Badland Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Chichester

England

Badland Wood

Daffodils in Coates Churchyard Credit: Basher Eyre

Badland Wood is a picturesque forest located in Sussex, a county in southeastern England. Situated near the village of Badland, this woodland covers an area of approximately 150 acres and is known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The wood is primarily composed of deciduous trees, such as oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead, providing shade and shelter for the various flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of leaf litter, creating a vibrant and fertile environment for countless plant species, including bluebells and primroses.

Badland Wood is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot native bird species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and tawny owls. Small mammals like squirrels and rabbits can also be seen scurrying through the undergrowth.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their leisure. These paths wind through the forest, passing by tranquil streams and offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The wood is especially popular during the spring and summer months when the trees are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere.

Badland Wood is not only a haven for wildlife but also serves as an important conservation area. Efforts are made to protect and preserve the forest's unique ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its natural splendor.

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Badland Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.939738/-0.58156676 or Grid Reference SU9916. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Daffodils in Coates Churchyard

Basher Eyre

Rush hour in Coates (revisited)

Basher Eyre

Road and path junction at Coates

Basher Eyre

Coates Manor House, from the south

Seen from the churchyard.

Stefan Czapski

Coates Manor House, from the south-east

The main structure - built of pale sandstone with brick string-courses - is said to date from the 17th century (Nairn and Pevsner, 'The Buildings of England: Sussex'). Not visible from this angle is the lower, later north wing Link built of a more colourful ironstone (similar to the material known in Surrey as Bargate stone). The listing (rather brief) is to be found here: Link

The settlement pattern at Coates is puzzling - a scattered hamlet rather than a village - and I wonder whether there was a more compact settlement in medieval times.

Stefan Czapski

Coates Manor House

According to the Listing, this dates from the early 17th century Link

Stefan Czapski

Coates church from the south-east

Stefan Czapski

Coates church and churchyard

Stefan Czapski

Coates church from the west

Stefan Czapski

St Agatha's church from Coates Lane

I scrambled up a bank to take this shot over the churchyard wall.

Stefan Czapski

Trees by a ditch

I stopped to photograph the French-style plantation of young poplars (seen left) and only then realised that the rank vegetation in the foreground was growing along a roadside ditch - overgrown but still very wet.

Stefan Czapski

Lord's Piece

I wonder about the history of this area (now access land). The impression I get is of heathland that has - at some time in the past - been tidied up, with parkland-style plantings. A fellow-contributor has likened it to the New Forest Link but for me it's Ashdown Forest that comes to mind.

Stefan Czapski