St Leonard's Forest

Wood, Forest in Sussex Horsham

England

St Leonard's Forest

Grouse Road A minor road that links Hammerpond Road at Bucks Head to Pease Pottage, the latter an old entrance to St Leonard&#039;s Forest. Old Copse is on the right. — Grouse Road Credit: Simon Carey

St Leonard's Forest, located in Sussex, England, is a picturesque woodland area that covers an approximate area of 1,000 acres. It is situated between the towns of Horsham and Crawley, making it easily accessible for visitors from nearby areas. The forest is named after the local St Leonard's Church, which has been standing adjacent to the woodland for centuries.

This ancient forest is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The forest is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a dense canopy and create a serene and shady atmosphere. The undergrowth is adorned with a variety of wildflowers, adding color and vibrancy to the forest floor.

St Leonard's Forest is home to a multitude of wildlife species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a plethora of bird species. It is also known for its diverse insect population, with butterflies and dragonflies being particularly abundant.

The forest offers numerous walking trails that meander through its enchanting surroundings, catering to both casual strollers and seasoned hikers. These paths provide opportunities to explore the forest's hidden gems, such as secluded ponds and ancient gnarled trees.

Due to its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, St Leonard's Forest is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as picnicking, bird-watching, and photography. It also serves as a valuable recreational space for locals, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns.

In summary, St Leonard's Forest is a captivating woodland area in Sussex, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna, scenic walking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

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St Leonard's Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.068751/-0.25171697 or Grid Reference TQ2231. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grouse Road

A minor road that links Hammerpond Road at Bucks Head to Pease Pottage, the latter an old entrance to St Leonard's Forest. Old Copse is on the right.

Simon Carey

St Leonard's Forest

An open area of the forest located on the western side of Newstead Gill.

Simon Carey

Newstead Gill

A part of the River Arun catchment area that rises to the south of Pease Pottage and feeds Hammer Pond before joining Goldings Stream.

Simon Carey

Public Footpath 1702

Linking the High Weald Landscape Trail to the east of Grouse Road with Hammerpond Road, crossing Newstead Gill and Carterslodge Gill in the process. Plenty of fungi on the ground.

Simon Carey

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

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

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

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

Woodsman's Hut, St Leonard's Forest.

Forestry Commission Workshop.

James 'Dan' Hall

Bridleway near junction of Grouse Lane and Blackhouse Road, Colgate, West Sussex

View taken looking SSE. This bridleway leads to Newstead Farm (approx 1200m).

Pete Chapman

Junction of Grouse Road and Woodland Lane, Near Colgate, West Sussex

Woodland Lane is a narrow metalled no through private road. A Post box is situated at the junction to serve the needs of around a dozen dwellings along Woodland Lane.

Pete Chapman