This ancient woodland is a real gem, close to Lynsted, Kent.
Toll Wood is particularly rare because it is made up entirely of twenty-four native tree species. The woodland floor also has many ancient woodland indicator species of plants. With such a complex and diverse environment, it is no surprise that we also have many different fungi, diverse and rare invertebrates.
This rich woodland provides a rare opportunity to understand, explore, and promote biodiversity. In future years we have to be ready with replacement trees as established trees grow old, fall sick or struggle with climate change. This unique mix of native species gives us an opportunity to track tree health in response to wider environmental changes.
The Charitable Trust will focus on everything that lives in or uses the woodland - mammals, fungi, birds and invertebrates. Not forgetting the enclosed chalkland meadow that is part of Toll Wood. The Trust's Foundation Documents include our Ten-year Woodland Management Plan (2024-2034) and Charity Commission Registration.
The first thing to understand is that Toll Wood has suffered decades of neglect. That means the trees are overcrowded. The struggle for light means the understorey is struggling in places. Restoring this delicate nine-acre woodland will help support biodiversity in our Parish.
A voyage of discovery awaits us.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Lau Tzu). The first step was taken by Martin and Gill Swainson. Their vision and generosity created the Toll Wood Trust. This gift means that this ancient woodland can return to good health and benefit future generations.
