Brook Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Brook Copse

Bracket fungi
Bracket fungi Credit: Ian Cunliffe

Brook Copse, located in Sussex, England, is a picturesque wood that encompasses an area of approximately 20 acres. This tranquil forest is nestled within the South Downs National Park, offering visitors a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The copse is characterized by its dense and diverse vegetation, including a variety of mature trees, such as oak, beech, and ash.

As visitors venture into Brook Copse, they are greeted by a network of well-marked trails that wind through the woodland, providing an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The forest floor is adorned with a thick carpet of vibrant wildflowers, creating a colorful and enchanting atmosphere.

The copse is also home to a rich array of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers can spot a plethora of species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various migratory birds. Additionally, small mammals like squirrels, badgers, and foxes can be glimpsed as they go about their daily activities.

Brook Copse offers more than just natural beauty, as it boasts a rich historical significance as well. The wood is believed to have been part of an ancient woodland, possibly dating back to the medieval period. Its history can be explored through remnants of old pathways, earthworks, and even the occasional archaeological find.

Overall, Brook Copse is a haven of tranquility and natural splendor. It provides a perfect setting for individuals seeking solace in nature, as well as those keen to immerse themselves in the history and wildlife of the Sussex countryside.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Brook Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.041648/-0.31993918 or Grid Reference TQ1728. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bracket fungi
Bracket fungi
View SE from the bridleway SE of Sedgwick Park This photo shows the wooded landscape at the western end of the Weald. The South Downs can be made out faintly on the horizon.
View SE from the bridleway SE of Sedgwick Park
This photo shows the wooded landscape at the western end of the Weald. The South Downs can be made out faintly on the horizon.
Rickfield Farm Viewed from the drive entrance on Brighton Road, the A281.
Rickfield Farm
Viewed from the drive entrance on Brighton Road, the A281.
Broom Field The name of the field according to Nuthurst's 1845 tithe map bounded to the north by Brighton Road, the A281.
Broom Field
The name of the field according to Nuthurst's 1845 tithe map bounded to the north by Brighton Road, the A281.
Common Field The name of the field according to Nuthurst's 1845 tithe map bounded to the north by Brighton Road, the A281.
Common Field
The name of the field according to Nuthurst's 1845 tithe map bounded to the north by Brighton Road, the A281.
Brighton Road The A81 heads north towards Birchen Bridge. The road between Henfield and Horsham was turnpiked in 1771 and was part of an early London-Brighton through route.
Brighton Road
The A81 heads north towards Birchen Bridge. The road between Henfield and Horsham was turnpiked in 1771 and was part of an early London-Brighton through route.
Brighton Road Looking east as the A281 crosses the old pond bay and Birchen Bridge. To the left is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677514">TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond</a> whilst to the right was <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677520">TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge</a>. Until 1969 the former buildings of Birchenbridge Mill abutted the road on the right, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://catalogue.millsarchive.org/informationobject/browse?mediatypes=136&sort=startDate&sq0=%22Birchen+Bridge+Mill%2C+Nuthurst%2C+Horsham%22&sf0=place&topLod=0&copyrightStatus=311&sortDir=asc" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://catalogue.millsarchive.org/informationobject/browse?mediatypes=136&sort=startDate&sq0=%22Birchen+Bridge+Mill%2C+Nuthurst%2C+Horsham%22&sf0=place&topLod=0&copyrightStatus=311&sortDir=asc">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Brighton Road
Looking east as the A281 crosses the old pond bay and Birchen Bridge. To the left is TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond whilst to the right was TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge. Until 1969 the former buildings of Birchenbridge Mill abutted the road on the right, see LinkExternal link
Track or Leat? Running along the northern side of <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677520">TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge</a> from below the A281 to the River Arun. There is some debate whther this was a service track for either the forge of the mill or, due to the raised banks either side, an overflow leat.
Track or Leat?
Running along the northern side of TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge from below the A281 to the River Arun. There is some debate whther this was a service track for either the forge of the mill or, due to the raised banks either side, an overflow leat.
River Arun Heading south from Birchen Bridge.
River Arun
Heading south from Birchen Bridge.
Site of Birchenbridge Forge The forge operated from at least 1598 until last mentioned in 1627. Not long after the site was converted into a corn mill which worked into the 20th century and then used to generate electricity. The buildings, which abutted the A281, were finally demolished in 1969. In the distance is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677515">TQ1929 : Brighton Road</a> beyond which is <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677514">TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond</a>.
