Strawberry Wood Culvert Project: A Community Restoration of a Rural Relic

This hidden treasure was first featured in the Spring 2006 newsletter, issue no. 68. An impressive stone-built culvert was discovered in the deliciously named Strawberry Wood near Benenden ten years ago and since then has been the subject of much intrigue and discussion. The culvert is believed to be important locally in holding clues to the history of the wood, landscape and surrounding High Weald.

The threat of this historical feature being lost is real as the structure is near collapse. Heavy rains earlier in the year have again taken their toll and washed away more of its covering path. A large lintel slab of sandstone has now been exposed through erosion, showing more of the culvert’s structure, highlighting the need for repair action as soon as practicable.

Fortunately, due to the hard work of Benenden Amenity and Countryside Society and Kent High Weald Project, funding has been secured to carry out the restoration and research of the culvert.

Included in the project outlined above are a series of community days and events. The objective of the project is not only to restore the culvert but to raise interest in local heritage and historical industries based in the High Weald.

The footpath leading to the culvert is in need of some attention to make it easier for visitors and three days have been set aside for volunteers to replace five stiles with gates, clear overhanging branches and improve the surface.

We are also asking for help from volunteers interested in researching the history of the culvert through a day of field survey, to map out the nearby man-made features such as banks and quarries. Another day is planned for digging test pits in the vicinity to establish the route of the ancient path and determine its structure. We may also find some evidence of iron working in the area (the Wealden Iron Research Group are hoping to carry out a more detailed survey of the streams around the culvert, as a recent preliminary survey discovered slag from iron workings). Both these events are open to all but will need to be booked through the Kent High Weald Partnership, as numbers are limited (see contact details below).

We are also hoping to stage theatre walks with the help of local drama groups, for the benefit of Benenden Primary School and Benenden Girls School and later for the general public in a grand celebration day set for Saturday 29th August. This is an open day to mark the end of the project and will be packed full of interesting activities to highlight High Weald heritage.

I hope that in the next few months, through the work of dedicated volunteers, a picture of the culvert’s history will emerge. For further details please contact The Kent High Weald Partnership on 01580 212972 or visit our website, www.khwp.org.uk

Ian Johnstone, Project Officer KHWP

TOP: Launch of the project.

RIGHT: Lintel slab exposed through erosion.

BELOW: David Brown of Wealden Iron Research Group searching for metal production evidence.