The pioneering development Flimwell Park on the Kent and Sussex border has been 10 years in the making

The vision? To create an inspiring mixed-use woodland development, blending living, working, recreation and learning.

And now, after 10 years in the making, Flimwell Park in Ticehurst is on the verge of full completion, marking the beginning of a pioneering woodland community, where you can eat, shop, work or relax.

You’ll find new dining concept Birchwood there - led by Michelin Green Star chef Will Devlin - unique overnight accommodation, a day spa and more, all set within 46 acres of ancient woodland.

The final piece of the project are three highly ecologically advanced private homes, due to be finished in the spring, and the completion of The Focal Building.

The latter will be the largest building on site and become the epicentre of learning and teaching opportunities with The Bartlett UCL, which is a centre for the study of the built environment.

The Flimwell Park project has been a collaboration between developers Regalmain Ltd and architect Steve Johnson of The Architecture Ensemble.

They have worked with a core team of foresters, ecologists and permaculturists to re-purpose the land, which was formerly a disused bird park.

Chris O’Callaghan, director of Regalmain Ltd, explains: “The vision was to bring together the local community and to also provide a place for businesses to collaborate and work.

“With the high standard of sustainable architecture and the managed woodland, Flimwell Park has created an environment that harnesses opportunities for woodland enterprise, recreation, conservation and education whilst harmonising all this with nature.”

The latest addition was Birchwood, which opened in October, joining a number of other businesses occupying the timber-built workspaces on site.

Championing the artisan suppliers of Kent and Sussex, chef Devlin’s menu plays host to local cheeses, dairy, wines, spirits and beer, while many ingredients, such as mushrooms, brambles, elderberries, wood sorrel and birch sap are sourced and foraged from the surrounding woodland.

Other businesses already in residence at Flimwell Park include Wild Iris Spa, The Potters Studio, Sugar and Shutter Photography, cyber security company Lepide, co-working space The Hive, sustainable clothing and accessory brand Swole Panda, and Quench Cycles.

There are also 10 subterranean lodges, available as short-term let accommodation, as well as extensive woodland open to the public.

Architect Steven Johnson says transforming a former brownfield section of the site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been a wonderful opportunity.

“Environmental, social and economic sustainability has been at the heart of the construction from start to finish,” he added.

For more see www.flimwellpark.com.