Combined Furnace Farm and Hoathly Farm site in the High Weald owned by Kent Wildlife Trust will be known as Ironhurst Valley Nature Reserve - a near-continuous wildlife corridor stretching across the Kent–Sussex border.
Kent Wildlife Trust announces that its two adjoining sites at Furnace Farm and Hoathly Farm in the High Weald will now be known collectively as Ironhurst Valley Nature Reserve. The name draws on the area’s ironworking heritage, the character of its landscape and the Trust’s long-term ambition for the site: one connected, thriving reserve for the benefit of nature and community.
Together, the two farms form a combined 350-acre site and the heart of one of Kent Wildlife Trust’s most ambitious wilding and landscape recovery projects. The initiative will create a near-continuous wildlife corridor across the Kent–Sussex border, restoring wood pasture, species-rich meadows, ancient hedgerows, wetlands and river habitats after decades of intensive agriculture.
Longhorn cattle to begin conservation grazing
Plans for the reserve include the introduction of six Longhorn cattle to begin conservation grazing across the site. This is a proven method for restoring and maintaining biodiversity across grasslands, woodlands and heathlands.
Longhorn cattle have been selected for their hardiness, good temperament and adaptability across varying habitats and weather conditions; an increasingly important factor given the realities of changing climate. Looking ahead, the Trust also plans to introduce Beef Shorthorn cattle to the site. As another native, resilient breed, they will help demonstrate how conservation grazing can successfully deliver nature recovery on former arable land.
Investment supports heritage, habitat and access improvements
Progress at Ironhurst Valley has been supported by a range of funding partners. Works to the hopper huts and cook house at Furnace Farm - including a full building inspection and historical survey - have been funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, delivered by Defra via the High Weald National Landscape Partnership. These structures hold deep significance for local communities, and this work marks an important step towards their restoration.
The High Weald National Landscape Partnership has also funded significant on-the-ground improvements across the site. This includes the installation of over 3km of livestock fencing and gates to enable low-density conservation grazing, protection of 500m of hedgerow to allow it to flourish for wildlife, as well as new infrastructure such as mobility-access kissing gates and a step-through gate to improve access for visitors.
In addition, support from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has contributed to hedgerow restoration and natural regeneration, helping to enhance habitats for wildlife.
Keeley Atkinson, Wilding Vision and Engagement Project Manager, Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “Ironhurst Valley marks an exciting new chapter for this landscape and for our wider ambitions in the High Weald. Bringing these two sites together under one name reflects how nature works best - connected, resilient and able to thrive at scale. With the introduction of Longhorn cattle and important progress on restoring the historic buildings, we’re creating strong foundations for the future. Our vision for this reserve is to become a place where wildlife flourishes and people feel a lasting connection to the land.”
A landscape shaped by history
Ironhurst Valley reflects centuries of change in the High Weald. Furnace Farm takes its name from the area’s ironworking past, sitting near the historic Gloucester Furnace, before later becoming part of Kent’s agricultural and hop-growing landscape, centred on its 16th-century farmhouse.
Hoathly Farm has a similarly rich heritage, with a 17th-century farmhouse and records linking it to the historic Hoathly Manor system. More recently, it has been managed as a mixed farm of arable land, pasture and ancient woodland.
Amazing Grazing appeal
Kent Wildlife Trust is currently asking supporters to help fund and expand its Wilder Grazing programme through the Big Give #EarthRaise challenge. Every donation made between 22 and 29 April will be doubled.
The Amazing Grazing campaign aims to raise £100,000 towards a £120,000 target to support nature’s recovery across Kent.
For more information and to donate to the Amazing Grazing appeal, visit kwtg.uk/amazing-grazing
Furnace Farm. @Kent Wildlife Trust
Longhorns at Ironhurst Valley Nature Reserve. @Kent Wildlife Trust
Hoathly Farm. @Kent Wildlife Trust
Map of Ironhurst Valley site @Kent Wildlife Trust