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Stage 1 - Grosvenor Rocks
Stage 2 - Marnock Lake
Stage 3 - The Swimming Pool
Stage 4 - The Hub
Stage 5 - The Wetlands
Stage 6 - Folly Shaw
Stage 7 - Roundabout Wood
Stage 8 - The Community Orchard
Stage 9 - The Oast House
Stage 10 - Our Lost History

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The Folly Shaw woodland is classed as ancient woodland, as it has existed since at least 1600. The woodlands in the park have been around since Tudor times, when they formed part of South Frith Hunting Chase, which included the Tonbridge area. Historic maps show the extent of the woodland and the gradual change to farmland as sections were sold.

Ancient woodland develops over a long timescale, so has unique and irreplaceable groups of plants and animals, which depend on the stable conditions. While it may not always be inspiring in appearance, ancient woodland is a unique and increasingly rare habitat, covering only around 2.5% of the UK's land area. Woods planted today will not become ancient woodland in 400 years' time, because their soils have been modified by agriculture or industry. We can't replace the complex biodiversity of ancient woods which has accumulated over hundreds of years.

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Among the trees are brambles and ivy, which provide habitat and nest sites for a wide variety of birds, small and large mammals, and insects. Brambles flower from May to September, which is great for insects, and the juicy black fruits are eaten by birds, mammals and many insects (as well as people!)

Ivy flowers from September until November, so the nectar and pollen are important for many insects before they hibernate. The berries have a high fat contact, so are a nutritious food for many bird species. It is unusual as it has two growth forms - a juvenile climbing form with five lobed leaves and an adult form, which has oval or heart-shaped leaves without lobes. Ivy is not a parasitic plant, as it has its own separate root system to absorb nutrients and water. It uses trees (as well as walls and fences) for support, so it can reach upwards to better sunlight levels.

There's also deadwood in the form of rotting tree trunks, stumps and branches - this can be called the lifeblood of any woodland. Decaying wood releases nutrients back into the soil, to be reused by living trees and plants. The rotting wood is decomposed by fungi, with masses of threadlike strands hidden underground until they produce their fruiting bodies, like toadstools. Invertebrates live within the dead wood, their tunnels invisible apart from small surface holes. They are food for insectivorous birds and other animals. Standing dead trees and living trees with dead branches provide homes and roosts for birds and small mammals. Flaking bark and crevices are used by bats, and birds make holes for nesting.