Undoubtedly ancient woodland long before planting of Grand fir in the 1960's, Paddock Wood is now considered to be a plantation on ancient woodland site. Most of the conifer was harvested following the storm of 1987 and now thanks to planting of broadleaved trees and much natural regeneration its status is more of a semi-natural ancient woodland. Strong presence of wood anenome and bluebells with other indicator plants show its conservation status is returning.

Elsewhere in the woodland hornbeam has become established in which semi-mature oak, cherry, silver birch, willow, the off Grand fir and oak are found. At this stage clearing round some of the oak to allow their canopy to spread and opening up clearings would greatly benefit the wood for wildlife. As part of the Great Heron Wood woodland, wildlife such as the nightingale are attracted into Paddock Wood. There is a public footpath running diagonally through one corner of the wood although most walkers take the route along the woodland boundaries.

Located in the parish of Kenardington in Ashford Borough, Kent where there is a TPO (tree preservation order) on the whole of Great Heron Wood, this does not affect normal woodland management where an agreed Forestry Commission management plan is in place.

Access  there is long frontage to Sly Lane (a public highway) and a gated track off this where vehicles can be taken. There is a full right of way along this and along the other three sides of the woodland. A key will be provided.

Boundaries   although unmarked are the roadside and the edges of the three tracks. There are orange tags at each corner.

Full-scale   Click here  to download and print a map showing the location of the woodland.

Click HERE to see free OS maps and scroll out for a wider view.

Viewing: You are welcome to visit this wood by yourself, but please ensure that you have a copy of these sales details with you - many of our woodlands do not have mobile phone reception or internet access so we recommend either printing the details or downloading them to your phone or tablet. Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception.

Relaxation of lockdown allows viewing of woodlands for purchase, if please ask for our viewer's guide.

Maps are : © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 OS Licence no.100057987