Document Library

Author: High Weald AONB Unit

The Making of the High Weald takes a long historical view back to the last Ice Age, seeking to explain the main processes that have created and shaped the High Weald landscape. It provides an evidenced and peer reviewed statement to support the importance and time depth of the five core components of 'natural beauty' which underpin the AONB Management Plan.

Author: High Weald AONB Unit

This report presents the findings of an investigation into the housing needs of woodland workers. It illustrates the increasing unaffordability of suitable rural housingand yardspace in the High Weald and proposes an addition to 'key worker' housing policy to include essential rural workers.

Author: University of Reading

This study provides an analysis of agricultural production in the AONB and explores the potential for the High Weald to supply the basic food needs of its resident population under a range of dietary regimes.

Author: The Digital Landscape Cooperative

This study uses GIS modelling and industry standard technical criteria to provide an assessment of the wind energy potential of the High Weald and the constraints on harnessing it.

Author: Dr Nicola Bannister

This report identifies and maps medieval deer parks and other designed landscapes within the High Weald, assessing the survival and loss of these under-considered yet highly significant local features.

Author: Sandy Greig

This study provides a carbon account for the woodlands of the High Weald, including estimates of carbon stored above and below ground in woodlands, and net CO2 emissions reductions from using wood as a fuel and using timber in construction.

This review updates the available information about the ownership, management regimes and condition of species-rich, neutral grassland designated as SNCIs in the High Weald.

Author: Bill Vorley
A report identifying the causes for the decline in livestock farming in the High Weald based on interviews with farmers, land agents, farm advisors, marketers, retailers, statutory bodies and researchers. It sets out proposals for shaping the debate on improving the productivity of the grassland resource and making environmental stewardship work.

Report collating available information on tourism in the High Weald AONB, including visitor profiles and trends, available visitor activities, the economic value of tourism and levels of demand.

Report exploring the historical development of human landscape perception, the various theories which help explain landscape perception and recommendations on how to incorporate this into landscape policy.

Author: High Weald AONB Unit

The purpose of this synthesis paper is to provide a brief overview of hydraulic fracturing in the UK, its application and potential, and its possible environmental impacts on the High Weald AONB.

Author: High Weald AONB Unit 
The High Weald Biodiversity Statement provides a synthesis of the information and data on the biological diversity and ecological importance of the Kent and Sussex High Weald. The Statement brings together information from across portions of three counties and includes descriptions of what makes the area's habitats special, accompanied by maps of habitat extent and habitat species lists: those considered to be particularly distinctive or notable aswell as those considered to be commonly associated. The report also highlights shortfalls and gaps in what is currently known about the region's biodiversity.

This report provides information on the High Weald's steep-sided ravines or gills; their distribution, ecological significance, history, key species, protection status and threats. The report also provides much-needed management guidance, as well as presenting the results of ecological survey work and suggesting how future monitoring might best progress.

Summarises research on environmental impacts associated with camping and recreational activity, draws out the information and ecological principles particularly relevant to eco-camping in the High Weald AONB, and puts forward recommendations regarding future eco-camping development.

Author: Pond Conservation Trust
This report reviews the national and regional scientific and policy contexts for ponds in the High Weald AONB, and puts forward recommendations for practical action to achieve biodiversity gains. This document supports the development of pond conservation projects in the Brede River catchment with an emphasis on community involvement.

A report on a project investigating interdisciplinary approaches to assessing and providing guidance on sandrock management. Includes a summary of the geological evolution of the High Weald, its sandstone outcrops and their associated features. The report also outlines a methodology for surveying sandrock and discusses survey results, as well as identifying opportunities for further research.