We hope to preserve and improve Oaken Wood in Barming for the benefit of wildlife, local communities and the wider environment, and to raise awareness of the importance of the conservation of the woodland and its ecosystems.
The proposed expansion of Hermitage Quarry threatens 50 hectares of Oaken Wood. Along with the 32 hectares lost to a previous expansion in 2013, “The loss of ancient woodland ... could be greater than the losses from HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing combined.” (The Woodland Trust).
The woodland is home to many legally protected species, including dormice, nightjar, turtle dove and viviparous lizard. It also holds PAWS (plantation on ancient woodland site) status, a category of irreplaceable ancient woodland protected in the governments national planning policy framework.
Kent County Council (KCC) is reviewing its plan for minerals and held a public consultation in summer 2023 that included Oaken Wood as the only site for ‘hard rock’ quarrying. Over 25,000 people responded to oppose the plans.
The huge outcry from the public has put the ‘site plan’ on hold for 12 months while KCC conduct further “detailed technical assessment and evidence gathering”. The main strategy document continues to push forward through its various consultations with a final decision on both due in 2025.
We will use any money raised to continue to campaign against the threat to Oaken Wood.
To find out more visit friendsofoakenwood.org or join ’Save Oaken Wood’ on Facebook.