About Old Park

Old Park & Chequers Wood contains a mosaic of habitats. The site is distinguished by a plateau of acid grassland (one of the three largest in Kent), extensive patches of thorn and gorse scrub which provide protected nesting sites for the endangered nightingale and turtle dove, and a rich swathe of ancient woodland running along the eastern edge. This comprises wet alder woodland and remnants of ancient dry woodland, carpeted by bluebells and wood anemones in spring time. Adjoining the wet woodland are water meadows which link the site with the Great Stour.

Much of the area is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This national conservation designation is designed to protect areas of ecological, geological and archaeological importance. Research by archaeologists at several locations across the site reveal that Old Park & Chequers Wood is the oldest excavatable site of human habitation in the country and the third oldest in northern Europe.