Ancient, broadleaf woodland

Over 5ha of Barnett's Wood is made up of ancient, semi-natural broadleaf woodland. Although the area of woodland at Barnett's Wood is relatively small, it contains a range of woodland types that are typical of the High Weald. These include oak and birch woodland, remnant wood pasture, and wet woodland. Bluebells flower in some areas of the woodland in spring, and coppicing, ride and glade management helps to maintain a structure that encourages many species of bird to breed there each year. In 2008, 20 different species of bird were recorded in the woods, including blackcaps, chiffchaffs, great spotted woodpeckers and nuthatches.

Ancient Meadows

The meadows of Barnett's Wood are largely unimproved grassland habitats, meaning they have only ever received a low input of fertiliser. This lack of agricultural improvement means that a diversity of wildflowers grow along with the grasses, including bird's-foot trefoil, oxeye daisy, cuckooflower, common knapweed and common spotted orchid. The meadows are managed under a low-intensity, extensive cattle grazing system throughout the year. This traditional method of meadow management ensures that the level of grazing has a low impact, and allows the wildflowers to both flower and set seed ahead of the next year's growing season.

Ponds

Ponds are a traditional feature of the High Weald landscape, often being used as a source of water for livestock. There are two ponds at Barnett's Wood, including one that is used to water the cattle. The second pond, dug in 2005, has been fenced to exclude cattle from it. Both ponds are rich in wildlife, including dragonflies, frogs and newts, and a range of aquatic invertebrates. A dipping platform, tables and benches make the pond enclosure the perfect location for a spot of pond dipping. Download our pond dipping pack to find out more.

Hedgerows

An extensive network of species-rich hedgerows exists across Barnett's Wood LNR. Many of these have been planted during the past 5 years as part of a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, whilst others are more ancient in origin, and include ground flora to suggest they may be assart hedgerows (comprised of remnant ancient woodland left over from the clearance of land for farming). All hedgerows are managed to maximise their value for wildlife through either coppicing, trimming or hedgelaying.