Broadfield Forest

Wood, Forest in Sussex Crawley

England

Broadfield Forest

Bewbush Leisure Centre Crawley&#039;s second leisure Centre, opened in 1984, demolished in 2009. — Bewbush Leisure Centre Credit: Michael of Crawley

Broadfield Forest is a captivating woodland located in the heart of Sussex, England. Stretching over an area of approximately 500 acres, it provides a serene and tranquil escape from the bustling city life. The forest is nestled between the towns of Crawley, Horsham, and East Grinstead, making it easily accessible to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The forest is predominantly composed of broadleaf trees such as oak, beech, and birch, which lend an enchanting ambiance to the surroundings. Walking through the forest, visitors are greeted by a lush carpet of ferns and wildflowers that thrive beneath the dense canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a myriad of flora and fauna, including bluebells, primroses, and foxgloves, creating a picturesque landscape during springtime.

Broadfield Forest is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a sanctuary for wildlife. It is home to a diverse range of animal species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and various migratory birds that frequent the area.

The forest offers numerous walking trails and cycling paths, allowing visitors to explore its captivating beauty at their own pace. There are picnic areas scattered throughout the forest, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a meal amidst nature's embrace. Additionally, the forest is equipped with well-maintained facilities, including parking spaces and public toilets, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.

Broadfield Forest is a true gem in Sussex, offering a delightful escape to immerse oneself in the natural wonders of the region. With its diverse flora and fauna, scenic trails, and peaceful ambiance, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking solace in the heart of nature.

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Broadfield Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.095501/-0.19700965 or Grid Reference TQ2634. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bewbush Leisure Centre

Crawley's second leisure Centre, opened in 1984, demolished in 2009.

Michael of Crawley

Broadfield Stadium

Built by Crawley Council in the early 1990s to re-home Crawley Town Football Club. One of the best non-league stadia in the UK

Michael of Crawley

Holy Trinity School

Opened in the late 1960s, the main Church of England Secondary School in North Sussex

Michael of Crawley

Crawley Signal Box

19th Century Signal Box on Horsham branch line. The box is now out of use following automation, although it is subject to a preservation order, and is cared for by a local society.

Michael of Crawley

St Wilfrid's RC School

Catholic Comprehensive School, Crawley

Michael of Crawley

Thomas Bennett Community College

Former buildings of the secondary school named for Sir Thomas Bennett, Chairman of Crawley New Town Development Corporation. The school was opened in 1959 and rebuilt on the same campus in 2004-5. The buildings shown were demolished in the summer of 2005.

Michael of Crawley

Crawley Station

Crawley Station, with Overline House above. The station was relocated here in the late 1960s from a former site 500yds further west.

Michael of Crawley

Broadfield Barton

Local shopping parade for the neighbourhood of Broadfield in South-west Crawley

Michael of Crawley

Tilgate Lake, Tilgate Park, Crawley

Tilgate Park is the largest public park in Crawley. Before the development of the Crawley New Town, it was the home of the Campbell family. Malcolm Campbell developed and tested his designs of the "Bluebird" world water speed record holding boats on this lake in the 1930s and 40s.

Pete Chapman

Tilgate Parade, Tilgate, Crawley

Tilgate was one of Crawley New Town's original 12 neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood had its own shops, pub, church etc. Tilgate Parade still commands a position at the centre of everyday life for many people in this neighbourhood (built mid-1950s).

Pete Chapman

Orienteering in Tilgate Forest, Nr Crawley, West Sussex

This Square is dominated by Tilgate Forest, a public access forest managed by the Forestry Commission. The photo shows the mature mixed woodland that makes up most of the forest area. This part is predominantly broadleaved deciduous trees, with the odd coniferous example and a light scattering of rhododendron thickets. The high canopy is quite dense and doesn't let much heavy vegetation take hold. One of several popular woodland areas in the vicinity for orienteering. The event here was a Christmas Score event staged by Southdowns Orienteers.

Pete Chapman

Ditch Bend in a Shallow Re-Entrant in a Coniferous Wooded Part of Tilgate Forest, Nr Crawley, West Sussex

This view shows typical vegetation in much of this part of Tilgate Forest: pine trees (with the odd invading birch) with a fairly clean forest floor. The trees tend to form quite a dense canopy, preventing much from growing beneath them. The ditch is part of the drainage network.

Pete Chapman

Pease Pottage Services

At the (current) end of the M23, Junction 11. Operated by Moto.

Pete Chapman

Pease Pottage Radar Station

Taking advantage of this relatively high site (140m above sea level), 80m above Gatwick airport, this is an air traffic control radar. Painted white to blend into the sky.

Pete Chapman

Corn Fields, Pease Pottage

A very summery rural site. Ripening corn in this large field, which covers the N side of this grid square. Much of the rural sussex terrain is patches of trees interspersed by fields of various crops. Tilgate Forest can be seen in the far distance and Bensonshill Wood is on the right. High voltage electricity transmission cross the field (the pylons are just visible). View taken from the old A23 road between Pease Pottage and Handcross, looking E.

Pete Chapman

Cottesmore School, Buchan Hill, near Pease Pottage, West Sussex

A full boarding co-educational prep school (the only one in the UK - according to their website Link

). A couple of sand traps of the Cottesmore Country Club golf course can also be seen.

Pete Chapman

Bridleway through Cottesmore Country Club and School.

The sign indicates a bend in the route of the bridleway that cuts through the country club and school grounds between Pease Pottage and the Broadfield neighbourhood of Crawley. At this point the public right of way is following the drive to the school. Behind the sign can be seen the flag of one of the golf greens.

Pete Chapman