Meet the Rangers

Join the Ranger team in the woods at Chartwell for a rare opportunity to see them in action. Our Rangers are responsible for managing the West Kent countryside to benefit wildlife and people alike and have a fascinating range of responsibilities. The role they play is often behind the scenes, but their work is crucial to the National Trust and Chartwell.

During the cold, dormant months between October and March, the Ranger team completed a phase of coppicing. This ancient woodland management technique dates back to Neolithic times and allows more light to reach the woodland floor, benefitting plants and wildlife. Coppicing our sweet chestnut is a sustainable way to produce firewood, charcoal and fencing materials whilst also increasing the biodiversity of the woodland.

During our ‘Meet the Rangers’ days this August, you will get the opportunity to see them making charcoal using Chartwell’s coppiced sweet chestnut timber. The Rangers will demonstrate how they burn the wood in a controlled manner to eradicate moisture and turn it to carbon. The team will also be splitting and stacking logs for seasoned for firewood and ‘peeling posts’ with draw knives to make fence posts.

Everyone of all ages is welcome from 10:30am–3pm on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 August. The Ranger team will be on hand to discuss the local wildlife and to answer any questions you have about the woodland. No booking necessary, normal admission applies.