Davies Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Davies Wood

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

Davies Wood is a picturesque forest located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a natural haven that attracts nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike. The wood is situated in the heart of the Sussex countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and charming villages.

Davies Wood is mainly comprised of towering oak trees, which provide a dense canopy and create a serene atmosphere. The forest floor is covered in a rich carpet of vibrant wildflowers, ferns, and mosses. This diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, deer, and various insect species.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty on foot or by bicycle. There are also designated picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy a leisurely outdoor meal. Additionally, the wood boasts several small ponds, which attract water-loving creatures such as ducks and frogs.

Davies Wood is not only a natural retreat but also a site of historical significance. It has been documented that the forest has been in existence for hundreds of years, possibly dating back to medieval times. The wood has been carefully managed and preserved by local authorities, ensuring its longevity for future generations to enjoy.

Overall, Davies Wood in Sussex is a captivating destination that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the English countryside.

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Davies Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.091296/-0.42441266 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