Residents of Bicknor hope to use the award to buy Gorham Wood

Residents from Bicknor, near Maidstone, hope to use the Heritage Lottery Fund grant to buy Gorham Wood.

The village - which has a population of less than 50 - has been raising money to buy the wood, which is expected to cost more than �100,000.

Ancient woodlands - often referred to as Britain's equivalent of rain forests - are usually dated to before 1700.

Walking paths

If the parish is able to purchase Gorham Wood, a local residents' group will manage the site with the help of the Kent Wildlife Project and the Mid Kent Downs Project.

A woodland management plan will be prepared and it is hoped several permissive paths for walkers and horse riders will be constructed.

Residents of Bicknor began organising fundraising events when the wood was offered to the parish at the end of last year.

They were awarded the Heritage Lottery Fund grant after persuading a local charitable group - The Cromarty Trust - to put forward a bid on their behalf.