Site of Birchenbridge Forge
The forge operated from at least 1598 until last mentioned in 1627. Not long after the site was converted into a corn mill which worked into the 20th century and then used to generate electricity. The buildings, which abutted the A281, were finally demolished in 1969. In the distance is TQ1929 : Brighton Road beyond which is TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond.
Hydraulic Ram, Birchen Bridge Located in a former leat near the site of the old corn mill. No idea if it is still in operation.
Hydraulic Ram, Birchen Bridge
Located in a former leat near the site of the old corn mill. No idea if it is still in operation.
Remains of Birchenbridge Mill The mill operated from the mid 17th century until the 20th century. The buildings were demolished in 1969, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://catalogue.millsarchive.org/informationobject/browse?mediatypes=136&sort=startDate&sq0=%22Birchen+Bridge+Mill%2C+Nuthurst%2C+Horsham%22&sf0=place&topLod=0&copyrightStatus=311&sortDir=asc" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://catalogue.millsarchive.org/informationobject/browse?mediatypes=136&sort=startDate&sq0=%22Birchen+Bridge+Mill%2C+Nuthurst%2C+Horsham%22&sf0=place&topLod=0&copyrightStatus=311&sortDir=asc">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> from the Mills Archive for views of the former building. The mill itself took over the site from a former iron forge, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677520">TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge</a>.
Remains of Birchenbridge Mill
The mill operated from the mid 17th century until the 20th century. The buildings were demolished in 1969, see LinkExternal link from the Mills Archive for views of the former building. The mill itself took over the site from a former iron forge, see TQ1929 : Site of Birchenbridge Forge.
Birchen Bridge A view of the spillway which carries water from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7677514">TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond</a> into the River Arun.
Birchen Bridge
A view of the spillway which carries water from TQ1929 : Birchenbridge Pond into the River Arun.
Mill Field The name of the field according to Horsham's 1844 tithe map that is bounded to the north and east by Brighton Road, the A281, and to the south by the former site of Birchenbridge Mill.
Mill Field
The name of the field according to Horsham's 1844 tithe map that is bounded to the north and east by Brighton Road, the A281, and to the south by the former site of Birchenbridge Mill.
Sedgewick Lane Heading south to Sedgewick Park and once known as Magpie Lane.
Sedgewick Lane
Heading south to Sedgewick Park and once known as Magpie Lane.
Falcon Lodge/Hilliers Cottage, Sedgewick Lane Built in 1830 as a single dwelling called Magpie House that has now been divided into two cottages. Falcon Lodge is in the foreground with Hilliers Cottage on the northern side. Located on Sedgewick Lane which itself was once known as Magpie Lane.
Falcon Lodge/Hilliers Cottage, Sedgewick Lane
Built in 1830 as a single dwelling called Magpie House that has now been divided into two cottages. Falcon Lodge is in the foreground with Hilliers Cottage on the northern side. Located on Sedgewick Lane which itself was once known as Magpie Lane.
Hornbrook Hill The name of the section of the A281 between the junction with Sedgewick Lane and Doomsday Lane and the crossing of Horn Brook. Hornbrook Farm is on the right.
Hornbrook Hill
The name of the section of the A281 between the junction with Sedgewick Lane and Doomsday Lane and the crossing of Horn Brook. Hornbrook Farm is on the right.
Magpie Field The name of the field according to Horsham's 1844 tithe map bounded by Hornbrook Hill, the A281, to the south and Doomsday Lane to the east. Hornbrook Farm is visible in the distance.
Magpie Field
The name of the field according to Horsham's 1844 tithe map bounded by Hornbrook Hill, the A281, to the south and Doomsday Lane to the east. Hornbrook Farm is visible in the distance.
Show me another place!

Brook Copse is located at Grid Ref: TQ1728 (Lat: 51.041648, Lng: -0.31993918)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Horsham

Police Authority: Sussex

What 3 Words

///crackles.elevator.remain. Near Horsham, West Sussex

Related Wikis

Chesworth House

Chesworth House is a former Tudor manor house, located a mile south of Horsham, West Sussex, England. The original Manor house became a farmhouse and has...

Copthorne F.C.

Copthorne Football Club is a football club based in Copthorne in West Sussex, England. They are currently members of the Southern Combination Division...

Horsham F.C.

Horsham Football Club is a non-League football club based in Horsham, West Sussex, England, currently playing in the Isthmian League Premier Division....

Haywards Heath Town F.C. Women

Haywards Heath Town F.C. Women (formerly Crawley Wasps Ladies FC) is an English women's football club, that currently plays in the FA Women's National...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.041648,-0.31993918
Waves Farm
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 51.0393364/-0.320892
Hard's Farm
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 51.0387292/-0.3232094
Bourne Hill
Place: farm
Lat/Long: 51.041684/-0.3260204
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Brook Copse?

Leave your review of Brook Copse below (or comments, questions and feedback).