Sunoak Plantation

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Sunoak Plantation

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 &quot;Big House&quot;. 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. — Rural Bridleway near Horsham, West Sussex Credit: Pete Chapman

Sunoak Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Sussex, England. Situated amidst the serene surroundings of dense forests and lush greenery, it offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The plantation spans over a vast area and is known for its spectacular sun-soaked oak trees, which give the estate its name.

The woodland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The majestic oak trees dominate the landscape and provide a habitat for various bird species, including owls and woodpeckers. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells and other wildflowers during the spring season, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Sunoak Plantation offers several walking trails and nature paths, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the woodland at their own pace. The well-maintained paths wind through the forest, offering glimpses of the enchanting wildlife and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The plantation also hosts educational programs and nature walks, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the ecosystem and the importance of preserving the natural environment. Additionally, there are picnic areas and designated spots for outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families and groups.

Overall, Sunoak Plantation is a remarkable woodland retreat that showcases the natural beauty of Sussex. With its tranquil ambiance, diverse wildlife, and scenic trails, it offers a rejuvenating experience for nature lovers and a peaceful escape for those seeking solace in the lap of nature.

Show me another place!

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

Sunoak Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.057466/-0.2858044 or Grid Reference TQ2030. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

Forest Grange, in the heart of St Leonards Forest, Near Horsham, West Sussex

Earlier maps (e.g. 1993) show this as the site of Forest Grange School. Later maps have dropped school from the name. It didn't looked like it was being used as a school at the time the picture was taken.

Pete Chapman

Forestry Operations, St Leonards Forest, Near Horsham, West Sussex

The forest is run by the Forestry Commission for commercial timber extraction. Here we see a lorry on the main access track (also a public bridleway) being loaded up with logs.

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

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

Mick Mills Race, St Leonards Forest

Mick Mills (or is it Miles?) race. Mick, a local braggart, boasted he could outrace anyone. The Devil took up the challenge. The resulting contest, which Mick won, left a course through the forest on which no tree would grow. Being gravelled and a forestry access route probably helps.

Peter Cox

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

Earthbank on Greenbroom Hill

The earthbank goes west down Greenbroom Hill for approximately 200m. Silver birch is here on the top of the bank which heads into a pine plantation. The earthbank continues east for approximately 25m on the other side of the forestry track.

Peter Cox

Whitevane Pond

The notice says it all, this is a very private fishery. Try Link

for more pictures. In 1879 Whitevane pond had Boat House on the west shore.

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

Mick's Cross

This enclosure in Mick's Cross plantation is approximately 10 metres square and just off the track leading from Roosthole carpark to the south end of Mick Mill's Race. In line with the gate it contains a low corrugated iron platform with two venting? pipes and a shaft driven gear wheel. To the right, by the timber, is a water tank. Further photos on request!

Peter Cox

Show me another place!

Sunoak Plantation is located at Grid Ref: TQ2030 (Lat: 51.057466, Lng: -0.2858044)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Horsham

Police Authority: Sussex