Weald

General Information

The weald is “one of the most heavily wooded areas in England” [1] and it is seen as an “area of outstanding natural beauty” [3]. It reaches from the North Downs to the South Downs. Some smaller parts reach into Kent, East- and West Sussex and Surrey [2]. The area is approximately 120 miles long and 30 miles wide [3]. Parts of the Weald it are nature reserves. It is divided into the High Weald and the Low Weald. The High Weald is more secluded, because of its many trees and valleys. The Low Weald is more open due to its flat nature. Over the last centuries rivers have carved deep valleys into the ground. Approximately a quarter of the area is ancient woodland. The term “weald” is defined as parts of nature that have been relatively untouched by human influence and ecosystems that have been in seclusion for centuries.

Agriculture and livestock farming are the main income of the area and the landscape is filled with many gardens and parks [2].

[1] “The Weald”, Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/place/The-Weald (04.04.2019)

[2] “High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”, Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Weald_Area_of_Outstanding_Natural_Beauty (04.04.2019)

[3] “The Weald is "the place where London ends and England can begin"”, The Weald of Kent, Surrey & Sussex.

http://theweald.org/home.asp (15.04.2019)