Neolithic man cleared areas of forest thousands of years ago in the area of the North Downs and the Weald. Tools have been discovered which indicate the soil was being farmed 3,000 years ago. Farming has seen many changes through the centuries; times of famine and war, land enclosure and the introduction of machinery.

Throughout these years of change, in addition to food production, generations of farmers have undertaken many rural skills such as hedge laying, coppicing and pond and woodland management. In the past there was a demand for coppice products and the hedges were used to enclose livestock.

In the 1930's Edward Matthews had about eight people working for him on 381 acres and the farming and associated countryside skills continued side by side. 89 years and two generations later, three of the Matthews family and another 4 staff are working full time on 3,000 acres, showing how farming has progressed through technology to meet the demands for increased food and energy production whilst dedicating a greater area for wildlife. The demand for the woodland products has all but gone and livestock is no longer enclosed by hedges. However, rural skills continue on the farm for the benefit of flora and fauna.