WE DID IT! With the help of our fantastic supporters, we have raised the £462,500 we need to purchase Covert Wood.
To each and every person that donated, we thank you for taking action for ancient woodland in Kent. A Wilder Kent is only possible with your support, and we are so grateful for your generosity.
Covert Wood is a wonderful 26-hectare area of ancient woodland, nestled within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it needs protecting.
The site comprises a striking broadleaf woodland, quintessential of East Kent, alongside oak, beech, hornbeam and sweet chestnut. You’ll also find swathes of bluebells, wood anemones, bee and purple orchid and other key ancient woodland indicator species. Because of this extremely special amalgamation of British woodland species, Covert Wood is classed as being of high conservation value.
Covert Wood was at risk of being sold off in small sections, making it impossible to manage for the benefit of nature. However, over 1,000 donors have come together to defend the woodland, and the wildlife that desperately relies on its survival.
With every penny donated to our appeal, we will ensure that this centuries-old woodland continues to thrive. 70% of ancient woodlands in the UK have already been lost, but your support has given us the power to protect one of Kent’s oldest and dearest habitats. We are delighted that you share our vision of a #WilderKent, and we simply could not achieve this vision without you.
How we plan to enhance landscape connectivity with Covert Wood
We plan to undertake seasonal grazing with low numbers of Longhorn and Sussex cattle as a natural alternative to reinstating the coppice management that was here before. Over the following months, our team will develop a management plan that is tailored to Covert Wood, encouraging the woodland to reach its full potential for people and wildlife.
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We are also committed to returning missing species wherever possible into our landscapes. Covert Wood offers a significant opportunity to support the return of one of our key focus species in our Wilder Kent 2030 Strategy – the pine marten.
This charismatic species was part of Britain’s natural fauna and play important roles which contribute to a biodiverse environment by dispersing the seeds they eat, as well as influencing small mammal populations through predation as part of their varied diet.
Pine martens populations have been heavily impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation. This year, we are conducting social and ecological feasibility studies to determine whether the habitat in the South East is suitable for pine martens. The position of Covert Wood within the wider forest complex and within a short distance from Blean Woods makes it an exciting area when evaluating the possibility of the return of this adorable animal.
Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Frequently asked questions
What will my donation be spent on?
We needed to raise a total of £362,500 to secure the purchase and care of Covert Wood for wildlife. These funds will be spent on initial establishment costs, which could include fencing installation, livestock grazing, tree safety and ash die back mitigation, provision of site information and set up of monitoring activities, as well as the ongoing delivery of the day-to-day management of the site.
Will you be restricting access at Covert Wood?
There is absolutely no intention to restrict public access to the site. There are public footpaths across this area and they will remain open if we secure it.
What about cycle paths?
You can ride on bridleways, permissive cycle paths and byways across any nature reserve - we do not block public rights of way.
Will you bring grazing livestock to the site?
We plan to undertake seasonal grazing with low numbers of Longhorn and Sussex cattle as a natural alternative to reinstating the coppice management that was here before.
We want to hear from you
We love to hear about your wild walks! If you spot something special on your next visit to Covert Wood, please let us know. Send your pictures to ecomms@wilderkent.org.uk
