The Normenhurst Estate is a pocket of 500 acres of
beautiful countryside ajacent to the village of Catfieid.
As the name might suggest the estate dates back to
the time of William the Conqueror and more recently
found its identity as the Seat of the Brassey family.
The original focal point of the land was Normanhurst
Court which was demolished in the 60's with little
remnants visiable now.
The estate is now a sporting and recreational estate
with a working farm. The Normanhurst Estate is a
good example of working the natural assets provided
by the environment and creating a fine balance between
the needs of people and the needs of nature and its
habitats.
The Normanhurst Estate undertakes active coppicing
and management of the 500 acres, this is quite evident
because of the constant activities of the grounds
keepers numbering 4 full time and 2 part time staff,
along with new fencing for fields made partly from the
coppiced woodland. There are many features which
have been introduced such as horse riding coarses built,
but very little here which doesn't fit in with the
surrounding characteristics of the countryside and
natural landscape.
Overall a very well cared for and beautiful landscape
and worth spending a few days here to really explore
the assets of the estate.
