Walks Welcome to the Hucking Estate
Thanks to the help of supporters and a £1.1m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hucking Estate is free for all to walk and explore.
Owned and managed by The Woodland Trust, the 282-hectare site is located near the village of Hollingbourne and less than 10 miles north of Maidstone town centre – one of the many gems surrounding the county town.
THIS large and engaging site offers a mix of ancient woodland, planted secondary woodland and open grassland; together with woodland archaeology remains, wonderful walks, interesting wildlife and breathtaking views – set in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The land contains 21 species of butterfly, such as the rare
purple hairstreak. Three species of bat live in the old chalk pits in the ancient part of the wood, and birds include the turtledove, skylark and song thrush. The spring and summer months bring a variety
of flowers including lords and ladies, early purple orchid, primrose and rosebay willow herb.
Hucking is a
great place for enjoying stunning scenery across the Weald of Kent, with two way-marked trails, a network of footpaths and a bridleway. Meander
through the ancient woodland with its oaks, coppicing, and fine 200 year-old lime and beech trees. Or enjoy the splendour of the 180,000 trees planted in the late-1990s, which include yew, whitebeam and wild cherry. For those interested in archaeology, there are interpretation
boards and leaflets on-site.
visitors say “Beautiful, varied landscape, from chalk grassland in the hot sun to dense, shady wood. Very peaceful.” - Helen “It is a real gem &
What
THERE are two waymarked trails to follow (or you can make up your own route) – a short one and a long one.
The short blue route is 1.8 km (1.1 miles) long, takes about 30 minutes and begins from the Hook and Hatchet Inn.
The longer red route is 5 km (3.1 miles) and takes about 90 minutes, beginning from the Woodland Trust’s car park.
so large that even if the car park is full you know that you are still going to be able to enjoy the wildlife & peace & quiet!” - Jeanette
For further details, you can read a leaflet online:
www.kentdowns.org.uk/uploads/ documents/3598_Hucking_lft5.pdf
You can join a Woodland Trust guide on a tour of the estate, where you can learn about the surprising history and wildlife of the site. The two-hour walks start at noon on the following days: Saturday August 2, Sunday September 14,
Saturday October 11.
Free Family events at Hucking Estate in 2014
Walking Through the Seasons August 2nd, September 14th, October 11th
Uncover the history and wildlife at beautiful Hucking Estate on one of our guided walks. The walks take in the fine views and start at the nearby Hook & Hatchet Public House. 12am-2pm
So Much to Find August 9th Fun for all the family with multiple self-led treasure hunt
routes to choose from through our 232 hectare woodland in the rolling Kent Downs. 11am-2pm
Fascinating Fungi October 28th
What could be more representative of autumn than iconic fungi nestling in crinkled leaves? Join our resident expert to learn more about the fungi that have made Hucking their home. 10:30am-1pm
07876035808 or email:
sarahleach@woodlandtrust.org.uk www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/hucking
For more information & bookings contact Sarah Leach on Phone number
24 Mid Kent Living
Oliver images courtesy of Louise Parrot
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52