Campaigners rail against ‘plundering’ of ancient Kent woodland to make way for quarry expansion
Kent county council has added 40 hectares of Oaken Wood to its mineral sites plan, marking it as a potential site for quarry expansion to extract Kentish ragstone. The ancient woodland, which hosts diverse wildlife and serves as a carbon sink, is currently protected but not yet subject to planning permission, which requires further government approval. Campaigners, including local Green councillors and environmental lawyers, oppose the proposal, arguing that preserving the natural habitat should take precedence over stone extraction for historic building conservation.
- ▪Oaken Wood, a 40‑hectare ancient woodland in Kent, has been identified as a possible quarry expansion site by the council’s mineral sites plan.
- ▪The wood’s ecosystem includes sweet chestnut coppice, veteran oaks, dormice, nightjars, owls, and a carbon‑rich soil network.
- ▪Kentish ragstone beneath the forest is deemed essential for the restoration of historic structures such as the Tower of London and Canterbury Cathedral.
- ▪Opponents contend that the plan prioritises built‑heritage conservation over the protection of the woodland’s ecological value.
- ▪The council’s decision does not constitute planning permission and still requires approval from the national government.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/30/oaken-wood-ancient-woodland-kent-quarry-expansion-reform-council |
| Publication time | Thu, 30 Jul 2026 06:00:54 GMT |
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Hermitage quarry beside Oaken Wood. Under the soil sits Kentish ragstone, which Kent county council says is crucial for the conservation of ancient buildings. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenHermitage quarry beside Oaken Wood. Under the soil sits Kentish ragstone, which Kent county council says is crucial for the conservation of ancient buildings. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesTrees and forestsCampaigners rail against ‘plundering’ of ancient Kent woodland to make way for quarry expansionForty hectares of Oaken Wood could be razed after it was identified as potential site of expansion by Reform-run councilDamien Gayle Environment correspondentThu 30 Jul 2026 02.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt was at the confluence of seven forest paths that…
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