STANSTED FOREST

 

Stansted Park stands within c1200 acres of ancient woodland and for hundreds of years sweet chestnut has been traditionally coppiced here.

The worked areas are cut in the winter. In spring new shoots appear and grow vigorously.  Across the forest, a patchwork of different ages of coppice creates a subtly changing landscape.  Wood anemone and primrose bloom in profusion on newly cut areas and foxgloves appear in years two and three. Butterflies and other insects thrive in newly created glades and birds find nest sites as the re-growth makes thickets.

Stansted Park has entered into Environmental Stewardship to benefit wildlife and to maintain and restore the historic parkland and pastureland.

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STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION & ACCESS

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There are many footpaths and bridleways across the Stansted Park Estate, including the Sussex Border Path.

The permissive access routes link up with open access land and the Monarch's Way, providing a circular walking route. Parts of the Forest are accessible by bridleway.

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The Forest is bisected by large open vistas which are major features of the Grade I Historic Park and are managed under the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

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Please follow the Countryside Code by shutting gates behind you, taking your litter home and keeping dogs under close control. 

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For walks around the Octagon Parish please click here: Octagon-Walks-Stansted-Park.pdf (southdowns.gov.uk)

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For the Secrets of the High Woods trail please click here: SOTHW-Stansted-Park-Hidden-Landscape-Trail-guide.pdf (southdowns.gov.uk)

 

 

SWEET CHESTNUT COPPICE PRODUCTS

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Stansted Park Estate cuts 8 -10 acres of coppice annually to sustain the ancient coppice system. The installation of a bio-fuel heating system for the mansion and ancillary buildings, using wood chips as a renewable fuel, has kick-started this process. This truly sustainable product can be used split or in the round for many garden applications such as pergolas and fruit frames. For an enclosed stove it makes an excellent source of fuel.

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To buy Stansted Forest chestnut products please contact the Head Forester on 023 92 41 2265.

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PLANT A TREE

Stansted Park Forestry Team are currently undertaking the enormous task of replanting thousands of trees lost to Ash Dieback disease. If you would like to help restore the forest to it's former state please visit our Tree Fund Project page here: Tree Fund Project

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