Hargate Forest

Hargate Forest, owned by the Woodland Trust, is on the southern outskirts of Tunbridge Wells.

It is part of the heavily wooded High Weald, a mixed woodland site that supports an abundance of butterflies not often found in the region and a rich bird population.

Hargate Forest has a good track, ride and path network where you can complete a circular walk - although some sections can get muddy.

Set on sloping land, there are extensive views from the regenerating heathland areas and a brook flows through its southern section.

A number of ponds have been created throughout the site too.

The old forest, in the south, has the real feel of ancient woodland and boasts some fine old beech trees. Look out for lily of the valley - which is rare in the region.

Work is ongoing to thin conifers and control rhododendron, encouraging regeneration of native trees and boosting biodiversity.

During Winter 2010 / 2011 EFORESTS, with the help of volunteers from BTCV, planted over 100 new trees where rhododendron has been removed.

Photo Gallery

Tree Species at Hargate Forest

Since 2009 EFORESTS has worked with the land owners and local volunteers to plant 120 new native tree species.

The following tree species were planted on the site:

IMPORTANT VISITOR INFO – Take only photos. Leave only footsteps.

To keep the woodland as natural as possible we don’t label individual trees and we ask that visitors do not place their own plaques, labels, flowers, etc in the woodland. Each tree we plant should be seen as part of a natural woodland.

Before visiting this woodland, please read our Frequently Asked Questions page, which gives you helpful tips about your tree and visitor guidance.

Dedicate a tree to be planted in East Sussex or elsewhere in the UK.