Hawkwood and Petts Wood
While being only 13 miles south east from the centre of London,
Petts Wood provides an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Full of
natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of bird,
butterfly, amphibian and plant life.
The estate is easy to get to by public transport as the stations
of Petts Wood and Chislehurst are within easy walking distance.The
railway line forms the boundary of the wood to the south.
William Willett, the leader of the movement to have British
Summer Time recognised, is remembered by a stone memorial. A
similar commemoration can also be viewed today in the Edlmann
Memorial Wood for its donor, Colonel Edlmann, owner of the Hawkwood
Estate before the Hall family, who donated the site to the Trust.
The Colonel purchased the wood to prevent development and his
wishes have been honoured.
The Kyd Brook, also known as the River Quaggy, flows west
through the farmland on the estate.
The National Trust acquired Hawkwood and Petts Wood in 1927.
Together they cover 138 hectares, comprising the working farm of
Hawkwood and the woodland of Petts Wood.
Robert Hall donated the greater part of the Hawkwood Estate in
1957. The house and gardens, including Tong Farm, were acquired in
1975 from Francesca Hall. Francesca donated the farm on the proviso
that farming should continue to preserve its rural character. The
house was rebuilt in the 1960s having been badly damaged by
fire.
