Great Alder Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Great Alder Wood

Church Street Steyning: West Sussex The picture was taken from the intersection of Horsham Road and Church Street looking north east. This street is situated in the south eastern section of the grid square. — Church Street Steyning: West Sussex Credit: Pam Brophy

Great Alder Wood is a stunning forest located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is known for its picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity. The wood is primarily composed of alder trees, which dominate the landscape with their tall trunks and lush green foliage.

The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Various species of birds can be spotted here, including the Eurasian jay, the great spotted woodpecker, and the common buzzard. Additionally, the wood provides a habitat for mammals such as squirrels, badgers, and deer.

The forest boasts a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. These trails wind through the dense woodland, providing glimpses of enchanting wildflowers, vibrant fungi, and ancient tree stumps. The peaceful atmosphere and fresh, earthy scent of the wood create a serene environment that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Great Alder Wood is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also plays a vital role in preserving the local ecosystem. The alder trees contribute to the restoration and conservation of wetland habitats by stabilizing the soil and providing shelter for a variety of aquatic plants and animals.

Visiting Great Alder Wood offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature while appreciating the importance of biodiversity conservation. Whether it is a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the tranquility, this forest provides an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its borders.

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Great Alder Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.906286/-0.3446155 or Grid Reference TQ1613. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church Street Steyning: West Sussex

The picture was taken from the intersection of Horsham Road and Church Street looking north east. This street is situated in the south eastern section of the grid square.

Pam Brophy

Saxon Cottage: Steyning (West Sussex)

This charming cottage is a National Trust holiday cottage. It is situated in Church Street in the south eastern section of the grid square. Originally, all the houses in this village resembled this style of building. In later times it became unfashionable to live in timber frame buildings and owners put brick and mortar facades on.

Pam Brophy

Thoughtful Reflection: Steyning (West Sussex)

The church is situated in the south eastern section of the grid square.

Pam Brophy

Alderwood Ponds

Private fishing, at NE corner of square close to B2135.

Chris Shaw

Chanctondown House

In NW corner of square close to B2135.

Chris Shaw

Wappingthorn Farm

With its impressive barns and towers the farm is unmissable, close to the centre of the square.

Chris Shaw

Nutwood House and meadows

Towards E of square where footpath crosses fields to reach road.

Chris Shaw

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

Great Barn Farm, Wiston

The farm, which lies at the northern foot of the South Downs, close to Chanctonbury Ring, is named after the substantial barn which is seen through the trees, under repair, in this picture. The farm sits alongside an old east-west track which was, throughout the Middle Ages and until 1778, the main road between Steyning and Washington. It was superseded when a road roughly along the line of the modern Steyning-Washington road further north was improved and partly realigned, and the southern road was closed to traffic. This coincided with the period when Wiston Park was enlarged and the village moved from its old location close to Wiston House to its present location further north. Taken from Chanctonbury Ring Road at TQ145124 looking east.

Ron Strutt

Mouse Lane

The old route to Washington following the base of the South Downs, passing Chanctonbury Ring on the way.

Simon Carey

Field from Mouse Lane

Looking towards an unnamed peak on the South Downs.

Simon Carey

First World War memorial, Mouse Lane

Written by John Stanley Purvis whilst in the trenches and an ode to Mouse Lane which he remembered whilst waiting to go over the top. Purvis was invalided out of the war and died in 1968. Much of the surrounding area was used as an army camp during the First World War. See Link

Simon Carey

Pond near Round Robin

Situated on the northern edge of the grid square.

Simon Carey

Wiston House

Taken from the footpath that runs along the southern edge of this estate. The manor's church can be seen behind the tree to the right. The house was started in 1575 and completed in the 1620s and remodelled during the 18th century. Since 1951 it has been leased to the Foreign Office who use it to hold conferences.

Simon Carey

Footbridge, Wiston House

The lane underneath was the main Washington-Steyning highway until the current A283 was turnpiked in 1778. This bridge was built to avoid the road connecting Wiston House with its grounds to the south of the road.

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