Broadwater Warren

Heathland and woodland restoration is returning Broadwater to its historic habitat of centuries ago, a wildlife-rich mosaic of heathland and native woodland with scrubby woodland margins, scattered stands of pines and rare woodland mire. 

Threatened bird species like woodlark and nightjar have returned to the site, along with adders, bumblebees and butterflies, and new views across the landscape have been opened up. The pond is now a haven for dragonflies and frogs, visited by a kingfisher and heron. The woodlands are being managed for vulnerable species like marsh tit and dormouse.

The 10-year project to restore the area back to heathland started in 2007. The first step towards restoration of the heathland from conifer plantation involved removing dense young conifer trees and harvesting some of the mature pine and spruce. Until 2017, each winter, selected areas of conifer plantation were removed in a carefully planned schedule, to limit the impact on wildlife. 

Bees, butterflies and other insects have come back in earnest and track edges are now blossoming with wildflowers like purple self-heal, common centaury and tormentil. Woodlark returned to the site in 2012 and bred for the first time in nine years. Since the project started our heathland birds - woodlark, tree pipit and nightjar have all increased in number. Dartford warblers have been seen over the last few winters and the hope is that it wont be long till they call Broadwater Warren home.

The restoration of the Decoy Pond was completed in 2014 and has transformed the area from a dark and gloomy damp spot to a hive of activity and beauty. The removal of oppressive conifers and coppicing of birch and alder around the edge has opened up the water to more light and warmth. The ponds across the reserve are now home to an amazing 22 different species of dragonfly and damselfy, including heathland specialists such as black darter.

By the end of the ten-year project in 2017, Broadwater is now roughly half heathland and half woodland. The woodland is a mix of native broadleaved trees, with areas of coppice and interspersed pines. 

Open glades and sunny rides are now starting to create nectar rich corridors, full of flowers and butterflies. Areas of wet woodland and large oaks provide homes for lesser spotted woodpecker and marsh tit, while the dense scrubby understorey will host rare dormice and song thrushes.

RSPB Broadwater Warren has developed into a fantastic home for nature, helped by the tremendous support of many individuals, groups and organisations. In addition to RSPB members and supporters, local community members and a tireless team of volunteers, we would particularly like to thank the following organisations for their financial support:

• AXA PPP
• Biffa Award through the Landfill Community Fund
• The Chalk Cliff Trust
• Cory Environmental Trust in Britain  through the Landfill Community Fund
• English Heritage
• Forestry Commission via English Woodland Grant Scheme (EU and Defra funding)
• GEAR
• GrantScape through the Landfill Community Fund
• Gurney Charitable Trust
• Heritage Lottery Fund
• High Weald AONB Unit Sustainable Development Fund
• Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust through the Landfill Community Fund
• Natural England through Defra
• RG Group
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• SITA Trust through the Landfill Community Fund
• Sussex Ornithological Society
• Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Community Fund
• Weald Forest Ridge Partnership Scheme
• Wealden and Rother Renewal - Leader +

Broadwater Warren is set in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near to Royal Tunbridge Wells.