline 0870 6082608 FB Footbridge owned by the iron masters. Arable agri- sunflowers These gates were erected to commemorate the www.traveline.org.uk KG Kissing gate culture is now the dominant activity of Accommodation visit of the Four Prime Ministers on 12 May this area and the coppice woodland is Neil Walter, 01435 862997 Middle House, 01435 872146 restricted to slopes too steep to have Rustic garden furniture Rose & Crown 01435 872200 Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] gone under the plough. 14 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 15

2 – 3 July 17 July 10 –26 August 18 – 29 October Crepuscular Creep Society of the Friends of Ashdown Forest Summer Buccaneers go on safari Hedgerow Harvests www.highweald.org Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, Ashdown Forest Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, West Sussex 01342 823583 West Sussex West Sussex Heaven Farm 01293 542088 1000 hours 01293 542088 For information on 01293 542088 other events Email: [email protected] An ecological ramble on Ashdown Forest led Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Events 2030-2230 hours by David Streeter from the University of Sussex 1100-1230 hours 1100-1300 hours “A hidden treat” – a unique family-run Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the and chairman of the Friends. Meet at the 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26 August. Come on Antique Craft & Book Fairs Celebrate the autumn festival by decorating working Wealden woodland, eye-opening wild Buchan Country Park as it enters the twi- Friends car park Stonehill Road. Grid ref. safari to the wild parts of Buchan and hunt for and carving apples, making masks, autumnal TQ456289. You can join and become a Friend the tracks and signs of wild animals, enjoy sto- for adults and excellent fun Displays, Exhibitions and Talks 12 – 27 June light zone. Fun for all ages. Children must be collages, and playing seasonal games, includ- on the day! www.ashdownforest.org ries, games and other activities on route. Family Fun, Sports & Outdoor Activities Midsummer Garden Celebration accompanied by an adult. Entrance Fee: £2 per ing apple bobbing. Suitable for children aged for children. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, adult, £1 per child. Booking essential. Suitable for children aged 4+. Children must Guided Walks be accompanied by an adult. Entrance Fee: 4+. .Children must be accompanied by an Tunbridge Wells, Kent adult. Entrance Fee: £2.50 per child, accompa- Woodland trails and bluebell walk, Kids Activities 01892 863999 22 – 24 July £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Open Air Theatre: As you like it Booking essential. nying adults free. Booking essential. Music, Drama & Dance Email: [email protected] 3 July, 7 August, 4 September, 2 October play area, picnic places and BBQs, For more events throughout the year visit: Walk with Pembury Walkers Borde Hill Garden, Haywards Heath, tearoom and tea garden with local Wildlife & Gardening www.groombridge.co.uk Pembury, Kent West Sussex 23 – 31 October Blazing June borders and the formal gardens Organised by: Neil and Kathryn Franklin , 01444 450326 Email: [email protected] 22 August Stable tea rooms produce, gift shop. Spooky Halloween Hunt at their best: guided historical tours, garden 01892 823212 For more events throughout the year visit: Like the Clappers Around Horam? Nature Trail 170 years of farming Buckleys Yesterday's World, High Street, Battle, Wood products and garden furniture 29 May workshops, ‘meet-the-gardener’ sessions and Start Time: 1415 hours www.bordehill.co.uk Horam Cart Lodge craft shop Start time: 1930 hours 01273 481654 East Sussex in the heart of the Heathfield and District Agricultural Show more. Entrance Fee: £8.50 adults, £7 children. A 4-5 mile walk from Pembury. Meet at Farm museum direct from the grower/maker. The nationally acclaimed Groundlings Theatre Start time: 1030 hours 01424 774269 www.heathfieldshow.org Stonecourt Lane bus stop, Pembury. Country coach tours Sussex Weald Little Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, Company performs Shakespeare’s 'As you like Join Andy Mitchell from East Sussex County Email: [email protected] Many special events and it'. Entrance Fee: £9.50 Adults, £7.50 Council Countryside Management for a 5 mile www.yesterdaysworld.co.uk Caravans and camping Heathfield, East Sussex 17 – 20 June children’s activities. The premier one day agricultural show in the 3 – 4 July Concessions. (4 hours) walk along parts of the Cuckoo Trail 1000-1600 hours Summer Flower Festival 2004 and footpaths through woods in south east with animals, parades, displays and Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, East Sussex Steam Gala Creep through the cobwebs on a time travel Open March to November inclusive, 10am to 5pm many trade stands. The High Weald AONB Unit and Heathfield. Free but donations welcome. 01580 200888 Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent adventure to hunt down the ghosts haunting Open daily 10am – 5.30pm/dusk if earlier will be at the show to launch the new group, 01892 537715 www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 24 July Meet at the car park, Hillside Drive, Horam 1100-1700 hours the museum. The top 3 ghost busters will each Furners Green, Uckfield, Sussex, TN22 3RG On A272 in Hadlow Down, The Friends of the High Weald. 