Guessgate Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Guessgate Wood

View from Chanctonbury Ring (3) Credit: Peter Shimmon

Guessgate Wood, located in Sussex, England, is a captivating forest renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Spanning an area of approximately 500 acres, this woodland is nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, offering visitors a peaceful and serene environment.

The wood is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash, which provide a lush green canopy during the summer months and a mesmerizing display of vibrant colors during autumn. The forest floor is adorned with an array of wildflowers and ferns, creating a picturesque scene that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Aside from its natural wonders, Guessgate Wood holds historical importance as it was once part of the ancient medieval hunting grounds. Remnants of this history can be observed through the presence of old hunting lodges and deer stands scattered throughout the forest.

The wood provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and various bird species. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting woodpeckers, owls, and a variety of songbirds.

Guessgate Wood offers several well-maintained walking trails that allow visitors to explore its enchanting surroundings. These trails meander through the forest, offering glimpses of tranquil ponds, babbling brooks, and ancient trees. The wood also boasts a picnic area, making it an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts to enjoy a day out in the countryside.

In summary, Guessgate Wood in Sussex is a captivating woodland that combines natural beauty with historical significance. Its diverse flora and fauna, along with its well-preserved trails, make it a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

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Guessgate Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.918899/-0.36020203 or Grid Reference TQ1514. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Chanctonbury Ring (3)

Peter Shimmon

View from Chanctonbury Ring (4)

Peter Shimmon

All Saints Church, Buncton

12th Century Church in the tiny Parish of Wiston with Buncton.

Janine Forbes

Bushovel Farm, Wiston

Formerly called Bush Hovel Farm, it is seen slightly left of centre in this picture taken from Chanctonbury Ring. What is interesting is the circular shape of the field to the right of the farmhouse and buildings (with an extension on the right). This betrays it as having been an early clearing in the vast, heavily wooded Sussex Weald from which the farm was created. There are several farms along the foot of the downs here. At first sight it appears not to be the best situation for a farm, the southern sun being blocked by the bulk of the downs for much of the year (although not at Bushovel), but it is along this line that the chalk of the downs gives way to the gault clay of the Weald and it is here that numerous springs rise, providing a plentiful supply of water.

Ron Strutt

Fastings Cottage, Chanctonbury Ring Road

Ron Strutt

Wiston Tearooms

Wiston tearooms is at the southern end of the village. In the garden is a substantial collection of animals including various species of chickens, duck and geese, as well as two pigs, Henry - the infamous "Ashington pig" who was found wandering in the nearby village of Ashington - and George, goats, and a pony.

Ron Strutt

Fields of Hole Street Farm

A view across this entirely agricultural square: the fields of Hole Street Farm, looking towards Upper Chancton, with the trees of Birth Copse in the middle distance. The hedge line in the foreground is probably ancient; it marks the parish boundary.

Ron Strutt

Holloway, Chanctonbury Ring Road

An old droving lane that linked Downland farms with their Wealden pastures.

Simon Carey

Footpath to Kensett's Corner

Taken from North Lane bridleway.

Simon Carey

Coppicing, Brickyard Copse

Taken from North Lane bridleway.

Simon Carey

Field, Jessops Farm

Taken from the footpath that goes through the farm.

Simon Carey

Footpath, Jack O'Lantern Wood

This is one of the better ones too!

Simon Carey

The route to Hawking Sopers

Common Copse is to the right and those rainclouds were heading my way.

Simon Carey

Dying Deer, near Jessops Farm

On the footpath that heads south from the farm. Both back legs seemed to be gone. Not much I could do I'm afraid.

Simon Carey

Small Hill near Furzfield Cottage

Taken from Spithandle Lane path. The peak should have had Upper Barn on it but this did not appear to be either there or visible.

Simon Carey

Colour amid the gloom, Spithandle Copse

Amongst the churned up mudbath that was Spithandle Lane was the odd bloom of spring flowers and shoots which make a lovely contrast to the murky browns elsewhere

Simon Carey

Spithandle Lane

Spithandle Copse to the right, Spithandle Rough to the left. The road at the bottom left heads to College Wood Farm. The lane itself links Wiston to Horsebridge Common.

Simon Carey