History
Ancient Traditions, New Ways
Today, we continue ancient traditions in new ways. Our bore-hole provides fresh, iron-rich water for washing, drinking and our onsite micro-brewery. We utilise fire to produce biochar - a magical ingredient used for drawing down substantial amounts of CO2. Our efforts continue working towards increasing biodiversity and producing food. These modern practices echo the resourcefulness of those who came before us, building on centuries of innovation on this very land.
14th–18th Century: The Wealden Iron Industry
Known as Batsford Farm, the valley was used for artisan ironmaking.
The clay soil, rich in iron ore, together with charcoal produced from the local woods and water from the stream held all the components necessary for iron production. The proximity to the coast with water access via the Clippenham Stream made an ideal location for the casting of guns for coastal defence and naval warfare.
In 1978 an excavation proved rewarding when the only remains of a medieval wooden waterwheel in the area were found on site. Also excavated, were some 14th-century pottery and an Edward III half-groat (coin) dated between 1351 and 1361.
The remains of the watermill lie beneath our car park.
1800s: Rural Working Landscape
• Decline of local ironmaking across the Weald.
• Mixed farming, hay meadows, and managed woodlands unify the site.
• Traditional coppicing continues; many trees enter long rotation cycles.
Mid–20th Century
• Mechanised agriculture becomes common across the region.
• Local coppice work and mixed farming decline.
• Fields consolidated; soils compact; biodiversity decreases.
During the Second World War, many children were evacuated to the High Weald from London. Efforts to boost the country's food supply were aided by the Land Army and the 'Dig for Victory' campaign. The clay soil was utilised to grow shallow-rooted crops, supporting the self-sufficiency movement that allowed ships to transport vital ammunition and raw materials instead of food supplies.
2024: Ecological Turning Point
• A major pollution event significantly harms the lake and hydrology.
• The incident catalyses a full ecological assessment and restoration plan.
• The site begins a landscape-scale restoration programme.
• Focus shifts to regeneration:
– restoring water flow and lake ecology
– re-establishing coppice cycles
– rebuilding soil health
– supporting wildlife recovery
– engaging local communities
2025 and Beyond
• Launch of regenerative food systems: agroforestry, perennial crops, low-impact livestock, and no-till vegetable production.
• Community programmes expand: wellbeing, education, volunteering, citizen science.
• Furnace Brook grows into a beacon of ecological recovery and community-led land stewardship.
“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realise that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”
Jacques-Yves Cousteau