Bluebells at Ashford Warren amongst trees
Ian Rickards

Ashford Warren & Hoads Wood

'Relic' wood pasture, veteran trees and nationally rare acid grassland make up this site squeezed between major roads, railway lines, and the rapid urban development of Ashford.

Opening times: Open at all times. Volunteer work parties take place at Ashford Warren & Hoads Wood on Tuesdays and Thursdays undertaking habitat management. Be aware that essential management can sometimes be noisy and if you are concerned it may disturb your visit consider visiting on a different day. If you would like to get involved, please visit our volunteering page.
Best time to visit: All year round. April-May: Bluebells, pond water violet. October-December: Autumn colours, spectacular veteran trees.

  • Dog walking

  • Parking

Size: 35 hectares.

Parking information: Car park at end of Warren Lane. Expect rough uneven surface on slope. 

Bicycle parking: None.

Walking trails: An all-weather path runs along the bottom edge of the reserve. Path leading from Car Park to main pond, with compacted gravel path/ sand. (300m) There are kissing gates with one RADAR kissing gate. All other routes have sections of steep inclines, steps and uneven surfaces.

Dogs: Welcomed, but please keep them on a lead and under effective control.

Car park on slope and uneven surface. Path leading from car park to main pond, with compacted gravel path/ sand. (300m) Kissing gates, with one RADAR kissing gate.

About the reserve

This hidden gem is nestled within the roads, railway and houses of Ashford Town. A sprawling area with gigantic trees, sandy cliff faces and ponds teeming with frogs. Previous incarnations of this nature reserve have included deer park, military ranges and sand quarry, all of which have left their mark on this fascinating landscape. Woodpeckers, nuthatches and tree creepers abound, whilst the banks of bluebells in Spring can be truly spectacular. You may spot our elusive herd of Highland Cattle that graze here in the summer - their munching creating gaps for sun loving insects and plants.

Kent Wildlife Trust is working with the owners, Ashford Borough Council for the long-term future of this nature reserve.

Volunteering

Volunteer work parties take place at Ashford Warren & Hoads Wood on Tuesdays and Thursdays undertaking habitat management. Be aware that essential management can sometimes be noisy and if you are concerned it may disturb your visit consider visiting on a different day. If you would like to get involved, please visit our volunteering page.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding Ashford Warren & Hoads Wood, for any reason, please contact:

Ian Rickards
Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: [email protected] 

Environmental designation

  • Local Wildlife Site (LWS)