Woodsell Farm is a 164 acre rewilding project situated in the stunning landscape of the Kent Downs National Landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was acquired in 2019 and is now under the ownership of the John Foran Foundation with the intention of restoring nature and encouraging biodiversity. It is situated near the village of Stalisfield between the Kent Wildlife Trust’s Spuckles Wood and Holbeam, helping to establish their wildlife corridor. We are in the process of revitalising the farm to support the regeneration of flora and fauna, maintenance and enhancement of the existing woodland, inclusion of regenerative farming, replant the existing poorly maintained hedgerows, plant new trees and restoring the dilapidated farm buildings.
At Woodsell Farm we plan to enable nature to flourish and in particular increase biodiversity. With the aim to create a project of habitat restoration for this traditional downland land holding. The project includes baseline surveys and assessment to maximise the ecological richness of the landholding and contribute to the wider landscape and biodiversity objectives within the Kent Downs. We have implemented natural wilding areas, preservation of wildflower and grass meadows, new woodland and management of the existing woodland. There is a Nature Trail around to farm for you to explore what we’ve achieved, this includes our popular bird watching hide on stilts.
The newly renovated, carbon neutral accommodation will have a focus on education and research with the quiet enjoyment of the rural environment and the clear skies at night.
Our four nature retreats are situated in the heart of Woodsell and have stunning views across the Downs. The have been recently converted from the flint stable block and are located near to the Grade II Listed Farmhouse and other outbuildings. They make a fantastic base to explore the wilding projects at Woodsell and the surrounding area. They have access to a heated swimming pool in the summer months and are just a short walk from the award winning Plough pub in the local village.
Find out more about the ecolological enhancement measures that we have installed as part of the building works, the introduction of wildlife ponds and the fungi in the woods.
Just an hour’s drive from London and less than half an hour from Maidstone, Ashford and Canterbury, it is an easy journey to visit our nature retreats (coming in summer 2025). The farm will offer a quiet space to relax and enjoy the countryside. The site offers dark skies and little noise pollution and gives visitors a chance to relax and become immersed in nature.