Hooks Copse

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

Hooks Copse

The Dragon Public House, Colgate, West Sussex At one of the main crossroads of this small village. The pub is named after the dragon which was said to live in the nearby St. Leonards Forest. — The Dragon Public House, Colgate, West Sussex Credit: Pete Chapman

Hooks Copse is a stunning woodland located in the county of Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, this ancient forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is situated near the village of Hooks Green and is easily accessible by foot or by car.

The copse boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and ash, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. The woodland floor is carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the forest. The dense canopy provides a shaded and cool environment, making it a perfect retreat during the hot summer months.

The woodland is also home to a wide array of wildlife. Visitors may catch a glimpse of deer, foxes, and rabbits roaming freely in their natural habitat. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the many species that inhabit Hooks Copse, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds. The tranquil surroundings make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

For those seeking recreational activities, Hooks Copse offers several walking trails and paths that wind through the forest. These well-maintained routes provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature, and there are designated picnic areas where visitors can pause and enjoy a packed lunch. Additionally, the copse is a popular destination for nature education programs and guided tours, providing a valuable learning experience for visitors of all ages.

Overall, Hooks Copse in Sussex is a sublime woodland that offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

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Hooks Copse Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.091076/-0.25865792 or Grid Reference TQ2233. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Dragon Public House, Colgate, West Sussex

At one of the main crossroads of this small village. The pub is named after the dragon which was said to live in the nearby St. Leonards Forest.

Pete Chapman

Level Crossing (Horsham-Crawley line), Wimland Road, Faygate, West Sussex

An automatic (un-manned) rural level crossing on this railway line, which connects Horsham to the London Victoria terminus, via Three Bridges.

Pete Chapman

The Cherry Tree Public House, Near Faygate, West Sussex.

A wayside inn on the N side of the A264 dual carriageway

Pete Chapman

Faygate Station, Faygate, West Sussex

Not pretty, but functional. The small village of Faygate is surprisingly industrial (easy access to the railway and main A264 road probably the reason) for its location and the station fits in with the theme. On the Line between Horsham and Crawley (London Victoria - Littlehampton/Bognor Regis)

Pete Chapman

Water Tower, Beacon Hill, Colgate, West Sussex

This concrete water tower is built near to the highest point on Beacon Hill (146m above sea level). Colgate is situated on top of a long ridge of wealdland that stretches E-W between Pease Pottage and the outskirts of Horsham. Water pressure in the area would be quite low without the use of a water tower.

Pete Chapman

Gate house to the Holmbush estate, off A264, between Crawley and Horsham

The gatehouse to the original main drive up to the house on the Holmwood estate.

Pete Chapman

Holmbush Potteries Industrial Estate, Crawley.

Conveniently situated off the main A264 road between Crawley and Horsham. Features a large builders merchants premises and several smaller trading and industrial units.

Pete Chapman

Bridle Road To Bucks Head Through St Leonards Forest, West Sussex

The start of the main route through the forest from near The Dragon pub. This is a public bridleway.

Pete Chapman

Ancient Boundary? Earthwall Adjacent to Bridleway Between Beacon Hill and the St Leonards Forest Bridleway

Earthwalls are often found in forested areas an can signify the presence of a very old boundary line. They often feature distinctive trees (e.g. pollards, or yews). Here we see an earthwall in a beech wood. The public right of way (bridleway) runs close to and parallel to the earthwall for some way.

Pete Chapman

Colgate Village Hall, Colgate, West Sussex

This village hall is the centre for a lot of village life and is appropriately in the centre of the village! This particular hall building replaced one that was bombed during the second world war.

Pete Chapman

St Saviours Church, Colgate, West Sussex

Centrally located in the village: almost opposite one of the two main road junctions; and near to the village hall. Brick built with a slate roof.

Pete Chapman

Bridleway through Holmbush Forest, near Colgate, West Sussex

This bridleway runs through Holmbush forest from Colgate to the main road between Crawley and Horsham (A264).

Pete Chapman

Wimland Farm, Near Faygate, West Sussex

A standard sized farmstead for the area, and one where farming appears to still be the main activity. Small pond behind the bushes on the left. View taken from the public road immediately to the N.

Pete Chapman

Phone Mast, Wimland Farm, Near Faygate, West Sussex

Phone mast in amongst the farm buildings of the main farmstead.

Pete Chapman

Road Junction near Wimland Farm, Faygate, West Sussex

All narrow (single track) roads. The sign was a bit dilapidated - the central limb (to Faygate) was missing.

Pete Chapman

Road Junction, Near Carylls Lea, Faygate, West Sussex

The metalled bridleway (see square TQ2235) comes out at this junction. Directions go to Faygate, Wimland, and Rusper.

Pete Chapman

Field adjacent to bridleway near Carylls Lea junction, Faygate, West Sussex

This corner of the field is in the SW corner of the grid square, but there were several similar open fields on either side of the public right of way (which runs along a metalled farm track at this point). The view looks down across the wide shallow valley that the A264 Crawley-Horsham road runs through. In the distance, the large house of the Holmwood estate can just be made out on the far hillside. To the Left (E) of the field is a small wood. View taken looking SSE from the bridleway.

Pete Chapman

Woodland S of bridleway between Ifield West (Crawley) and Carylls Lea junction (Faygate), West Sussex.

One of many small pieces of woodland that are scattered over this part of rural Sussex. This wood is adjacent to the field in one of the other photos for this square. Mainly young deciduous trees, this area recently cleared.

Pete Chapman

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Hooks Copse is located at Grid Ref: TQ2233 (Lat: 51.091076, Lng: -0.25865792)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Horsham

Police Authority: Sussex