The line from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge was closed by British Rail in 1985. The line was reopened by volunteers, running from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge in 1997. A connection to the main railway network at Eridge was restored in 2011 but there seems little prospect of restoring the link from Tunbridge Wells West to the main line at Tunbridge Wells (formerly Tunbridge Wells Central).
The line runs a mixture of steam-hauled services and 'heritage diesel' locomotives.
The RSPB acquired the site in 2007 and are removing large patches of conifer either to restore to heathland or to replace with native broadleaves.
This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.
Forge Farm is on the site of old Birchden Forge.
Here the stream was used to power a bellows to forge
iron, last used by William Harrison to make firearms
until 1750. Finding this unprofitable, he opened
the land to people wanting to visit see the scenery,
especially the 40ft sandstone outcrop now owned by the
British Mountaineering Council. It is rare not to
see rock climbers training here.
A 17th century manor house surrounded by a medieval moat, used as a location in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. It is not currently open to the public.
Groombridge is accessible by the Spa Valley Railway from Tonbridge Wells or bus service 291 from Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Crawley.
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