Eight Acres Rough

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Eight Acres Rough

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

Eight Acres Rough is a sprawling woodland located in the county of Sussex, England. With a total area of approximately eight acres, it is a significant natural attraction in the region. The rough is characterized by its dense forest cover, with a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, dominating the landscape.

The woodland is known for its untouched and rugged beauty, providing a haven for wildlife and a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts. It offers a diverse range of habitats, including open clearings, dense thickets, and winding paths, making it an ideal location for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Eight Acres Rough is home to a rich array of wildlife. Visitors may encounter various species of birds, such as woodpeckers, nightingales, and owls. The woodland also provides shelter to mammals like foxes, badgers, and deer. Additionally, it boasts a vibrant insect population, with butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles being commonly sighted.

The rough is managed by the local conservation authority, ensuring the preservation of its natural features and the protection of its inhabitants. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), highlighting its ecological importance and contributing to its popularity among nature enthusiasts and researchers.

Access to Eight Acres Rough is provided through well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore the woodland at their own pace. Interpretive signs are strategically placed throughout the area, providing educational information about the diverse flora and fauna found within the rough.

Overall, Eight Acres Rough is a captivating woodland, offering an immersive experience in nature and serving as a vital habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

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Eight Acres Rough Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.093386/-0.42739766 or Grid Reference TQ1033. 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

Bridge over the Downs Link path near Rudgwick

A view of the Downs Link path near 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 carries a road over the former railway line.

Malc McDonald

Entering West Sussex on Church Street, Cox Green

David Howard

Furze Road, Rudgwick

David Howard

Church Street from the junction of Lynwick Street

David Howard

Rudgwick Brickworks

Sadly no longer in operation. Despite keeping the name it is now a business park including farming. There were piles of bricks in the front, now it is just the car park.

David Howard