Ashen Plantation

Wood, Forest in Sussex Mid Sussex

England

Ashen Plantation

Keymer Road, Hassocks Sunlight dapples the road towards Stonepound Crossroads where the B2116 crosses the A273. The large house on the corner is Over Court which is divided into flats. — Keymer Road, Hassocks Credit: Stephen McKay

Ashen Plantation, located in Sussex, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Spread across a vast expanse, the plantation is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solace amidst the lush greenery.

The plantation is primarily composed of dense forests, characterized by towering trees and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The woodlands are home to a variety of native species, including oak, beech, and chestnut trees, which provide a majestic canopy that shields the forest floor from excessive sunlight. This creates a cool and serene environment, perfect for leisurely walks or engaging in outdoor activities.

Ashen Plantation offers a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of enchanting vistas and hidden gems along the way. The plantation also boasts a charming picnic area, providing an ideal spot for visitors to relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings.

Wildlife is abundant in Ashen Plantation, with numerous species calling the woodland their home. Birdwatchers flock to the area to catch sight of the diverse avian population, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. Additionally, small mammals such as rabbits, foxes, and squirrels can often be spotted darting through the undergrowth.

Ashen Plantation, with its unspoiled beauty and peaceful ambiance, is a true gem of Sussex. Whether one seeks a leisurely stroll, a picnic with loved ones, or an opportunity to connect with nature, this woodland sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience for all who venture within its borders.

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Ashen Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.912062/-0.17002338 or Grid Reference TQ2814. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Keymer Road, Hassocks

Sunlight dapples the road towards Stonepound Crossroads where the B2116 crosses the A273. The large house on the corner is Over Court which is divided into flats.

Stephen McKay

Signpost at Stonepound Crossroads

These days very much secondary to the more modern signage, this delightful wooden fingerpost has been retained at the busy crossroads where the A273 meets the B2116. Signposts of this design can be found across Sussex: see also TQ2915 : Old Direction Sign - Signpost by the A273, Stonepound Crossroads.

Stephen McKay

A273 at Clayton

The A273 runs from Pyecombe to Haywards Heath, crossing the Brighton Line railway here near Clayton village.

Stephen McKay

Clayton Tunnel

At 2,066 metres Clayton Tunnel, which burrows under the South Downs, is the longest on the Brighton line. Here a train heading for Brighton disappears into the unusual castellated north portal. A curious feature is the cottage immediately above it; it is thought to have been originally built for the tunnel caretaker but is now in private ownership.

Stephen McKay

B2112 at Clayton

The B2112 leads off the A273 at Clayton and heads towards Ditchling.

Stephen McKay

Clayton Church

The 11th century church of St John the Baptist sits at the foot of the South Downs escarpment and serves the tiny village of Clayton - although in modern times the ecclesiastical parish is combined with that of Keymer. It is noted for its internal murals painted by the monks of Lewes Priory and dating from the 11th or 12th century. The building is grade I listed.

Stephen McKay

Clayton Church

Looking across the churchyard to the 11th century church of St John the Baptist. The building is grade I listed.

Stephen McKay

Clayton Churchyard

The churchyard sits at the foot of the South Downs escarpment which rises immediately beyond the hedgerow on the south side.

Stephen McKay

Clayton Church

Stephen McKay

Clayton Church Hall

Associated with the church of St John the Baptist across the road, Clayton Church Hall offers a range of facilities including a fully equipped kitchen. It stands adjacent to Clayton's recreation ground.

Stephen McKay

View down to Clayton

The 11th century church of St John the Baptist in Clayton village nestles in the trees at the foot of the South Downs. The chalky footpath leads down to the village.

Stephen McKay

View WSW along the South Downs from Wolstonbury Hill

Ian Cunliffe

Tapsel gate, Church of the Transfiguration, Pyecombe, West Sussex

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at the Church of the Transfiguration in an open position. The gate in the photo is the latest in a succession of gates with this replacement only having been installed recently. The gate design contains an integrated Pyecombe hook as the shepherd’s crook was generally known in this area. Such hooks were originally made in the old forge on the opposite side of the road from the church. The Church of the Transfiguration has always been known locally as the 'Shepherds’ Church' and Pyecombe, itself, stands on an ancient droveway.

Andrew Diack

Closed Tapsel gate at the Church of the Transfiguration, Pyecombe

The photo shows the Tapsel gate on the north side of the Church of the Transfiguration in Pyecombe in West Sussex which is locally known as the Shepherds’ Church. The Tapsel gate in the photo is a modern replacement for the original 18th century one. The church was Grade I listed on the 28th October 1957 and the local District Council designated the area around the church as a conservation zone in January 1989. Because of the restricted space in Church Hill (the lane beside the Tapsel gate), the photo was taken from further along the road.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate in a closed position at 'The Shepherds' Church, Pyecombe

This photo shows a northerly view of the Tapsel gate at 'The Shepherds' Church, Pyecombe, West Sussex. The gate opens directly on to Church Hill.

Andrew Diack

Tapsel gate at the 'Shepherds' Church' in an open position, Pyecombe

This photo shows the Tapsel gate at 'The Shepherd'Church in Pyecombe, West Sussex. In the photo, the gate is being viewed while looking north. The name Tapsel as in 'Tapsel gate' is probably derived from its inventor, John Tapsel who lived in Mountfield near Battle, East Sussex, during the early 18th century. The name has different variations including Topsayle, Tapsell, Topsil, Tapsayle, Topsaille, Topsil and Tapsel.

Andrew Diack

Church of the Transfiguration, Pyecombe, West Sussex

The church is a Grade I listed building which is described in the National Heritage List for England as an ‘Attractive small medieval building’. The chancel, chancel arch and nave date back to the 12th century with the Norman tower being a 13th century addition.

Andrew Diack

The tower of the Church of the Transfiguration, Pyecombe, West Sussex

The squat, tiled tower was added to The Church of the Transfiguration in the 13th century. The hipped, tower roof is a type known as a 'Sussex Cap' and this is uncommon in other counties. The tower is supported by buttresses one of which is shown in the photo.

Andrew Diack

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Ashen Plantation is located at Grid Ref: TQ2814 (Lat: 50.912062, Lng: -0.17002338)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Mid Sussex

Police Authority: Sussex