An archaeological assessment including a walkover survey took place in 2013 in The Grove, Readleaf Estate. A number of 19th century features were observed. A limekiln built into a hollow way was observed, the roof has collapsed into the hearth and it is constructed of brick, it was probably constructed to provide material for lime mortar and the construction of the new mansion by William Wells in the 1880s.
4 quarry pits were also observed. The oldest is called a marl pit and appears on a map in 1804. The pits are likely to have been quarried for sandstone.
There is also 3 wooden huts located on the edges of the main track through the woodland. They were built in the early 20th century by Patrick Hills as part of the creation of high forest in the European style.
A network of drainage ditches was also observed in the eastern part of the grove, the ditches are 0.3m edep and 1m wide. The layout in a herring bone pattern is typical of the late 19th century prior to planting of the trees. (1)

<1> Nicola Bannister, 2014, Archaeological Assessment. Brokes Wood, Southborough, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent. (Unpublished document). SKE31136.