The history of the woodlands

The beautiful, tranquil mixed woodland, and the stunning panoramic views have always attracted many different visitors to Perry Wood. Geologically, the site is formed from two  mounts of gravel and sand that rise spectacularly from the chalk downland that surrounds. The views stretch widely, from Sandwich, Wye Downs to the Isle of Sheppey and the Swale.

The woodland environment is a diverse mix of coppiced chestnut, native broadleaved woodland, conifer plantation and areas of heathland restoration and the site is important for a variety of wildlife.

It is not ‘open access’, but there is a good network of footpaths and bridleways and plenty of opportunity for quiet recreation.  Please note that cycling and horse-riding are permitted in Perry Woods on the bridleways, there is no official area designated for mountain biking at this small rural site.

Interesting features include,

‘The Pulpit’ (southern end of the wood), thought to be so-named because sermons were once preached from here! No-one is sure but it’s likely that there was a structure here in the 1800’s used to survey the Chilham Castle and Sheldwich Lees Court Estates.

‘The Bandstand'(main carpark), also known as “The Drawing Room”, was so named because of the Salvation Army bands that played here. Teas were once served and the rhododendrons were planted in the 1800s as part of the fashion of the day.

Windmill Hill (towards the west) is the site of an early earthwork, possibly Roman, where a semaphore tower stood in the early 1700s. there were even Victorian cottages and a mill had stood here for at least 300 years before the last one was taken down in the early 1900s.

The Rose & Crown public house provides a pleasant watering hole in the middle of the wood, and visit the Perry Wood website for much more information.