Kent is one of the most wooded
counties in the UK, and much of this is broad-leaved woodland. It is one
of a few counties where people are still employed in the coppicing
industry. The Stour Valley has many large areas of woodland such as the
Blean Woods complex, King’s Wood, Denge and Eggringe Wood. There are
also many small woods which, in addition to being valuable in the
landscape, provide wildlife habitat and stepping stones for wildlife from
the larger woodlands. The area is well wooded partly due to poor soils
being of little use to agriculture, and because woodlands have provided a
valuable economic resource.
Coppice and high forest are types of woodland management
which can result in economic, wildlife rich, attractive woodlands. When
coppicing occurs sunlight is allowed onto the woodland floor which results
in many plants taking advantage of the light to flower in profusion e.g.
bluebells, wood anemones, violets and foxgloves. As the coppice grows and
bramble and other ‘scrubby’ plants appear, it becomes excellent for
birds such as nightingale, blackcap and other warblers. In the Blean the
heath fritillary, one of Britain’s rarest butterflies, has long been
associated with coppicing and ride management. Another special Stour
Valley species, less associated with coppicing, is the lady orchid found
in the wildlife rich woods on the chalk downs.
Sweet chestnut is still used locally to make fencing,
and former uses such as furniture making are being revitalised. Oak has
many uses including furniture, gates and planks. Beech is used in
furniture. Other less commercial, locally found broad-leaved trees are
used by producers in this guide, such as cherry, alder, hazel, birch, and
ash. All broad-leaved trees will provide charcoal and firewood.
Forests around the world are being plundered for their
timber with little thought given to the effects on wildlife and global
warming. Tropical rain-forests and important boreal forests are being
devastated by logging operations, whilst charcoal often comes from
unsustainable sources. The only certain way to ensure you are not
contributing to this destruction is to avoid using such products. Another
problem for home grown timber and wood is that plastic has come to replace
it in many items today.
Remember, by using local hardwoods you are helping to
provide jobs, a home for wildlife, and ensuring Kentish woodlands remain a
valuable part of the landscape.
Wood and
timber directory entries
Guide contents
