Gilly Wood

Wood, Forest in Sussex Rother

England

Gilly Wood

Rose & Crown, Northiam Road, Beckley, East Sussex TN31 Looking east on the B2088 Northiam to Rye Road, at the western edge of Beckley village. — Rose & Crown, Northiam Road, Beckley, East Sussex TN31 Credit: Philip Talmage

Gilly Wood, located in the county of Sussex, is a picturesque forested area that covers approximately 100 acres of land. Situated near the small village of Gilly, this woodland is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil environment. The forest is predominantly made up of native deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and birch, which provide a lush canopy of foliage throughout the year.

Gilly Wood offers a variety of recreational activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. The forest is crisscrossed with well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to the area, as it is home to a wide range of avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

In addition to its natural attractions, Gilly Wood also boasts a rich historical heritage. The forest has evidence of ancient settlements, with remnants of Iron Age earthworks and Roman artifacts discovered within its boundaries. Furthermore, the wood has been carefully managed and preserved over the years, with sustainable forestry practices in place to maintain its ecological balance.

Gilly Wood is a haven for wildlife, with an abundance of mammals, such as deer, rabbits, and foxes, as well as a diverse array of insects and small reptiles. The forest's varied habitats, including ponds and marshes, provide a thriving ecosystem for numerous species.

Overall, Gilly Wood offers a serene and idyllic retreat for those seeking solace in nature. With its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, it is a true gem within the Sussex countryside.

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Gilly Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.987968/0.61839751 or Grid Reference TQ8324. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rose & Crown, Northiam Road, Beckley, East Sussex TN31

Looking east on the B2088 Northiam to Rye Road, at the western edge of Beckley village.

Philip Talmage

B2165 at Clayhill, East Sussex TN31

Looking southwest; New Road forks to the right.

Philip Talmage

Junction of B2088 and B2165 at Clayhill, East Sussex TN31

Philip Talmage

A28 south of Northiam, East Sussex TN31

Junction with New Road, looking east.

Philip Talmage

Mill Corner, Northiam, East Sussex TN31

Looking east.

Philip Talmage

Queen Elizabeth's Oak, Northiam TN31

A plate attached to the tree, at the left of the picture, reads as follows: Queen Elizabeth I, as she journeyed to Rye on the 11th August 1573, sat under this tree and ate a meal served to her from the house nearby. She changed her shoes of green damask silk with a heel 2½" high and a sharp toe, at this spot, and left them behind as a memento of her visit. They are still in existence and are shown on special occasions. The Sussex saying that "our oaks are a thousand years living and a thousand years dying" suggests that this tree could be over 1000 years old. Presented to the Parish Council on the occasion of the 400th anniversary, 11th August 1973, by Hayes Hotel & Restaurant - "the house nearby".

Philip Talmage

St Mary's Church, Northiam TN31

The fine parish church, dating from the 12th century, houses the Pony and Hand Hearse made for the 1887 Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Philip Talmage

Hayes Hotel, Northiam TN31

This country hotel is reputedly visited by the ghost of an old woman who sits at a spinning wheel in the bar. There is also a story dating back to the 15th century of an ex-resident couple, Molly Beale and Captain Snelling. Molly was killed by her lover Leyton when she refused to leave her husband. The hotel rooms are named after these three and in Snelling there is an inscription of what happened on one of the oak beams. Guests have seen a woman's figure walking across the yard, accompanied by creaking floorboards. Employees have also seen objects flying off the bar. In the background of the picture can be seen the spire of St Mary's.

Philip Talmage

Hayes Hotel & 15th century Inn, Northiam TN31

This, presumably, is the older inn. The spire of St Mary's is visible in the background.

Philip Talmage

Northiam, A28 Main Street, TN31

Junction with Dixter Road, looking north.

Philip Talmage

Northiam - B2088 Rye Road TN31

Coming into Northiam from the Rye Road, looking northwest.

Philip Talmage

Friars Cote Farm, Northiam TN31

In Crockers Lane.

Philip Talmage

Northiam, A28 Main Street, TN31

Looking northwest.

Philip Talmage

Dreary Day, South of Beckley

Taken from the footpath that links Clayhill with Horseshoe Lane. The woodland in the distance is Hoath Wood whilst the fields in the foreground are waterlogged from the previous week's snow and last night's downpour. In fact it was still lightly raining at this point.

Simon Carey

Footpath through Milldown Wood

Linking Horseshoe Lane with King's Barn Lane. Birches are the predominant tree here.

Simon Carey

Unnamed Stream, Milldown Wood

At the very edge near to where a small footbridge carries the footpath from Horseshoe Lane to King's Barn Lane. The previous night's rain had made many streams fast running. This one runs north towards the Rother.

Simon Carey