1000-1700 hours Bygone Byways May include some steep hills, muddy paths For more events throughout the year visit: receive a wicked goody bag of tricks and Trains depart from Tunbridge Wells West from Rotherfield. and stiles. Pub lunch or refreshments avail- N.E. of Uckfield www.pashleymanorgardens.com treats. But beware things really do go 'bump' 10am until approx 5pm. An intensive timetable 01273 481654 able. Flower arrangements by the Wadhurst and in the dark! Tel: 01825 790226 Fax: 01825 790881 2 – 4 June of Steam Hauled services operated by a fleet of Start time: 0930 hours Tel: 01825 830509 District NAFAS. Local nurseries will be exhibit- Wake up to birds Steam Locomotives. Entrance Fee: £4 adults, Walk around the rights of way network in www.heavenfarm.co.uk www.wildernesswood.co.uk ing over the four days. Garden walks by a Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, £3 child/OAP. Day Rover Tickets available. Rotherfield, including green lanes. Led by 28 – 30 August and 27 – 28 November West Sussex representative of the rose growers Peter Beales David Munn from East Sussex County Council Craft Fair 26 October 01293 542088 Roses. Rights of Way. Approx 11 miles (6.5 hours) and Ashdown Forest Llama Park, Wych Cross, Survive in the Wild Email: [email protected] includes some steep hills, muddy paths and Forest Row, East Sussex Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex 4 July 01825 830509 www.wildernesswood.co.uk 1100-1300 hours Hole Park Gardens special opening day stiles. Pub lunch stop. 01825 712040 Email: [email protected] 1000-1200 hours Activities include birdwatching for beginners, 18 – 24 June Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden, Kent For other exhibitions and shows visit What are the four things you need to survive? Bewl Water Outdoor Centre nest-building, making bird music and hunting Rose Week 01580 241344 www.llamapark.co.uk Find them in the woods! Hands-on activities to for bird food. Suitable for children aged 4+. Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent For other events visit: www.holepark.com 25 July 1000-1700 hours Children must be accompanied by an adult. 01732 865224 1400-1800 hours Family Treasure Hunt Craft Fair organised by a local Sussex handi- learn and test survival skills! Entrance Fee: Entrance Fee: £2.50 per child, accompanying For more events throughout the year visit: HPS Plant Fair. Entrance Fee: £3.50 adults, 50p Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, Rye Harbour, crafts group. Child (8-13) £6.25. Please book adults free. Booking essential. www.hevercastle.co.uk child. East Sussex 1000-1800 hours 01797 227784 The castle will be decked with roses, with tours For more events throughout the year visit: 29 August 30 – 31 October 3 June and 12 August of the gardens plus talks and demonstrations 7 July www.naturereserve.ryeharbour.org Woodcraft Day Halloween at Buchan Dens and Drovers relating to roses and gardening topics. Follow a map with clues to test your brain- Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, Cinderhill Woods, Matfield, Kent Art in the Garden power around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (2 01825 830509 West Sussex Organised by: Kent High Weald Project, Marle Place, Brenchley, Kent 01892 527317 miles). Meet at Rye Harbour Car Park to collect For more events throughout the year visit: 01293 542088 01580 715918 a map (£2.00 per team). Prizes for all. www.wildernesswood.co.uk www.kenthighwealdproject.org 19 June For more events throughout the year visit: Email: [email protected] Annual Pelargonium Show www.marleplace.co.uk Wheelchair access to parts of reserve. Entrance 1100-1600 hours 1430-1700 hours 1030-1530 hours Fee: £2 per team. The Sussex Woodcraft Society will be joining Brede Village Hall, Brede, Rye, East Sussex Painting and drawing tutored by Lindel Enjoy apple/pumpkin carving and decorating, Come and learn how to survive in the Wild our resident bodger to show their skills at 01424 853673 Williams for Tunbridge Wells Adult Education. making masks, and seasonal games. As the Weald, as people did a thousand years ago. woodturning and carving. Tach Pollard, cre- Suitable for children aged 11 and over. Booking Displays of pelargoniums together with other Booking required. sun goes down and the lanterns are lit be attractions and refreshments. Please phone for 25 July ator of many of the sculptures in the wood essential. Pembury Circular Walk and in the barn will also be demonstrating. brave and stay awhile to hear some spooky details of prices. Times to be confirmed. Sailing, Canoeing, Climbing,Teambuilding and Pembury, Kent Usual admission prices. stories. Fun for all the family. Children must be 10 July Development Training. Organised by: Kent High Weald Project, accompanied by an adult. Entrance Fee: £2.50 Fireworks & Proms concert 4 June 01580 715918 per child, accompanying adults free. Booking Courses for Individuals and Groups, Children Bewl Water, nr. Lamberhurst, East Sussex Castaway 19 June www.kenthighwealdproject.org 5 September essential. Now in its thirteenth year, this established con- and Adults, Beginners to Advanced. Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down, East Sussex Dormouse Awareness Start Time: 1400 hours Lets Make Hay 01825 830509 cert is a firm favourite. For full details and Caring, friendly and professional staff. Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst, Kent This 5 mile walk starts from Pembury villa Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, For more children's activities at Wilderness visit: advance booking telephone 01892 890661. 01580 211781 green. Entrance Fee: £2 to be donated to char- West Sussex 7 November A truly outstanding location in the Heart www.wildernesswood.co.uk Bewl Water have other events throughout the www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk ity. Grid Reference: TQ625407. Booking 01293 542088 Stories from history 1130-1430 hours year which can be found at of the High Weald. 1000-1130 hours essential. Email: [email protected] Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, Join an expedition deep into the wood; have www.highweald.org Join Wildlife Ranger Steve Peters on the 1300-1600 hours West Sussex fun building shelters and cooking dampers over monthly walk checking nesting boxes for Bewl Water Outdoor Centre a camp fire. Bring sausages and a picnic lunch. Come and enter the traditional world of 01293 542088 Bewl Water, Lamberhurst Dormice. Free event but donations welcome. 31 July meadows and haymaking. Enjoy the sights and Entrance Fee: Child (6-11) £8.50. Please book. 11 July Email: [email protected] Kent,TN3 8JH Essential booking. Meet in office car park. The Landscape Trail in East Sussex smells, as we enjoy the activities and games of 01892 890716 Adults welcome to accompany/help. Breezing Around Brambletye 1400-1600 hours High Weald Landscape Trail, Groombridge and Victorian Buchan. Children must be accompa- Become a time traveller and go back in time to [email protected] Weirwood Reservoir www.bewlwater.org the Medway Valley nied by an adult. Free. discover the history of Buchan. Find the hidden 19 June 01273 481654 5 – 15 June Start time: 0930 hours clues to solve the mysteries of the past. Harvey Hike – Rocks, Hops & The Medway Start time: 1000 hours Giant Scarecrows: Guardians of the Gardens 01273 481654 Children must be accompanied by an adult. Groombridge Ken McManamon from East Sussex Vicky Pannell from East Sussex County Council 9 September High Beeches Gardens, Handcross, West Sussex Entrance Fee: £2 per adult, £1 per child. 