Chephurst Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Chephurst Copse

Downs Link, near Slinfold A view of the Downs Link path as it approaches Slinfold in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Here, a public footpath crosses the Downs Link path. — Downs Link, near Slinfold Credit: Malc McDonald

Chephurst Copse is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Sussex, England. Situated on the outskirts of a small village, it covers an area of approximately 50 acres, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The copse is predominantly made up of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, ash, and beech, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The dense canopy of the trees provides a haven for a variety of woodland creatures, including birds, squirrels, and deer, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation and photography.

Traversing through Chephurst Copse is a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their leisure. The paths wind through the trees, offering glimpses of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses that carpet the forest floor. The tranquil atmosphere and the scent of earth and foliage make it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.

Chephurst Copse also holds historical significance, with evidence of human habitation dating back centuries. Remnants of ancient settlements, such as ditches and earthworks, can be found scattered throughout the woodland, providing insight into the area's rich history.

The copse is open to the public year-round, and admission is free. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, especially during wet weather, as some paths may become muddy. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and wildlife by not littering and keeping dogs on a leash.

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Chephurst Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.075306/-0.45400539 or Grid Reference TQ0831. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Downs Link, near Slinfold

A view of the Downs Link path as it approaches Slinfold in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, a public footpath crosses the Downs Link path.

Malc McDonald

Double bridge near Rudgwick, West Sussex

The double bridge which crosses the River Arun near Rudgwick is unique in Britain, in having both a brick arch and an iron girder. The brick arch was built to carry a railway line across the river. However, on the far side of the river, the railway would then climb a steep gradient into Rudgwick station. Inspectors from the government's Board of Trade refused permission for the railway to open, as they felt the gradient up to Rudgwick station was too steep. The railway compamny therefore had to rebuild this section of the route with higher embankments, so that the gradient into Rudgwick was less steep. As the railway had been raised to a higher level at this location, the iron girder bridge was installed to carry it across the river. The brick arch has never been used for its intended purpose. The railway opened in 1865 but closed a century later. The railway route now forms part of the Downs Link long distance path, which itself forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network.

Malc McDonald

Downs Link, near Rudgwick

The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for almost all of its length. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, there used to be a bridge carrying the railway across the A281 road. The bridge was demolished after the railway closed, and the Downs Link path therefore descends to road level to cross the road. There has been a long-running campaign to reinstate a bridge here. Sadly, a 20-year-old cyclist was killed in 2020 whilst crossing the road at this point.

Malc McDonald

Downs Link, near Rudgwick

Malc McDonald

Downs Link, Rudgwick

A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. The bridge in this photo carries a road across the former railway line.

Malc McDonald

Downs Link, Rudgwick

A view of the Downs Link path at Rudgwick in West Sussex. The path follows a dismantled railway line. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick station. The station and railway line closed in 1965, and very little trace of the station remains. The block of flats to the right of the path has been built on the site of the station's goods yard. More information about Rudgwick station, including photographs, can be found on the Disused Stations website: Link

Malc McDonald

Houses on Station Road, Rudgwick

Houses close to the site of Rudgwick station, which closed in 1965.

Malc McDonald

Site of railway station, Rudgwick near Horsham

This was the site of Rudgwick's railway station, which closed in 1965. Little trace of the station remains, with the site put to new uses. The building to the left of the image is a health centre.

Malc McDonald

The Sidings, Rudgwick

The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex.

Malc McDonald

The Sidings, Rudgwick

The Sidings is a small residential development on the site of the former station goods yard at Rudgwick, in West Sussex. The building to the left of the image is a health centre.

Malc McDonald

Downs Link at Rudgwick station site

The Downs Link path follows a dismantled railway line for most of its length. It also forms part of route 223 of the National Cycle Network. Here, the path passes through the site of Rudgwick railway station. More information about Rudgwick station can be found on the Disused Stations website: Link

Malc McDonald