Old Rough Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Old Rough Wood

Pot Common Potcommon Furzefield to the left, Soil Wood to the right. Taken from the bridleway. — Pot Common Credit: Simon Carey

Old Rough Wood is a charming forest located in the county of Sussex, England. Known for its picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity, this woodland is a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Old Rough Wood offers a peaceful and serene escape from the bustle of everyday life.

The forest is characterized by its dense canopy of ancient oak and beech trees, which provide a sheltered habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The woodland floor is carpeted with a diverse range of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape during the spring months.

Wandering through Old Rough Wood, visitors can expect to encounter an array of wildlife. The forest is home to numerous species of birds, such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, whose melodious songs can be heard throughout the day. In addition, the wood is inhabited by mammals like deer, foxes, and badgers, which can sometimes be spotted during early morning or late evening walks.

The forest offers a network of well-maintained trails and footpaths, making it an ideal destination for walking, jogging, and cycling. The paths meander through the wood, leading visitors to hidden glades, babbling streams, and tranquil ponds. There are also designated picnic areas where visitors can pause and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the serenity of nature.

Old Rough Wood, Sussex, with its ancient trees, vibrant wildflowers, and diverse wildlife, is a true gem of natural beauty. Whether seeking solace or adventure, this enchanting forest provides an idyllic setting for anyone eager to explore the wonders of the natural world.

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Old Rough Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.967607/-0.35205012 or Grid Reference TQ1519. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pot Common

Potcommon Furzefield to the left, Soil Wood to the right. Taken from the bridleway.

Simon Carey

Entrance to Whitefoots

Wheelie bin standing guard. This is the point where the bridleway turns shapely west.

Simon Carey

Jasmine Cottage, Rookcross Lane

Situated at the junction of the lane with the entrance to Rooklands Farm.

Simon Carey

Worthing Road, Dial Post

Hard to believe that the A24 used to thunder through this village until the 1980s. Now all is quiet and serene. Dial Post is a hamlet within the parish of West Grinstead and grew in size from the eighteenth century onwards. The in is The Crown.

Simon Carey

Grinders Wood

Taken from the footpath that links Thistleworth Farm with Buckells Farm.

Simon Carey

Entrance to Perrylands

Seen from the A24.

Andy Potter

Junction of Bridleway 1886/1 and Footpath 1886/2

On Benton's Lane near Wickwood Cottage.

Andy Potter

Pond at Hatterell's farm

Hatterell farm has now gone and has been ploughed under (see Old Maps Link

for an 1879 OS map) but its pond survives (but for how long?).

Peter Cox

Clothall's Farmhouse

Clothalls is on a moated site with the southern (right) representing the earliest portion. A three-bay hall and northern cross-wing being added in the C15. Clothall is a small parish in Hertfordshire and a family from there seems to have made its way to Sussex. Adam de Clothale married into the 'de Grensted' family about 1270. The last, Richard de Clothale, died in 1454. 'Wealden Buildings' Editor John Warren. Coach Publishing, Horsham 1990. ISBN 0 902608 06 1 'The Victoria County History' A History of the County of Sussex: Volume 6 Part 2 Bramber Rape (North-Western Part) including Horsham

Peter Cox

River Adur looking north from Hatterell bridge

This section of the river Adur was part of the Baybridge canal which ran for 3.5 miles from Pike's brook, near Knepp castle, to Locks farm. From Locks farm, as the Adur Navigation, the river ran to the sea at Shoreham. See Link

for just a little more. The canal had closed by 1875 due to competition from the Horsham to Shoreham railway.

Peter Cox

Bentons Place Farm, Shipley

Note the fine Horsham stone roof. There was once a manor of Bentons which also included nearby 'Blonks' - farm and cottage.

Peter Cox

Farmland near the River Adur

The line of reeds in the foreground mark the course of the river.

Simon Carey

River Adur

Taken from Hatterell's Bridge. The river was straightened and made navigable in 1825 as far as the wharf at Bay Bridge and saw regular barges travelling the waterway until the opening of the Horsham-Shoreham railway in 1861 ruined it. The company operating it ceased to function in 1875 though some traffic remained until the 1890s.

Simon Carey

Bridleway to Clothalls Farm

Linking the farm with Jolesfield Common via Haterells Bridge.

Simon Carey

Clothalls Farm

Former manor house largely dating from the 17th century but incorporating parts as early as the 14th century. The former moat lies beyond the farm house obscured by bushes.

Simon Carey

River Adur

North of Hatterell Bridge with low flying helicopter to the right which had flown southwards to probably Locks Farm landed then left heading north again.

Simon Carey