01273 481654 Countryside Management leads a walk around Countryside Management leads an 11 mile (7 Go Batty in Cranbrook 01444 400589 Booking essential Start time: 0915 hours the reservoir and Brambletye Manor. Approx. 5 hours) linear walk along the Trail including Cranbrook, Kent 1100-1700 hours miles (2.5 hours). Meet at the top end of the For details of other events throughout the year Join Andrew Whitnall from East Sussex County Hartfield, Buckhurst Park and Penns In The Organised by: Kent High Weald Project, Council Countryside Management for a 12 reservoir car park by the sailing club. Free, but Rocks. With pub lunch stop and returning by 01580 715918 visit: www.highbeeches.com donations welcome. Walk may include some 5 December A 2 week exhibition of sculpture by local chil- mile (6.5 hours) walk passing Harrison’s Rocks bus. Meet at Forest Row car park, Station Row. www.kenthighwealdproject.org hills, stiles and muddy paths. Tree Dressing Party dren using recycled materials – part of 'Arts and hop gardens. Pub lunch stop. Walk may A donation of £1 welcome. Includes some Evening walk in and around the Crane Valley Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, Giantic' the Mid Sussex Community Arts include some hills, stiles and muddy paths. steep hills, muddy paths and stiles. with Val Sutton of the Kent Bat Group. Festival. Please phone for details of prices. Free but donations welcome. Meet at The Donations to the Kent Bat Group welcome. West Sussex 11 July Junction pub, Station Road, Groombridge. Booking essential. 01293 542088 Concert: Candlelight Opera 7 August Email: [email protected] Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst, Kent 6 June Surrey Yeomanry 1200-1400 hours and 1400-1600 hours. Family Wildlife Event 01892 870307 Standen, East Grinstead, West Sussex 18 September Celebrate the magic of trees by creating deco- 19 – 20 June 1900-2200 hours Plovers Meadow estate on the B2102 between Holmbush Farm Annual Sheep Shearing 01342 323029 Autumn Bike Ride rations, cards and presents. Take the Blackboys and Cross-in-Hand near Heathfield Programme and date to be confirmed. Check For move events throughout the year visit: Bedgebury Forest, Kent opportunity to “dress” one of Buchan’s special Holmbush Farm World, Faygate, Horsham, on www.penshurstplace.com 01892 852470 West Sussex www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen Organised by: Kent High Weald Project, beauties. Children must be accompanied by an 1100-1600 hours 01293 851110 Start time: 1930 hours 01580 715918 adult. Entrance Fee: £2.50 per child, accompa- A day out for the family with live wildlife dis- Email: [email protected] Enjoy the music of the Surrey Yeomanry on www.kenthighwealdproject.org nying adults free. Booking essential for either plays, children's activities, conservation and 12 July this summer evening at Standen. Bring a seat Start time: 1100 hours For more events visit: of the 2 hour sessions. environmental groups, woodland walk (not Walk with our warden and warm clothing. Gates open at 6.30pm for Join our resident cyclist, Matt, for an 8 mile www.holmbushfarm.co.uk suitable for buggies etc.) and refreshments. Sissinghurst Castle, Sissinghurst, Kent picnics on the lawn. Tickets £10 Adult, £5 cycle ride around Bedgebury Forest. Route Weald Meadows Initiative will be in atten- 01580 710700 Child, £25 Family (2 adults & 3 children). requires a mountain bike. Booking essential. 21 December dance. Entrance Fee: £2.50 adults, children Start Time: 1400 hours Booking essential. Lights & Lanterns free. 26 – 27 June Join the warden on this gentle 2.5 mile guided Buchan Country Park, Horsham Road, Crawley, West Sussex Country Craft Fair walk, taking particular interest in the dragon- 9 October Leonardslee lakes & gardens, Lower Beeding, flies and butterflies. Entrance Fee: £4 per ticket. 8 August Cinderhill Wood Fungus Foray West Sussex 6 June Horsham, West Sussex Starts in the car park.. No dogs. Castle Water Bug Hunt and Picnic Cinderhill Wood, Matfield, Kent 01293 542088 Summer Stroll 01403 891212 Castle Water Nature Reserve, Rye, East Sussex Organised by: Kent High Weald Project, Email: [email protected] Standen, East Grinstead, West Sussex Email: [email protected] 01797 227784 01580 715918 1430-1630 hours 01342 323029 For more events throughout the year visit: 16 – 18 July www.naturereserve.ryeharbour.org www.kenthighwealdproject.org Celebrate the winter solstice by designing and Start Time: 0900 hours www.leonardslee.com The Siege of Rye 1200-1500 hours Start time: 1400 hours creating some magic lanterns and listen to the For more guided walks at Standen visit: 0930-1800 hours Rye, East Sussex A family picnic in Camber Castle will precede a Join Bryan Bullen for a walk around the ancient stories of how we can help the sun www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen Ever popular craft fair in 14th year, with a wide 01797 226696 Email: [email protected] hunt for several species of bugs, plus frogs, Cinderhill Wood, Matfield and learn about the return next springtime. Children must be Guided nature walk around the Standen estate. variety of stalls, craft demonstrations and www.rye-tourism.co.uk leeches and creepy crawlies in Castle Water. many types of fungi that grow there. Meet at accompanied by an adult. Entrance Fee: £2.50 Entrance Fee: £2 adults, children free. entertainment. Entrance Fee: £6 adults, £4 The Order of Rye Longbowmen Medieval Meet at Brede Lock car park. Donations wel- the woodland car park off Chestnut Lane, per child, accompanying adults free. Booking Booking essential. children. Battle. come. Grid Reference: TQ919198 Matfield. Booking essential. essential. 16 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 17

