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About Us

Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG) was formed in May 2005. Initially, an Advisory Committee to Bredhurst Parish Council, it was approved as a Registered Charity in 2009 (No.1129178).

BWAG’s objective is to restore and preserve Bredhurst Woods, an area of 600 acres of ancient woodland, surrounded by chalk grassland. Bredhurst Woods are situated on the North Downs; six miles north of Maidstone in Kent (click here for directions).

Bredhurst Wood is comprised of three separate woods - Monkdown & Friends Wood and Bredhurst Hurst which are located within the parishes of Bredhurst, Boxley and Detling. It is one of the largest woodlands in the AONB protected landscape, yet its landscape and bio-diversity were being irreparably destroyed. Bredhurst Hurst suffered the most damage and it is here where the efforts and funding of BWAG are concentrated.

BWAG started with just six people in 2005 with the aim of stopping the destruction of our woodland. Support has rapidly grown and we now have around three hundred members and have secured funding of approximately £85,000 from various sources.

We have strong support from many local businesses, Cllr Paul Carter (Leader of Kent County Council) and our MP, Hugh Robertson. We are working closely with the Mid Kent Downs Project, Kent Wildlife Trust, Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council.BWAG also works closely with a variety of organisations including the Ramblers Association, Kent Bat Club, West Kent Badger Group, Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group, local ornithologists, archaeologists and cub and scout groups.

Sadly, over recent years, the area had become virtually off limits to walkers and horse riders. Those who did venture into the woods were faced with commercial scale fly-tipping, numerous burnt-out cars and paths which were impassable caused by the illegal use of off-road vehicles. The source of the problem was a byway that cuts through the centre of the woodland which allowed off-road vehicles and fly tippers access to the entire area. Thanks to Kent County Council, vehicular access to the woods is now restricted by an innovative scheme, only the second of its kind in the UK. Both ends of the byway are gated and only landowners and permit holders have access.

Kent Wildlife Trust has produced a Management Plan for the whole area, which is designated as a Local Wildlife Site (formerly SNCI). They have identified the work necessary to revitalise the woods and to improve the conditions for wildlife.

Before any restoration work could begin, BWAG had to trace the landowners of Bredhurst Hurst. This was a difficult task, as in the late 1960s, this part of the wood was split into 139 separate plots and sold off individually (click here to view map). Land Registry provided information, but unfortunately, much of this was inaccurate. We have now established that there are 104 owners of this area and have successfully located around 77. The vast majority have given BWAG permission to go onto their land to remove fly-tipping and to carry out maintenance work.

We are grateful to the Royal Engineers who have spent many months restoring our paths and provided their manpower and machinery free of charge. Volunteers have cleared away every trace of fly-tipping and Bredhurst Hurst now looks cared for and is being enjoyed by an increasing number of walkers and horse riders. Our members agree that this important site must be preserved for future generations.

If you would like to support our project please click here for details about our membership scheme or how to give a donation. Thank you for your support.

Updated Mar 2010