A successful campaign to save an area of woodland for the public has received a surprise message of congratulations – from His Majesty, King Charles III.

The King, who is known for his support of environmental issues, sent a message to Sevenoaks Town Council congratulating councillors on the community purchase of Longspring Woods.

The Royal endorsement gave an added filip to celebrations held at the woodland at the weekend to mark the achievement.

The letter from Buckingham Palace read: “His Majesty was deeply touched to hear of the community effort involved in preserving this ancient woodland for public use and hopes that you will be so kind as to convey The King’s warmest thanks and good wishes to everyone who was part of this important initiative.

“His Majesty, trusts that you, the town councillors, and residents of Sevenoaks, will enjoy a most memorable celebration.”

The community raised £102,00 in just 23 days to buy the woodland.

The town council matched the sum with £100,000 from its own funds.

The 400-year-old Longspring Woods comprises 14 acres of ancient woodland at the top of Sevenoaks, in Oak Lane. It overlooks the town with views over to the North Downs.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Libby Ancrum, said: “The purchase of Longspring Woods is an important contribution to the greening of Sevenoaks town and the pathway to Net Zero carbon reduction plan.

“It is great to see the community benefit from this council initiative in its 50th anniversary year.

“As an enthusiastic dog-walker and nature lover myself, I am personally delighted to see this ancient woodland preserved for future generations.”

“And it’s wonderful to know that so many people in Sevenoaks share this view to the extent of contributing to our appeal.”

Ancient woodland is defined as an area of woodland which has persisted since 1600.

Sevenoaks Town Council registered the Longspring Woods as an Asset of Community Value in 2023, on the grounds that it furthered the social well being and recreational interests of the community.

When the woods then came up for sale, it had a six-month window to purchase the woodland before it went on the open market.

Sevenoaks Town Council already manages 55 hectares of public open space including Sevenoaks Common, Mill Pond Wood, Pontoise Close Woodland, Middlings Wood and Brittains Lane Woodland.