ity generation is also being examined. A study car- Patrick McKernan, South-East AONBs Woodland Officer discusses ried out by the High Weald AONB Unit has shown that, in theory at least, some 6% of the current energy demand of this area could be met from the sustainable management of the woodlands Natural resources themselves. Combined with other renewable Burning issues energy sources such as wind power, the natural environment of the Weald could well make an Punnett’s Town The High Weald is rich in natural resources – and these have been exploited by important contribution towards renewable ener- humans for thousands of years. From the iron industry’s point of view, for gy targets. The potential for wood as a renewable energy example, the High Weald had it all. Not only did it have the raw material – source is being looked at across the UK. In less- wooded areas, energy crops such as iron ore – itself, but it also had a plentiful supply of wood to fuel the furnaces short-rotation coppice are being examined as a plus fast-flowing streams in narrow, steep-sided valleys that were ideal for potential fuel source. In the south-east, however, with its great density of ancient and more recent damming – to produce water power on tap just when it was needed. Though woodland, the focus needs to be on harvesting there’s still iron ore in the ground, the iron industry is now dead and – often the energy locked up in the woods we already have. As well as contributing to environmentally- quite literally – buried. (To find out more about the iron industry and its friendly energy targets, demand for wood fuel decline visit www.highweald.org) On these pages, we look at two natural may well revitalise the woodland industry and provide the much-needed management for our

