Abbot's Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Wealden

England

Abbot's Wood

Abbot's Wood is a captivating woodland located in Sussex, England. Covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, it forms part of the larger Abbot's Wood and Rewell Wood Local Nature Reserve. The wood is renowned for its rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The wood comprises a mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, and Scots pine. These towering trees create a dense canopy that provides shade and shelter for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Bluebells carpet the forest floor in spring, creating a stunning display of vibrant colors.

A network of well-maintained footpaths and trails wind their way through the wood, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. The paths meander past picturesque ponds, babbling brooks, and small clearings, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.

Abbot's Wood is home to a plethora of wildlife, including deer, badgers, foxes, and a variety of bird species such as woodpeckers and tawny owls. The wood is also a haven for butterflies, with species such as the silver-washed fritillary and purple emperor frequently spotted during the summer months.

Managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Abbot's Wood is committed to conservation and environmental education. The Trust organizes guided walks and educational programs, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting this precious woodland ecosystem.

In summary, Abbot's Wood in Sussex is a captivating natural haven, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of a diverse woodland ecosystem. With its rich biodiversity and scenic trails, the wood provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Abbot's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.846206/0.21481517 or Grid Reference TQ5607. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Abbot's Wood car park

A Forestry England pay and display car park.

David Martin

Road towards entrance, Abbot's Wood

David Martin

Pond and dam in Abbot's Wood

David Martin

End of forest track, Abbot's Wood

David Martin

Path junction in Abbot's Wood

David Martin

Michelham Priory [1]

At the centre of the northwest quarter is this Gateway or Barbican Tower. Built in the 15th century. This square building constructed of ashlar has a wide carriage archway on the ground floor. There are two floors above with a castellated parapet around a hipped tiled roof. On the outer side of the tower is a 16th century stone Bridge spanning the moat with one round-headed arch. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [2]

The moat, looking southwest, seen from the bridge. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [3]

The moat, looking northeast, seen from the bridge. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [4]

Now a gift shop, this was originally stables and a dovecote. A small square building, probably built in the 18th century using medieval stone. Constructed of rubble stone with an ashlar front under a hipped tile roof. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [5]

Part of the gardens of the priory. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [6]

At one end of the cart shed TQ5509 : Michelham Priory [7] is this display of farming and woodworking implements. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [7]

A display of old horse-drawn carts in the cart shed. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [8]

The forge. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [9]

The Rope Shop. Michelham Priory is near the village of Upper Dicker in East Sussex, about 1¾ miles west of Hailsham. Founded as an Augustinian priory in 1229 and suppressed in 1537 it passed through the hands of various private owners until 1959 when it was given in trust to the Sussex Archaeological Society. There is a house and a great barn and various other buildings. The house is 13th century, with an additional 16th century wing. The barn is late 16th or early 17th century. The whole is surrounded by a moat, enclosing an area of almost 8 acres. Five of the buildings are listed and the whole site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [10]

The Great Barn was probably built in the 17th century. Timber framed, faced with tarred weather-boarding under a tile roof. The roof is constructed of tie-beams with arched braces and queen-posts. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [11]

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [12]

Michael Dibb

Michelham Priory [13]

The surviving building of the priory is 'T' shaped, with two wings constructed in the 13th century and the west wing, seen here to the left, added in the 16th century after the Dissolution. The building is of stone under a tile roof. The east wing was the refectory, the north wing, which has been truncated, was the Prior's Lodging. The ground floor room of the north wing is a vaulted under-croft. Listed, grade I, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

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Abbot's Wood is located at Grid Ref: TQ5607 (Lat: 50.846206, Lng: 0.21481517)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Wealden

Police Authority: Sussex