What is the threat to Oaken Wood?

Oaken Wood, a 50-hectare ancient woodland in Kent, faces potential destruction due to the local council's plans to expand a nearby ragstone quarry.

How does the proposed quarry expansion impact the UK's environmental commitments?

The UK is committed to increasing tree cover and protecting biodiversity, but the loss of Oaken Wood would go against these goals and be one of the greatest threats to ancient woodlands in the 21st century.

What are the arguments for and against the quarry expansion?

Opponents argue the loss of Oaken Wood would destroy an "irreplaceable" ecosystem and reduce public access to nature, while supporters claim the additional ragstone is essential to meet the county's demand.

Home / Environment / Ancient Woodland Faces Threat of Destruction for Ragstone Quarry Expansion

Ancient Woodland Faces Threat of Destruction for Ragstone Quarry Expansion

16 Nov

•

Summary

Oaken Wood, a 50-hectare ancient woodland, faces potential loss due to quarry expansion
The UK is committed to increasing tree cover, but ancient woodlands are still under threat
Campaigners warn this would be one of the greatest threats to ancient woodlands in the 21st century

Ancient Woodland Faces Threat of Destruction for Ragstone Quarry Expansion

As of November 16th, 2025, a 50-hectare ancient woodland known as Oaken Wood or Barming Woods, located on the outskirts of Maidstone in Kent, faces a significant threat of destruction. The local Kent County Council has identified the need to expand the nearby Hermitage Quarry to meet the county's demand for ragstone, a hard stone used in construction.

This proposed quarry expansion would result in the loss of a significant portion of the Oaken Wood, which has been used recreationally for decades, if not centuries, and hosts important populations of turtledoves and dormice. Campaigners warn that this would pose one of the greatest threats to the UK's ancient woodlands in the 21st century.