Horsmonden & Badger's Oak tunnels
Horsmonden & Badger’s Oak tunnels
![Badger's Oak Tunnel's southern approach cutting boasts substantial brick retaining walls.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-146.jpg)
![Both the floor and lining are wet.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-146.jpg)
![Half-a-century of neglect is apparent at the northern end.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-146.jpg)
![Infill has begun to consume Horsmonden's southern portal.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-145.jpg)
![Despite the flood, Horsmonden's lining appears in fair condition.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-145.jpg)
![The tunnel's curvature is apparent from its northern end.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-141.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-146.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-146.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-146.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-145.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-145.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-141.jpg)
The 11½-mile single track branch from Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst was opened in two sections, with the full route coming into service in 1893. It despatched a million potted plants a year to Woolworths stores nationwide. Two short tunnels were constructed by contractor J T Firbank – Horsmonden at 86 yards and the longer Badger’s Oak which took the line under a minor road around one mile north of the terminus. Both are bricked lined and remain open today although Horsmonden’s south portal is partly infilled.