MJ resources that may have more of a future in the High Weald. irreplaceable ancient woodlands.

Websites Sussex Mills Group www.jillwindmill.org.uk/MillsOpen.htm

Kent Windmills When the wind blows www.kentwindmills.co.uk/ Roland Harris looks at this powerful natural resource Bioenergy Technology Ltd www.bioenergy.org he High Weald’s well-known history of wind farms, whereas historic windmills were Lignatherm Limited Cranbrook windmill Tiron and cloth industries tells us of its rarely built in more than pairs. www.lignatherm.co.uk capacity to produce energy. Coppiced woods • Wind turbines are usually taller than windmills. provided charcoal for the furnaces, forges Typical wind turbines in the UK have a hub The National Energy Foundation and cloth dyeing and abundant streams height of 30-50m and a blade length of 20- www.greenenergy.org.uk/ powered bellows and hammers. But the area 35m. The tallest wind turbine in the UK has a Centre For Alternative Technology has another energy resource in the form of hub height of 85m. By contrast, Cranbrook www.cat.org.uk/ wind and this has been utilized too, for Union Mill is the tallest windmill in the AONB grinding corn and – in at least one instance – and the second tallest in the country, but is a Thames Valley Energy for powering a sawmill. mere 22m to the top of the cap. www.tvenergy.org/ Like most redundant technology, windmills • Whereas the historic mill provided a tangible Many of the woodlands in the Weald are abandoned coppice (above) that were once a vital part of the region’s industrial wealth. have suffered great losses: they are extremely service to the local population, the modern Management is essential to bring life to what have become dark, overgrown woods. Photograph by Patrick McKernan. costly to maintain and are peculiarly vulnerable to wind turbine has a more abstract function, fire and storm damage. Out of 41 mills in the rarely driven by local need and wishes, invisibly he High Weald is famous for its historic glades and clearings grazed by wild cattle, chestnut coppicing, hurdle making, and firewood AONB c.1870, only 14 survive to some extent. producing electricity that dissipates into a Twoodlands, and indeed, the AONB has horses and deer. cutting, what is really needed is a wider commer- The historic harnessing of wind energy in the national grid. twice the amount of ancient woodland than Today, with the huge decline in woodland cial incentive to encourage woodland owners and relatively windy High Weald is a reminder that, any other protected landscape in the country. management across the Weald, there has been a managers across the Weald to look again at their technically at least, wind power could have a What relevance to the High Weald? Through history, this timber resource has corresponding decline in many plants and animals woods as a valuable economic resource. future in the area as the need for renewable ener- Contrary to popular opinion, wind turbines or been used as the material and fuel for that depended on the warm, open woodland One potential market that has raised particular gy increases. Modern wind turbines, however, are wind farms are not ruled out in AONBs. Indeed, Wealden industries, chief among them the areas created by continuous management. interest is wood fuel for heating and energy pro- often seen as something quite different to historic the government’s target to generate 20% of UK iron industry, which saw its origins in pre-his- Species like the pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly duction. Advances in modern wood-fuel plants windmills: electricity from renewable energy sources by tory and peaked in the 16th and 17th are under serious threat of extinction in the High have made this an attractive proposition, and one • Historic mills used local materials – predomi- 2020 represents considerable support for tech- centuries. Although the woods of the High Weald as the woods they once occupied become that has been shown to work. The West Dean nantly post and smock mills with timber nologies such as wind turbines and the latest Weald were heavily exploited, they were dark and overgrown. Estate in West Sussex, for example, generates framing and weatherboard cladding, but also draft policy states that ‘small-scale [renewable rarely destroyed. Careful management As the great value of our ancient woodlands much of its heating and hot water requirements brick tower mills: wind turbines are rarely in energy] developments should be permitted with- ensured that a sustainable supply of wood, and the fragility of their species has been recog- from its own timber. Within the AONB, the tune with local character as they combine in areas such as...Areas of Outstanding Natural mostly from coppice, would always be avail- nised, so too has the need for a rejuvenation of Woodland Enterprise Centre at Flimwell is heated metal, GRP or wood-epoxy blades with steel Beauty...provided that there is no serious environ- able. In the coppice system, each woodland their management. Although some woodlands by a wood-fuel plant that is also providing a use- nacelles and towers. mental detriment to the area’ and that such block is cut on rotation and allowed to re- are managed for conservation, this alone is not ful demonstration of this technology. • Wind turbines are often grouped together into developments must not compromise the objec- grow. Although not designed with wildlife in enough – we will continue to see the decline of Although there are many difficulties to over-

© Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf mind, this management has, by a happy coin- the wildlife and landscape value of our woods come in applying wood fuel as a solution on a cidence, also been good for conservation. without large-scale management across areas greater scale, the considerable interest among tives of designation of the area. Local plans cov- 2020 for renewable energy. Certainly, with care- The open areas created by the coppice cuts such as the Weald. Conservation management is woodland owners, conservation bodies, and gov- ering the AONB take a similar line in supporting ful siting, such a low density would not of itself provide the conditions favoured by many limited in scale because of the expense – wood- ernment agencies in this technology is providing a renewable energy schemes subject to them being contravene objectives for the AONB, as expressed woodland species, perhaps mimicking the land managers often have to pay directly for the focus and momentum that is providing real hope compatible with the AONB designation. in the High Weald AONB Management Plan original ‘wildwood’ – not a dark, dense for- work to be done. Whilst some woodland indus- for the region’s woods.

This means that it is unlikely that wind farms 2004, published in April. est, but more likely containing frequent tries still survive on a modest scale, such as The potential for wood fuel to provide electric- GS will be proposed or permitted in the High Weald This presents a challenge to all of us. Should AONB, but it is clear that there could be scope for, we view the odd lone wind turbine that provides say, one or two turbines providing sustainable renewable energy for a High Weald settlement as energy for a hamlet, village or small town, as has an update on our old windmills? Can we deliver happened with huge local support at Swaffham enough renewable energy through alternatives in Norfolk. Around 50 such turbines would meet such as woodfuel? Do we think that the High the total 240 gigawatt/hours annual domestic Weald should have its skyline and views frozen in consumption of electricity of the High Weald (a 2004, and that there can be no justification for of the High Weald Fig. 1. Location of historic windmills in the High Weald AONB in relation to wind speed. (Wind figure similar to the number of windmills in the even a single wind turbine? speed is mapped using data supplied for wind speeds at 25m above ground from the Department 19th century). Only 10 such turbines would be We would love to hear your views... of Trade and Industry’s NOABL model). required to meet the 20% government target for Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected] 18 High Weald Anvil The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty www.highweald.org High Weald Anvil 19 News in brief Friends of the High Weald High Weald Green visitors A day in the life of Get more involved in looking after the High Weald – become a Friend! he High Weald ‘Green Visitor’ community tourism • Do you want to help look after the You are invited to become a Friend of ANAGRAMS Tproject (located in and around Winchelsea in the High Weald countryside? Personal pledges the High Weald. By becoming a friend How well do you know the High Weald? The following is a south east corner of the High Weald AONB) has com- • Do you walk around it with eyes, made by new Friends you will confirm your commitment to list of anagrams of High Weald village names… see how pleted work on researching and planning tourism in the a golfing grazer ears and mind open? help conserve the High Weald landscape. many you can work out. (Answers below). surrounding countryside. • Do you have views on what should of the High Weald If you join the Friends of the High 1. OLD ETHNIC SIGN (1 word) A ‘sustainable tourism checklist’ will help measure Another heathland birdie at the 13th – a be done to conserve its beauty? Weald, you will receive regular newslet- 2. NEW PONT STUNT (2 words) For the year ending and monitor the economic, environmental and social stonechat sitting on top of a gorse bush. • Do you want to stay in touch with ters (with information about High 3. ENDORSE THE SKY (2 words) 31 March 2005 I pledge to … impacts of the project. National indicators exist, but this We do nibble some of the young gorse, but others who do? Weald issues and advice on nature con- 4. DASH SCORN (1 word) pioneering work is implementing this approach at a local when it gets older it is too spiky for us to Many people and organisations are servation) and have the opportunity to 5. SERF OR TWO (2 words) • Create a wildflower meadow level – and will help inform other tourism projects in eat. (Although the flowers are a pretty yel- working together to ensure the long- contribute your observations and views 6. THE RUSTIC (1 word) 7. STRUNG NEGLIGEE (2 words) rural areas. low colour and smell of coconut, too much term protection and enhancement of the • Plant at least 100 metres of new about High Weald developments and hedge 8. FIND THE REEL (1 word) The project also aims to spread the benefit from gorse will swamp the heather – so we keep High Weald Area of Outstanding planned work. You will also qualify for 9. WEALTHY HOST (2 words) that under control, too.) • Protect and encourage wildlife tourist spend to the maximum number of local business- Natural Beauty (AONB): Local authori- a 2 for 1 offer to visit a local countryside 10. CASHEW LINE (1 word) on our land es. A business and visitor survey carried out over the Near the 14th, we found some young ties and national agencies develop attraction, and be invited to Friends 11. NEVER NYLON, DALE (2 words) summer has provided a better understanding of the types oak tree saplings. Trees in the right place policies and funding schemes to support • Replant an old orchard and its events such as walks, talks and confer- 12. MEDIA FLY (1 word) of visitors to the area, the area’s appeal (resulting in very are fine, but if they grow on open heaths conservation action, special High Weald hedges ences. 