Highland Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Highland Copse

Inholms Gill A tributary of the River Arun that rises in St Leonard&#039;s Forest. — Inholms Gill Credit: Simon Carey

Highland Copse is a woodland located in Sussex, England. It is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The copse covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The woodland is primarily composed of native tree species such as oak, ash, and birch. These trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a wide range of flora and fauna. The forest floor is covered in a lush carpet of ferns, wildflowers, and mosses, adding to the area's charm.

Highland Copse is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds throughout the year. The copse also has several ponds and streams, which attract amphibians such as frogs and newts.

The woodland is crisscrossed with a network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These trails lead to scenic viewpoints, hidden clearings, and secluded picnic spots. The copse is well-maintained, with designated picnic areas and benches for visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Highland Copse is easily accessible by car and has a small parking area for visitors. It is open year-round, although spring and summer are particularly beautiful times to visit, as the woodland comes alive with vibrant colors and the songs of birds.

Overall, Highland Copse is a picturesque woodland that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and natural beauty, it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Sussex.

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Highland Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.058713/-0.29546201 or Grid Reference TQ1930. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inholms Gill

A tributary of the River Arun that rises in St Leonard's Forest.

Simon Carey

Track, St Leonard's Forest

The surfaced track heads north from the car park on Hammerpond Road to Mick's Cross.

Simon Carey

Club House, Mannings Heath Golf Course

Opened in 1905 the site contains 36 holes spread over two courses; Waterfall, the original course, and Kingfisher.

Simon Carey

Goldings Lane

Viewed from the junction with Hammerpond Road. The lane heads south to Mannings Heath.

Simon Carey

Rural Bridleway near Horsham, West Sussex

This bridleway runs up a straight avenue of trees that cuts across the old St. Leonards estate from a gate lodge on the public road to the "Big House". Offered a very pleasant cycle ride on the day of the photo! Photo taken looking N along the avenue. Corn fields can be seen on the other side of the trees on the right.

Pete Chapman

Stew Pond, adjacent to bridleway, St Leonards Park Estate, Near Horsham, West Sussex.

The original purpose of this pond (and an adjacent pond) is not obvious, but its proximity to the main estate buildings may mean that it was used as water storage or a fish pond to supply the estate. Relatively overgrown and unused these days!

Pete Chapman

Owlbeech Woods, Horsham, West Sussex

Mixed woodland. The part shown is a coniferous plantation. The woods join on to Leechpool woods TQ1931. Owned an run by Horsham District Council, who permit general public access.

Pete Chapman

Motocross track near to Horsham, West Sussex

A view facing roughly north of the start line, with St. Leonard's forest in the background.

Chris Plunkett

Turf Plain

Turf Plain looking to the south east. The ground dips just beyond the trees to Sheepwash Ghyll and then rises to Scragged Oak Hill in St Leonard's Forest. Bottom left of the picture passes the High Weald Landscape Trail.

Peter Cox

Turf Plain Lodge

The ground floor pattern of Turf Plain Lodge can be clearly seen. The High Weald Landscape Trail passes just beyond the remains.

Peter Cox

Turf Plain pond

One of several ponds on Turf Plain. This one feeds to a commercial fishery.

Peter Cox

Pond on Turf Plain

Another pond on Turf Plain, this one drains a nearby motocross circuit.

Peter Cox

Lily Beds Dam

'St Leonard fought the local dragon and where the saint bled and drops of his blood touched the ground, lilies grew.' The area of St Leonard's forest to the south of Greenbroom Hill and running down to Sheepwah Ghyll is known as the Liy beds; This track passes through the area on its way to Turf Plain.

Peter Cox

Plank bridge by Sheepwash Ghyll

A small stream runs down to Sheepwash ghyll and is crossed by this two plank bridge.

Peter Cox

Ford across Sheepwash Ghyll, Lower Beeding

A slab of 'Horsham stone' in the bed of Sheepwash Ghyll provides a shallow ford and a small waterfall for the footpath as it heads east up Scragged Oak Hill. Sheepwash Ghyll? In 1332 Sheepwash farm was the home of Philip atte Shepewash of West Grinstead which adjoins Nuthurst. However Sheepwash farm is some 6km to the south at TQ184244 and the Ghyll itself after passing through Roosthole flows west under Birchen bridge as the river Arun.

Peter Cox

Scragged Oak Hill in St Leonard's forest

The oak is the 'Sussex weed' and there are many fine examples of the tree in the County and indeed in St Leonard's forest. However this pair are pathetic and typical of the oaks on this hill, scragged by name and nature.

Peter Cox

Sheepwash Ghyll, St Leonard's Forest

Sheepwash Ghyll has cut a deep ravine running over a base of sandstone often forming small 'waterfalls' as here and providing a ford for the footpath going up Scragged Oak Hill (to the right). Sheepwash Ghyll flows out of Whitevane Pond, about 1.5km to the north of this photo, through Roosthole Pond and as Goldings stream into (Birchen) Mill Pond. Flowing out of (Birchen) Mill Pond and under the A281 it emerges as the river Arun on its way to the sea at Littlehampton.

Peter Cox