Great Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Rother

England

Great Wood

Memorial to Polish Airmen A memorial to Polish airmen who died on 27/28th May 1941 when their Wellington bomber crashed after bombing the French port of Boulogne where it had been hit and badly damaged. — Memorial to Polish Airmen Credit: Peter Jeffery

Great Wood is a sprawling forest located in the county of Sussex, England. Covering an extensive area of approximately 2,500 acres, it is one of the largest and most diverse woodlands in the region. The forest is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park and is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Great Wood is primarily composed of mixed woodland, consisting of a variety of tree species such as oak, beech, ash, and birch. The dense canopy provides a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide array of bird species. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, offering excellent opportunities for observation and exploration.

The forest features a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails that enable visitors to navigate through the woodland and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. These paths wind through picturesque glades, ancient woodlands, and vibrant meadows, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Great Wood has a fascinating history that dates back several centuries. It has been an important source of timber for the local community, and evidence of charcoal production can still be found within the forest. Furthermore, the woodland has played a significant role in supporting the local economy through activities such as forestry and traditional woodland crafts.

Overall, Great Wood in Sussex is a cherished natural treasure, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its breathtaking beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

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Great Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.945934/0.44655582 or Grid Reference TQ7119. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Memorial to Polish Airmen

A memorial to Polish airmen who died on 27/28th May 1941 when their Wellington bomber crashed after bombing the French port of Boulogne where it had been hit and badly damaged.

Peter Jeffery

Memorial plaque to Polish Airmen

This plaque is mounted on a brick built pillar, in the centre of a small garden area, adjacent to the B2096 just east of Darwell Hole.

Peter Jeffery

Narrow Road

Eatenden Lane a very narrow road between Netherfield and Mountfield East Sussex with Crowhurst Wood on the left and Upper Hucksteep Wood on the right.

Janet Richardson

High Wood from Netherfield Place Farm

A view from the Netherfield Centre looking over the valley to FC woodland

David Saunders

Netherfield Church

The sandstone tower of Netherfield Church under restoration. The wording under the ornamental clock is "Redeem the time".

David Saunders

The Old Schoolhouse, Netherfield

An interesting sandstone building next to Netherfield Churchyard.

David Saunders

The Netherfield Arms at Netherfield

The Netherfield Arms sits proudly on the ridge beside the back road that runs south-eastwards through Netherfield and on to Battle.

Nigel Stickells

The Church of St John the Baptist at Netherfield

Despite its appearance of greater age, St John's Church was dedicated in 1860, apparently the gift of Lady Webster to the village in memory of her husband, Sir Godfrey Webster of Battle Abbey.

Nigel Stickells

The Church Clock at Netherfield

This decorative clock is to be found on the south face of the church tower high above the entrance doorway.

Nigel Stickells

The Church Tower at Netherfield

St John the Baptist parish church was designed by Samuel Sanders Teulon, a Victorian architect. He was also responsible for the very attractive School and School-master's house that are adjacent to the churchyard.

Nigel Stickells

End of Conveyor Belt at Mountfield

This is the delivery end of the conveyor from Brightling gypsum mine. The area was formerly the Mountfield mine, which is now closed, but a plasterboard factory is still working around the corner to the left.

Robin Webster

Darwell Reservoir

The south shore. It seems to be just about full.

Robin Webster

Stile into Darwell Reservoir Wood

The stile on the public footpath where it enters what has recently been named "Darwell Reservoir Wood", which includes in this area the part of Darwell Wood owned by Southern Water. The public is free to walk in this wood.

Robin Webster

Baldwin's Farm

Pleasantly situated, if somewhat remote, the farmhouse appears to be empty.

Robin Webster

In Limekiln Wood

An unsuccessful attempt to show the humps and hollows produced by ancient limestone digging from the Purbeck beds which outcrop here.

Robin Webster

Brightling-Mountfield conveyor belt

Looking towards Brightling. The belt (which carries gypsum from Brightling Mine) was not running at the time, but had been earlier that morning. It is remarkably quiet.

Robin Webster

Limestone pits, Darwell Wood

This part of Darwell Wood is pock-marked with scores, possibly hundreds, of old limestone bell-pits, digging down to the limestone seams in the Purbeck Bed exposures here.

Robin Webster

Old Mine Ventilator

Deep in Darwell Wood at the bottom of a valley are the remains of the top end of a ventilation shaft for Mountfield gypsum mine. The mine is now closed, and what is still shown on the 1:50000 map used by Geograph as a building, is now a heap of rubble (and has been for some years). The remains of the fan may be seen, and nearby out of shot is its motor. The actual shaft is not evident, and presumably has been capped off safely.

Robin Webster

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Great Wood is located at Grid Ref: TQ7119 (Lat: 50.945934, Lng: 0.44655582)

Administrative County: East Sussex

District: Rother

Police Authority: Sussex