Hothfield Heath
Following the recent popularity of this site thanks to Tik Tok, plus the fact Kent Wildlife Trust have now made the decision to remove the Highland Cows from the site, we feel it is finally appropriate to post our experience on the site along with its history and calming effect.
This has been Jamie's safe space for a long time and ultimately it is one of our favourite dog walks as Yogi absolutely loves it here as well.
The site is actually one of the last heathlands in Kent which is what makes it so special, not to mention the fact it is home to quite the varied wildlife. If you look up at the larger trees think back to the 19th century, that is how long they've been standing. Lord Hothfield, assumedly the original owner of the heathland, planted many of these including the Giant Redwoods which were brought over from North America in the 1850s.
But Hothfield Heathlands isn't just a place for a serene dog walk, it is quite the historical venture too! This site also played its part in WWII to the point that hidden in some trees there are still remnants from the terrible time. The heathlands were used to station troops and when the war was over the Nissan huts were used as emergency housing until the 50s when Hothfield Village was built. There is evidence of some house ruins on the site as pictured, as well as rumours of some other buildings, but when we visit we pretty much stick to the same path.
Until recently the site was home to Highland Cattle which were as gentle as anything and we liked watching them as we walked carefully on by. We never approached, never disturbed, just smiled and acknowledged them from a distance. It is hurtful to think that it has become an internet trend to flock to these creatures and harass them and it saddens us that they can no longer call this place their home due to an influx of visitors hunting them down 'for the gram'. We'd wondered why so many people had started invading the space as of late so many people have been visiting (and not adhering to the rules) to the point that it had become a bit crowded so we've stopped going. Now we know why! We'd held off on posting about the site in case it had a negative affect, as while we post to give history a home before it is forgotten, and we do hope people visit the places we mention, we don't want them to become over popular to the point of destruction. This place is a sanctuary for nature, but now that the cat is out of the bag, now seems as good a time as ever to get the post out of the way and hopefully now the cows are gone the site can go back to the calmness it was used to.
In terms of ghosts, there are certainly areas that we breeze past. Some of the forest areas seem like the trees have secrets, and you feel as though you are being watched, but there are no explicit ghost stories that we are aware of, just a gut feeling!
DISCLAIMER: Now for the official bit. This blog does not receive any paid promotions from the places mentioned above. We have not been approached to promote or act as spokespersons for any attraction mentioned within this post and this is simply a post intended to act as a day in the life of a couple on a cute date. All photos included are taken by ourselves and as such the rights for these images are ours, no links, brands, or companies mentioned otherwise belong or are associated with Phantom Adventures UK. We are responsible only for this blog. Opinions are our own and not influenced by any third party source..
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