South Blean

Ancient Woodland with large areas undergoing restoration from more modern commercial forestry.

Opening times: open at all times.
Best time to visit: Spring and Summer.

  • Dog walking

  • No facilities

Size: 329 hectares.

Parking information: Very limited. Layby holds 2-3 cars at Hunstead Wood, Primrose Hill, Chartham Hatch.

Bicycle parking: None.

Grazing animals: Sheep, goats or cattle may be grazing in Hunstead wood, Court & Joan Beech Woods.

Walking trails: Extensive network of largely unmarked trails, sections of the Big Blean Walk are waymarked. Navigation can be difficult through the labyrinth of trees and paths. Enjoy the unique feeling of wilderness at South Blean, but be prepared and bring an OS map!

Dogs: Under effective control. Dogs are not permitted at Hunstead Wood. Dogs on leads where there is livestock.

Access: The best access is by public footpath or country lanes from Selling Station or Chartham Hatch.

About the reserve

The South Blean Woodlands are a mixture of native deciduous woodland and conifer plantations sitting on the high ground, surrounded by pleasant orchards and pasture on the lower ground. The woodland is undulating and is crisscrossed with ancient wood banks and tracks. Most of the woodland has been commercially managed and has also been relatively poor for wildlife. Kent Wildlife Trust is breathing life back into the woodland by the staged removal of conifer plantations, re-instating coppicing, creating open space for wildlife and grazing areas of the wood. In time, the woodland will be transformed from a commercial forest into a rich mosaic of habitats where wildlife can thrive. Views are now opening up that have not been seen in over 30 years.

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch regarding South Swale, for any reason, please contact:

Will Douglas
Contact number: 01622 662012
Contact email: [email protected] 

Environmental designation

  • Local Wildlife Site (LWS)