Protective Works Scheduled at Boothland Wood
Boothland Wood is one of two ancient woodlands owned and managed by Uckfield Town Council.
Located to the south of the town, adjacent to the New Barn Playing Field and close to Victoria Pleasure Ground, the wood covers 3.5 hectares and is home to several veteran trees and some spectacular carpets of bluebells each spring.
What is happening at the site?
Footfall through the woodland has increased significantly following new housing developments in the Ridgewood area.
With plans for a further 850 dwellings on neighbouring sites, Boothland Wood will require additional care and protection. Its southern boundary adjoins the Ridgewood Farm (Redrow Homes) development, where groundworks are currently underway.
Ancient woodland is an irreplaceable and highly protected habitat. Planning policies require that harm be avoided and that appropriate buffer zones be provided between new developments.
To prepare for increased visitor numbers, Uckfield Town Council is taking proactive steps to safeguard this special ecosystem.
New Protective Measures
The first phase of work includes installing 1.2-metre-high stock fencing along the New Barn field side of the wood. This will help guide walkers to the official public footpath (10a, annotated below), which will remain open throughout the duration of the works.
New pedestrian gates will be added, along with dedicated badger gates to ensure wildlife can continue to move freely.
This first phase of work is set to begin on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, and we estimate it will last for up to two weeks.
A section of the south-west corner of the wood will be closed to allow the habitat to rest and recover.
A temporary footpath will create a looped walking route, guiding visitors around the western edge and back toward Victoria Pleasure Ground.
Developers Redrow Homes are currently applying for a temporary diversion of the official Public Footway across the site (footpath 10b, annotated below) while groundworks continue on their site.
Ecological Oversight and Future Plans
Uckfield Town Council’s Estates Manager, Thomas Woollard, is overseeing these important protection measures.
An ecological survey has already been completed, while a dormouse survey is ongoing, and results from a bat survey are expected soon.
Boothland Wood will continue to host St Philip’s Catholic Primary School’s forest school sessions. Future plans include adding natural play features – such as balance poles and stepping stones – along designated pathways. Environmentally sustainable dead hedges will help define the official footpath, and new information boards and signage will be installed. Work is also underway to explore ways of improving path conditions during wetter months.
Ancient woodlands make up less than 3% of the UK landscape. We all share a responsibility to care for and protect these precious habitats. More information is available here: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/habitats/ancient-woodland/
How will Uckfield Town Council keep residents updated?
Updates regarding all important stages of the works will be posted as soon as possible on the Town Council’s website and social media channels during the next few months. Signage to notify residents and explain the nature of the works will also be displayed on site.
You can receive updates from our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/uckfieldtowncouncil
