Out and About – Victory Wood, Yorkletts
By Stephen Palmer
Where is it?
Victory Wood is situated just south of Seasalter, off the Thanet Way. Access is via the Dargate turning.
Postcode: CT5 3AH.
Map reference TR093619
What is physically there?
Victory Wood is part of the Woodland Trust and covers about 11 square miles (28.5 sq. km).
On a ridge about 1.4km from the car park is the Link Sculpture (right), which offers spectacular views out to the north, especially on a clear sunny day.
When I visited in December there had been a few days of rain and the paths I followed were quite waterlogged and muddy, as they are mostly grass.
Also in the park is a full scale footprint of HMS Victory, marked out by oak posts, which can be seen clearly from the ridge. It also shows the Victory’s position to the Spanish and French fleet during the Battle of Trafalgar.
Victory Wood is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is sandwiched between Blean Woods and Ellenden Woods, which are both classed as ancient woodland.
There are also areas of wild flowers.
You may be lucky to spot the birds of prey including buzzards and owls.
Check out the Woodland Trust for more information on the wildlife, trees and plant life available to be seen during your visit.
Its History?
Victory Wood is relatively new, being formed in 2005
The wood is the Flagship site for the Trafalgar Woods Pr to celebrate the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The Woodland Trust and the Society for Nautical Research organised the project.
It is one of 33 new woods created across the UK, and the flag ship of the project. The aim of the project is to highlight the role trees played in the battle, as tens of thousands were used in constructing the fleet.
Why Visit?
The day I visited was a beautifully clear sunny day and offered great views all around, but especially over to the Isle of Sheppey.
The park is very open and I look forward to seeing what it looks like in the spring and summer, when the trees have their leaves back.
The park has laid out the outline of HMS Victory and planted some areas to represent ships of the Spanish and French fleet. Their positions are relative to the time of the battle.
There are a number of good information boards around the paths explaining the nature of the woods and history of the battle.
If you enjoy a good leisurely walk then I recommend a visit here. When the weather warms up bring a picnic.
The site can be reached by bus as well as the car.
Check out the Woodland Trust for more information.
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