Rooted in History
12 June 2025
9.15 to 13.00
Rooted in History is a six-mile walk that traces the story of how humans tamed the great Wealden Forest over 8,000 years, from Mesolithic times to the Anglo-Saxons.
This is the second walk in a three-part series, following The Wild Wood and preceding Fuel the Fire.
Despite its name, the Wild Wood has never been entirely wild—people have shaped it for millennia.
Wood was the foundation of early societies, and each civilisation that encountered the forest managed its trees in its own way.
As we walk, we’ll uncover traces of these past interactions and explore how human hands have shaped the landscape over time.
Trees are the silent keepers of our rural heritage, yet few have survived the centuries. Only some ancient yews remain as living witnesses to the past.
To truly experience this journey, you’ll need to walk with curiosity and imagination, picturing the forest as it once was and sensing the layers of history beneath your feet. Well-behaved, patient dogs on leads are welcome.
