Coolhurst Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Coolhurst Wood

Oaks, Monk's Gate (1) There are quite a number of fine old specimens in the area, perhaps relics of former parkland. — Oaks, Monk's Gate (1) Credit: Stephen Richards

Coolhurst Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, it is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and ash, which create a lush and vibrant canopy.

The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and animal spotting. Visitors may catch a glimpse of resident species such as squirrels, deer, and a multitude of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls.

Coolhurst Wood offers a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These paths wind through the wood, leading visitors through tranquil groves and alongside babbling streams. The wood also features a small pond, providing a serene spot for reflection and relaxation.

In addition to its natural beauty, Coolhurst Wood boasts a rich history. It is believed to have been used as a hunting ground by medieval nobility and later became a popular location for charcoal production. Today, remnants of charcoal hearths can still be found scattered throughout the woodland, serving as a reminder of its past.

Coolhurst Wood is a cherished local gem, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether visitors are seeking a leisurely stroll, wildlife watching, or a place to connect with nature, this enchanting woodland offers something for everyone.

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Coolhurst Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.053217/-0.28800166 or Grid Reference TQ2029. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Oaks, Monk's Gate (1)

There are quite a number of fine old specimens in the area, perhaps relics of former parkland.

Stephen Richards

Oaks, Monk's Gate (2)

There are quite a number of fine old specimens in the area, perhaps relics of former parkland.

Stephen Richards

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

Hammer Pond

The surviving hammer pond that once powered St Leonards Upper Forge which operated between 1554 and 1655. The pond bay still survives at the southern end, see TQ2128 : Pond Bay, St Leonards Upper Forge, though the former site, see TQ2128 : Site of St Leonards Upper Forge, has been landscaped by Mannings Heath Golf Club. TQ2128 : Hammer Pond Cottage, Hammerpond Road at the western end is linked too.

Simon Carey

Mannings Heath Golf Club

This section adjacent to Goldings Stream, viewed from Hammerpond Road, is believed to be the site of the former hammer pond for St Leonards Lower Forge. The works operated from 1554 to 1655, often in conjunction with a furnbace built on the site as well as the Upper Forge. TQ2129 : Hawkins Pond was a pen pond for the Lower Forge.

Simon Carey

Site of St Leonards Upper Forge

The forge operated from 1554 to 1655 in conjunction with the Lower Forge and Furnace downstream. Viewed from Hammerpond Road which contains the surviving pond bay, see TQ2128 : Pond Bay, St Leonards Upper Forge, that separated the site from TQ2128 : Hammer Pond. Now part of Mannigs Heath Golf Club whose landscaping has disturbed the site which also contains a World War Two pillbox.

Simon Carey

Hammer Pond Cottage, Hammerpond Road

The building dates from the 17th century and is contemporary with the adjacent TQ2128 : Site of St Leonards Upper Forge. For a while it was a pair of cottages prior to becoming a single dwelling.

Simon Carey

Pond Bay, St Leonards Upper Forge

The bay carries Hammerpond Road past TQ2128 : Hammer Pond to the left, separating it from the working, see TQ2128 : Site of St Leonards Upper Forge, to the right.

Simon Carey

Bucks Head, Buckshead Hill, Bucks Head

The cottage appears to date back to the 19th century and is one of a couple of buildings that make up the hamlet of Bucks Head that is located on a ridge between two former hammer ponds.

Simon Carey

Hawkins Pond

Built as a pen pond for St Leonards Lower Forge that operated between 1554 and 1655. Now used as a private fishing pond.

Simon Carey

Pond Bay, Hawkins Pond

The dam for TQ2129 : Hawkins Pond that was built as a pen pond for St Leonards Lower Forge that operated between 1554 and 1655. Now carrying Hammerpond Road.

Simon Carey

Cinderbank Copse

Within the copse between Frenchbridge Gill and Goldins Stream is the site of St Leonards Lower Forge and Furnace that operated from 1554 to 1655. The main pond, see TQ2128 : Mannings Heath Golf Club, does not survive, but a pen pond, TQ2128 : Pond Bay, St Leonards Upper Forge, does. Now part of Mannings Heath Golf Club.

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

Track Junction in St Leonard Forest. Part of the High Weald Landscape Trail

The main bridleway through the middle of the forest intersects with several public footpaths. Here we see where one of the paths (part of the route of the High Weald Landscape Trail) leads off along an intersceting track. The View also shows the characteristic trees in this forest, which are mainly pine.

Pete Chapman

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Coolhurst Wood is located at Grid Ref: TQ2029 (Lat: 51.053217, Lng: -0.28800166)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Horsham

Police Authority: Sussex