The Old Park

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Hatch Farm separated the two parts of the original Thorndon Country Park. It was built as a 'model farm' in the 18th century to raise deer and cattle.

A large part of it has been acquired by the Woodland Trust as one of its Plant-a-Wood sites. Oak, ash, sweet chestnut and hornbeam have been planted in blocks and the remainder sown with grass and wildflower seed, to create a parkland atmosphere.

It also includes a small patch of (possibly ancient) woodland called The Rookery, which surrounds an attractive small pond.