Coldwaltham Park Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Coldwaltham Park Wood

Daffodils in Coates Churchyard Credit: Basher Eyre

Coldwaltham Park Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The wood is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The wood is predominantly made up of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a dense canopy overhead. This provides a cool and shaded environment, perfect for a leisurely stroll on a hot summer's day. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of bluebells and wildflowers during the spring months, adding a burst of color to the woodland.

Coldwaltham Park Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and foxes. Bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds can be spotted throughout the year. The wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse range of habitats, including ancient woodland, wetland, and grassland.

Visitors can explore the wood through a network of well-maintained footpaths, which wind their way through the trees and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The wood is also equipped with picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings and family outings.

Overall, Coldwaltham Park Wood is a beautiful and idyllic woodland that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Coldwaltham Park Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.941525/-0.56515777 or Grid Reference TQ0016. 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