Clapsons Shaw

Wood, Forest in Sussex Wealden

England

Clapsons Shaw

Watermill Watermill on upper reaches of River Cuckmere at Hellingly — Watermill Credit: Terry Jones

Clapsons Shaw is a picturesque woodland area located in Sussex, England. Situated within the larger Forest of Sussex, this wood offers a unique and enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Clapsons Shaw boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, ash, beech, and chestnut. The towering trees create a dense canopy, providing a habitat for various wildlife species such as deer, foxes, and a myriad of bird species. The forest floor is carpeted with a rich undergrowth of ferns, bluebells, and wildflowers, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Tranquil walking trails meander through Clapsons Shaw, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the woodland's serenity. The paths are well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. Along the way, informative signposts provide interesting facts about the trees, plants, and animals that call this wood their home.

For those interested in history, Clapsons Shaw holds cultural significance as it is believed to have been a source of timber for shipbuilding during the Elizabethan era. The wood's name itself is derived from the Clapson family, who were once prominent landowners in the area.

Clapsons Shaw is a popular destination for nature walks, birdwatching, and picnicking. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where visitors can reconnect with nature and enjoy the beauty of Sussex's woodlands.

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Clapsons Shaw Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.896674/0.27813372 or Grid Reference TQ6013. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Watermill

Watermill on upper reaches of River Cuckmere at Hellingly

Terry Jones

Shawpits Bridge, near Hellingly

This bridge carries the farm track from Shawpits Farm to the A267 over the former railway line now the Cuckoo Trail. This view looks north.

Simon Carey

Outbuildings, Park Farm, near Hellingly

Looking east.

Simon Carey

Woodhams Bridge

Carrying a farm track over the former railway line. The carved seat in the foreground is one of many that can be found throughout the length of the trail depicting local wildlife, flora and fauna.

Simon Carey

Wealden Landscape near the Cuckoo Trail

Most of the grid square is farmland such as this.

Simon Carey

Afternoon Grazing near Cuckmere River

The course of the river follows the line of trees in the middle of the picture. On the 1940s map most of this area was covered by Springham Wood but it seems to have been grubbed in the preceding 60 years.

Simon Carey

Hellingly Hospital

Admin block of Hellingly Hospital, formerly known as the East Sussex County Asylum. Opened in 1903 this vast site (covering most of the grid square) was an enclosed community having a farm, church and even its own railway connected to the nearby Cuckoo Line. Now vandalised and ravaged by the elements it closed in the 1990's apart from the nearby secure unit.

Chess

Magham Oast, New Road, Hellingly, East Sussex

Oast House Archive

Hellingly, Hailsham, East Sussex

Hellingly Hospital was a large mental hospital in the village of Hellingly, east of Hailsham, in East Sussex. The hospital, also known as East Sussex County Asylum or just Hellingly, was opened in 1903. Its architect was GT Hine, one of the great asylum architects of the era. The hospital boasted its own railway line, the Hellingly Hospital Railway, used principally for transport of coal. This branch line led from the main line to the boilerhouse. The hospital also had a vast laundry, ball room, patients' shop, sewing rooms, nurses home, extensive grounds, and an advanced utilities network for its time, including a large boilerhouse and a water tower. It followed the compact arrow plan for the main hospital, with separate villas surrounding this. The majority of the hospital closed throughout 1994, however, and to this day much of the 25.4 hectare site stands derelict and extremely run down, after suffering repeated vandalism and multiple arson attacks.

Rob

Grove Hill

Near Meadow Cottage and River Cottage.

Oast House Archive

Grove Hill

Towards Hellingly.

Oast House Archive

Footpath by Cuckoo Trail

This footpath follows the hedge of the old railway line, now the Cuckoo Trail, for some distance. It is a pleasant alternative for a walker, giving better eastward views than the trail itself, confined between its high hedges.

Robin Webster

Cuckmere River bank

Attempts to photograph the river here failed because it is very deeply incised, with almost vertical banks treacherously covered with obscuring vegetation.

Robin Webster

Musk Mallow and cattle trough

The trough may not be functional - certainly it is not level. This field is typical on those along this stretch between the Cuckmere River and the Cuckoo Trail, which were all ungrazed and uncut in early July.

Robin Webster