Stubbs Wood Country Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stubbs Wood Country Park |
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Stubbs Wood Bench looking towards Bough Beech Reservoir
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| OS grid | TQ496518 |
| Area | 102.172 hectares (252.47 acres) |
| Operated by | Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council, |
| Open | 7 days a week, dawn until dusk |
Stubbs Wood Country Park is a beautiful natural area located in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. It sits on the Greensand Ridge, near the village of Ide Hill. This park is looked after by the Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Contents
History of Stubbs Wood
Stubbs Wood has a long and interesting past. In 1769, it was part of a much larger area called Whitley Forest. This forest has stayed mostly the same for a long time. This is because the ground here is not good for farming.
Stubbs Wood as a Special Scientific Site
The forest is part of a bigger area called Scords Wood and Brockhoult Mount. This whole area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a very important place for nature. It protects ancient forest and rare plants found in Kent.
How the Great Storm Affected the Forest
In 1987, a very strong storm hit the area. This event is known as the Great Storm of 1987. Many trees in Stubbs Wood were damaged. People worked together to replant new trees. The Ide Hill Society helped raise money for this. Some very old oak and beech trees were strong enough to survive the storm.
What Kinds of Trees and Plants Grow Here?
Today, you can find many different trees in the wood. These include Holly, whitebeam, ash, chestnut, hazel, and rowan trees. In the spring, the ground is covered with beautiful bluebell flowers. They create a stunning blue carpet.
Who Owns Stubbs Wood Today?
For a long time, Kent County Council owned Stubbs Wood. In 2014, they decided to sell the land. Many people wanted the woods to stay open for everyone. They started a campaign to keep it publicly owned.
Why Was Keeping the Wood Public Important?
Stubbs Wood is a very special place. It is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also part of the Green Belt. This means there are rules about what can be built there. The wood also has many public paths. These paths needed to stay open for people to use.
New Owners for the Park
In 2015, the Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council took over. They now own and manage Stubbs Wood Country Park. This means the park remains open for everyone to enjoy.
Hanging Bank: A Place of History
A part of the forest near Ide Hill is called Hanging Bank. This place has a historical story. In 1554, there was a rebellion against Queen Mary. It was called Wyatt's rebellion.
The Battle at Hanging Bank
During this rebellion, about 500 rebels fought against royal forces. The battle started near Wrotham Hill. The fight continued for about 4 miles. The rebels made their final stand at Hartley Wood. They were defeated there. After the battle, a gallows was set up in the wood. Many people were punished there.
Lady Amherst's Drive: A Scenic Route
There is a lovely path through Stubbs Wood called Lady Amherst's Drive. It is named after Sarah Amherst. She was the wife of William Amherst, 1st Earl Amherst. He was a very important leader in India.
The Amherst Family and Their Estate
William Amherst inherited a large estate called Montreal. It was near Sevenoaks. The estate was named after the city of Montreal in Canada. This was because his great uncle, Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst, had helped capture Montreal. He was a famous general.
Lady Amherst's Love for the Views
Lady Amherst enjoyed taking drives along the Greensand Ridge. This route went through Stubbs Wood. She loved the wide views of Kent from here. The drive follows an old road. This road used to connect Bessels Green and Sundridge to Ide Hill.
Changes to the Old Road
In the late 1700s, this old track was changed. It was rerouted through Goathurst Common. It then became a proper road.
Exploring Stubbs Wood: The Greensand Way
Lady Amherst's Drive is now a walking path. It goes through Stubbs Wood from Sevenoaks Weald to Ide Hill. You can find this route in walking guides. For example, "Walk 6" in Walking in Kent follows this path.
Paths for Everyone
Some parts of the forest are open for horseback riding and cycling. These are called public bridleways. Some paths at the top of the Greensand Ridge are easy to walk on. They are good for people who have trouble walking. However, other paths, like those near Hanging Bank, are very steep.
Images for kids
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Stubbs Wood Bench looking towards Bough Beech Reservoir
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Hanging Bank Information Board
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Stubbs Wood Track
