Neolithic man cleared the forests of the North Downs and the Weald 3,000 years ago and began to farm this area. 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. 80 years and two generations later, we employ 3 people 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 also dedicating 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 the flora and fauna.