Farm Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Farm 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

Farm Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, this enchanting forest is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. The copse is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The forest floor of Farm Copse is adorned with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, which bloom in the spring, adding a burst of color to the landscape. The copse is also home to a variety of ferns and mosses that thrive in the damp and shaded environment.

This woodland is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an important habitat for many woodland creatures. Visitors to Farm Copse may catch sight of roe deer gracefully bounding through the trees or hear the melodic songs of various bird species, such as blackbirds, thrushes, and woodpeckers. The copse is also a sanctuary for smaller mammals like foxes, badgers, and squirrels.

A network of well-maintained footpaths and trails wind their way through Farm Copse, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. The copse is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who are drawn to its serene ambiance and photogenic landscapes.

Farm Copse is a true gem in the Sussex countryside, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and providing a glimpse into the captivating beauty of nature.

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Farm Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.077246/-0.42548949 or Grid Reference TQ1032. 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