13. HAMSTER WIT (1 word) high number of return trips) and visitor spend. then the heathland species will quickly be initiatives encourage the better manage- • Lead walks in the High Weald In return we would ask you not for a 14. WIN DARLING (1 word) Visitor interest in efforts to reduce environmental shaded out and the site will become wood- ment of important habitats such as and introduce people to the membership fee, but instead to make a 15. SEE TONY NIXON (3 words) impacts (e.g. encouraging visitors to use their cars less) or land. As lowland heath is one of the most heathland and wildflower meadows and countryside commitment to look after the High 16. WE’D STIFLE (1 word) 17. IT’LL DOG NAN (1 word) supporting the local economy (e.g. by buying food pro- precious, but threatened, habitats in the develop countryside access, and local • Increase our area of wildflower Weald Area of Outstanding Natural 18. WE’LL FILM (1 word) duced locally and from local shops) was particularly UK, Europe and the world, we must do our groups organise events and allow people meadow Beauty. You can do this by signing up to 19. DRAW SHOT (1 word) strong. best to nibble them to death! to be involved to improve everyone’s the High Weald charter “Caring for the • Plant a two acre woodland 20. BUSH WAR (1 word) A spectacular finish! At the 18th, we awareness of the needs and treasures of High Weald” (featured on page 4), and Winchelsea discovered some of our favourite delicacies the High Weald countryside. • Purchase more local products by making a pledge to take an action – brambles. We made short work of them. Yet, responsibility for the care of the • Walk instead of using the car that makes sense for you personally. This As we munched, we saw silver-studded High Weald lies with all of us. Whether we where possible may be something you are doing already blue butterflies flitting over the bell heather. live in, work in or visit the area, we affect • Clean up my stream and would like to make others aware of. I hope they’re grateful for all our hard work its environment – directly or indirectly – • Help restore Hollybush Wood to (For inspiration, please see a selection of in defending their home against invaders. through our shopping, travelling and a working woodland Friends’ personal commitments in the So now, it’s off to the clubhouse. The leisure activities and the way in which we green box and continue to visit the web- • Continue to pick up litter on my members aren’t allowed to feed us, worse manage our land. In order to recognize the site www.highweald.org for an walks luck, but if we hang around long enough important contribution individuals can up-to-date list.) And if you feel able to we may be able to hoover up a few spilt make to conserve the AONB, a new sup- • Continue improvement of my also make a donation to enable new con- farm for wildlife nibbles…I’ve become very partial to cheesy porters group is being created: The servation work in the High Weald, it © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf footballs. Friends of the High Weald. The Friends • Enhance wetlands at Hexden would of course be gratefully received. nother fine morning at the golf studded blue butterfly – will be lost. will be a focus for personal conservation Marsh © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf Aclub. 18 holes, par 68 and with a The ecologists say that grazing is a very action and a mechanism for building local • Continue environmentally If you would like to join the Friends © Countryside Agency/Peter Greenhalf challenging 6070 yards of vegetation to valuable management tool because it “pro- people’s knowledge and views into posi- friendly farming of the High Weald, please complete and For a summary of the report please contact selectively eat our way through. vides a mosaic of microhabitats as well as tive decisions about the area. return the registration form. Tristan Lavender 01892 500326 or email: Hamish and I teed off at 6am and were controlling invasive species”. Though I say it [email protected] soon in the rough! Some tasty saplings myself, us hardy Scots are doing a Stirling James (Jimmy) McBroch This work was funded by the European Agricultural had caught our eye, so we gave them a job of keeping the invaders at bay here! the Your Commitment to Caring for the High Weald Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the Department for bit of stick before moving towards the The ecologists also say that golf courses Registration form In return for membership we would ask you to show your com- the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. first hole. Here, alongside the fairway, can play a significant role in wildlife conser- mitment to caring for the High Weald by signing up to the charter we nibbled lots of purple moor grass vation, a large part of their area being First name: “Caring for the High Weald”. In addition to your general com- that was invading the heather. potentially valuable wildlife habitat. They Surname: mitment, would you also – as your annual subscription – name a On to the second hole and our first can also act as links between other isolated particular action you intend to take over the next year, e.g. create Address: birdie of the day – I think it was a rare areas of the same habitat, in this case, a meadow, take part in a volunteering scheme, or not use the car Dartford Warbler. We haven’t seen any heathland. Several are classed as Sites of every other Sunday. eagles yet: eagles are more common where Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). Postcode: we come from. Frankly, I’d rather be nearer Many golf courses in the Weald were, in Bolebroke Castle Telephone: Please complete, sign and date the following declaration: home – grazing St Andrews, but the fact, once grazed commons. “I would like to become a Friend of the High Weald. As a Friend I Hebridean breed of sheep is ideal for con- Near the 7th tee, we saw an adder bask- In order to save paper and postage we would prefer to send you information by e-mail. choose to have regard to the charter ‘Caring for the High Weald’ servation grazing and so we often find ing in the sun on a sandy bank, so we gave To give us permission to e-mail you, please tick here and in my day-to-day actions, and for the year ending 31st March ourselves going on missions to other parts it a wide berth. I know adders won’t bite give us your e-mail address (for our use only): 2005 I pledge to of the UK. unless threatened, but Hamish doesn’t like E-mail: On this heathland golf course in the snakes and I can’t say I’m all that fond of High Weald, for example, we selectively them myself (even though our father, Signature Date Your age: under 30 30 – 44 graze and browse the unwanted vegeta- Calanais McBroch IV, was very fierce and 45 – 64 65 and over tion, but tend to leave the heather alone. brave and not afraid of anything – even Voluntary donation (We actually do well on this “poor” vegeta- Tiger Woods on a bad day). Do you live in the High Weald AONB? Yes No There is no membership fee, however if you would like to make a tion – fodder that would have some of our We went out of bounds at the 11th – HENRY VIII’s HUNTING LODGE Do you own land in the High Weald AONB? Yes No donation to support conservation work in the High Weald, please Open soft, Southern cousins turning up their that proved more interesting: a boggy make your cheque payable to the ‘High Weald Landscape Trust’. Five hundred year old Bolebroke Castle is all year noses!) patch of ground under threat from some Reduced-rate admission to a High Weald attraction. Many thanks.

