Highlands Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Wealden

England

Highlands Wood

Building Site off Hempstead Lane New houses under construction. — Building Site off Hempstead Lane Credit: Oast House Archive

Highlands Wood, located in Sussex, England, is a picturesque forested area known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Spanning approximately 500 acres, this enchanting woodland offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

The wood is primarily composed of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, beech, and pine, which create a vibrant and ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons. The dense canopy provides ample shade during the summer months and transforms into a golden tapestry in autumn.

There are several well-maintained walking trails that crisscross the wood, allowing visitors to explore its various habitats and discover its hidden gems. These paths wind through ancient woodland, along babbling brooks, and up gentle slopes, providing a range of terrains suitable for all abilities.

Highlands Wood is also home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including woodpeckers, tawny owls, and red kites, while lucky visitors may catch glimpses of roe deer or foxes darting through the undergrowth. The wood's ponds and streams support a thriving amphibian population, with frogs and newts often spotted basking in the sun or swimming among the lily pads.

To ensure the preservation of this natural treasure, a dedicated team of conservationists actively manage the wood, maintaining its delicate ecosystem and protecting its inhabitants. They work to control invasive species, monitor the impact of human activity, and promote sustainable practices.

In summary, Highlands Wood in Sussex is a captivating forested area that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature's beauty. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-marked trails, and commitment to conservation, it provides a serene and educational experience for all who venture within its bounds.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Highlands Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.854391/0.23177007 or Grid Reference TQ5708. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Building Site off Hempstead Lane

New houses under construction.

Oast House Archive

Geese and gulls by Common Pond

Oast House Archive

Bridge

This 13 mile (21km) surfaced path through the Sussex countryside is mostly traffic free and is a safe route for walkers and cyclists of all ages, forming part of the National Cycle Network – route 21. The picturesque trail follows the former 'Cuckoo Line' railway track and stretches from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park. It passes through Horam, Hailsham and Polegate. Link

Oast House Archive

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

Show me another place!

Highlands Wood is located at Grid Ref: TQ5708 (Lat: 50.854391, Lng: 0.23177007)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Wealden

Police Authority: Sussex