Coombes Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Adur

England

Coombes Copse

Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex The entrance to Coombes Parish Church is marked by a Tapsel gate and a squeeze gate. The Tapsel gate is shown here in the closed position. — Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex Credit: Andrew Diack

Coombes Copse is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Spanning over several hectares, this enchanting forest is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The copse is predominantly composed of ancient beech trees, which provide a stunning canopy of vibrant green leaves during the summer months. The forest floor is adorned with a myriad of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The diverse ecosystem supports a wide range of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and a variety of bird species.

Traversing through Coombes Copse, visitors can enjoy a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for exploration. These paths cater to different skill levels, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes for the adventurous.

Coombes Copse is not only a haven for flora and fauna but also a place of historical significance. The woodland has been carefully managed for centuries, with evidence of charcoal production and timber extraction dating back to medieval times. Today, the copse is protected and managed by the local authorities, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and historical heritage.

Overall, Coombes Copse in Sussex is a captivating woodland that offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature. With its ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a place of wonder and discovery for all who have the pleasure of exploring its enchanting trails.

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Coombes Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.859678/-0.3085126 or Grid Reference TQ1908. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tapsel gate and squeeze gate at Coombes Church, West Sussex

The entrance to Coombes Parish Church is marked by a Tapsel gate and a squeeze gate. The Tapsel gate is shown here in the closed position.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in closed position at Coombes Parish Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate and adjacent squeeze gate at Coombes Parish Church. The Tapsel gate is in a closed position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard while looking in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, West Sussex

The photo shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. The adjacent squeeze gate, which prevents cattle or other large animals entering the churchyard, is in a permanently open position. The photo was taken from inside the churchyard and it looks in an east-southeast direction.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position, Sussex

This view was taken from the car park looking east-southeast and it shows the Tapsel gate at Coombes Parish Church in an open position. Next to the Tapsel gate, there is a squeeze gate which, because of its design, remains permanently open.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex, in a closed position,

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in a closed position. The photo was taken looking north and it shows the Grade I listed church in the background. The Tapsel gate links the churchyard of St Botolph's with an adjacent council burial ground. The gate was installed in late 2003 and it was consecrated in 2004 by Bishop Lindsay Urwin, who was the Bishop of Horsham between 1993 and 2009.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in an open position at St Botolph's Church, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church as seen looking north from the churchyard. The arched frame of the five bar gate is reminiscent of the Tapsel gate design at St Mary the Virgin church at Friston in East Sussex.

Andrew Diack

Closed Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in 2003. This date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame. The gate was funded by the joint parish council of the area to enable the use of the church by visitors to the burial ground.

Andrew Diack

Open Tapsel gate at St Botolph's Church seen looking south

The Tapsel gate at St Botolph's church in West Sussex is a modern one having been installed in late 2003. Although this date is carved into the top of arched wooden frame, it is difficult to see, in this photo, without added magnification. At present, the central pivot is slightly more stiff to open than other Tapsel gates but an application of lubricant would remedy this.

Andrew Diack

St Botolph's Church viewed looking east, West Sussex

On the 15th March 1955, the Saxon Church of St Botolph's was listed as a Grade I building and by definition that means that the site was considered to be of exceptional, national importance. The building dates to about AD 950 and it is listed as one of the 500 holiest sites in Britain. Notable features of the church include three bells made, in 1536, by John Tonne which commemorate the old dedication to St Peter with the inscription “Sancte Petre ora pro nobis”; an oak, Jacobean pulpit dating from 1630; traces of wall murals which were recorded in 1897 and a square baptism font, supported by a brick plinth, which probably dates to the 18th century. Another interesting feature, of the church, are the slanted side windows which allowed lepers, from the leper colony in Bramber, to stand outside and see the service taking place without transmitting the disease to the congregation inside the church.

Andrew Diack

Autumn Lady Tresses

Autumn Lady Tresses, Spiranthes spiralis in flower at Anchor Bottom next to the A283 in East Sussex.

John P Reeves

South Downs Way above Anchor Bottom

The National Trail east of the Adur Valley

Chris Heaton

The South Downs Way leading up from the Adur Valley

Tim Heaton

South Downs Way climbs Beeding Hill

A similar view is at Link.

Shazz

Bridleway gate on the South Downs Way on Beeding Hill

Shazz

Anchor Bottom by the South Downs Way

The chimney of the disused cement works is in the picture and Lancing College is set against the sea.

Shazz

River Adur

The river was formerly navigable for large vessels up as far as Steyning, where there was a large port, but over time the river valley became silted up and the port moved down to the deeper waters nearer the mouth in Shoreham-by-Sea. Link

N Chadwick

Looking towards Lancing College

N Chadwick

Downs Link

The Downs Link is a 37-mile (59 km) footpath and bridleway linking the North Downs Way Link at St. Martha's Hill in Surrey with the South Downs Way Link near Steyning in West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham-by-Sea. Most of the route follows two dismantled railway lines, both closed by the Beeching cuts in the 1960s. The Shoreham-On-Sea to Christ’s Hospital line and the Christ’s Hospital to Shalford Junction line. The link opened in 1984. Cycle Route 223 follows the Downs link from Guildford to Shoreham. The logo for the walk is the viaduct across the River Arun TQ0932 : Double Viaduct over the River Arun. A full history of the Cranleigh line (Christ’s Hospital to Shalford Junction) can be read at Link

N Chadwick

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Coombes Copse is located at Grid Ref: TQ1908 (Lat: 50.859678, Lng: -0.3085126)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Adur

Police Authority: Sussex