These are linear woods, often ancient. The shaws at this location mark the parish boundary between Marden and Staplehurst, which dates back hundreds of years. It runs approximately north-south at this point. These lines of mature oak trees are a characteristic feature of our landscape, and many persist to this day.
They provide a welcome refuge for wildlife, as the understorey in these woods – typically thorn, elder, holly and rose, are shelter for birds, insects and mammals.
In addition, they provide a useful corridor for wildlife to move around in a larger area, and connect to other good habitats. Deer steal quietly out from here at dusk, when the bats that use crevices and holes in the trees start their nightly hunt.