set in 30 acres of peaceful lakes and woodlands. In the High Weald AONB, open heath- more invading purple moor grass. We skil- The Head Greenkeeper would like As a new member we can offer you savings on visiting a High

10. Winchelsea 10.

It has beamed ceilings and antiques including Burwash 20.

9. West Hoathly West 9.

lands are a distinctive feature of this fully nibbled around the marsh gentians, to point out that Jimmy and Weald attraction. You can select a 2-for-1 offer for one of the I enclose a donation of £ Answers Wadhurst 19.

8. Netherfield 8.

Henry VIII’s four poster suite and the second largest nationally important landscape. Trees and bog asphodels, lousewort, orchids and sun- Hamish graze and browse the ‘car- following attractions. Please indicate which one you prefer, Flimwell 18. 7. Green Guestling 7. (We apologize for being unable to accept credit card donations.) Dallington 17.

fireplace in England. Anne Boleyn, one of his six wives, 6. Ticehurst 6.

bushes (‘scrub’) plus species such as purple dews. A bright green ‘bog bush cricket’ ries’ between the tees and the and we will send you the appropriate voucher: Westfield 16. 5. Forest Row Forest 5.

was courted from here. moor grass and gorse must be properly jumped out and frightened Hamish half to fairways; the rough alongside the I select the 2-for-1 offer for Oxney in Stone 15. 4. Handcross 4.

Please return this form to Friends of the High Weald, High 14. 3. Horsted 3.

• Winnie the Pooh & Ashdown Forest tours • B + B • managed in heathy areas because, if left death. He’s such a wimp that I sometimes fairways and some of the ‘out of High Beeches Gardens Wilderness Wood Weald AONB Unit, Woodland Enterprise Centre, Hastings Road, Wittersham 13. 2. Punnett’s Town Punnett’s 2. 12. Mayfield 12.

1. Chiddingstone 1. unchecked, they will invade the heather wonder if he really is of the same proud play’ areas of the course. They are Layne Rolvenden 11. As seen www.Bolebrokecastle.co.uk Great Dixter (April or Oct. only) Marle Place Flimwell, East Sussex TN5 7PR. on TV Edenbridge Road, Hartfield and open sandy areas. If this happens, then McBroch bloodline as me. prevented from straying further 01892 770061 the special heathland habitat – home to I spotted some silver birch scrub in my afield with electric fencing, which some rare, exciting and unique wildlife such line of play in the rough on the 12th. It had also protects them from dogs. as the Dartford Warbler, nightjar and silver- to go. Do you like these pages? Send us your views by post or email: [email protected]