Golden Folly

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Sussex Horsham

England

Golden Folly

Inholms Gill A tributary of the River Arun that rises in St Leonard&#039;s Forest. — Inholms Gill Credit: Simon Carey

Golden Folly is a picturesque freshwater ecosystem located in the heart of Sussex, England. This enchanting spot consists of a lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh, forming a diverse and thriving habitat for a wide array of flora and fauna.

The centerpiece of Golden Folly is the lake, a tranquil body of water measuring approximately 10 acres in size. Surrounded by lush greenery and encircled by a walking trail, the lake offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Its crystal-clear waters provide a home to numerous species of fish, including perch, roach, and bream, attracting anglers from far and wide.

Adjacent to the lake is a smaller pool, which serves as a breeding ground for amphibians such as frogs and newts. This pool is an important part of the ecosystem, supporting the life cycle of these fascinating creatures.

Further into the marshy area, one can find a pond teeming with aquatic plants and insects. This pond serves as a vital water source for various waterfowl species, including ducks and swans. Birdwatchers flock to Golden Folly to observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

The freshwater marsh, with its reed beds and wetland vegetation, provides a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. It is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, kingfishers, and warblers. Additionally, the marsh is a crucial breeding ground for dragonflies and damselflies, adding to the biodiversity of the area.

Golden Folly is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also a place of tranquility and natural beauty. Its combination of a lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh offers a unique and captivating ecosystem, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Golden Folly Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.061393/-0.29179585 or Grid Reference TQ1930. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inholms Gill

A tributary of the River Arun that rises in St Leonard's Forest.

Simon Carey

Track, St Leonard's Forest

The surfaced track heads north from the car park on Hammerpond Road to Mick's Cross.

Simon Carey

Club House, Mannings Heath Golf Course

Opened in 1905 the site contains 36 holes spread over two courses; Waterfall, the original course, and Kingfisher.

Simon Carey

Goldings Lane

Viewed from the junction with Hammerpond Road. The lane heads south to Mannings Heath.

Simon Carey

Rural Bridleway near Horsham, West Sussex

This bridleway runs up a straight avenue of trees that cuts across the old St. Leonards estate from a gate lodge on the public road to the "Big House". Offered a very pleasant cycle ride on the day of the photo! Photo taken looking N along the avenue. Corn fields can be seen on the other side of the trees on the right.

Pete Chapman

Stew Pond, adjacent to bridleway, St Leonards Park Estate, Near Horsham, West Sussex.

The original purpose of this pond (and an adjacent pond) is not obvious, but its proximity to the main estate buildings may mean that it was used as water storage or a fish pond to supply the estate. Relatively overgrown and unused these days!

Pete Chapman

Forest Grange, in the heart of St Leonards Forest, Near Horsham, West Sussex

Earlier maps (e.g. 1993) show this as the site of Forest Grange School. Later maps have dropped school from the name. It didn't looked like it was being used as a school at the time the picture was taken.

Pete Chapman

Forestry Operations, St Leonards Forest, Near Horsham, West Sussex

The forest is run by the Forestry Commission for commercial timber extraction. Here we see a lorry on the main access track (also a public bridleway) being loaded up with logs.

Pete Chapman

Track Junction in St Leonard Forest. Part of the High Weald Landscape Trail

The main bridleway through the middle of the forest intersects with several public footpaths. Here we see where one of the paths (part of the route of the High Weald Landscape Trail) leads off along an intersceting track. The View also shows the characteristic trees in this forest, which are mainly pine.

Pete Chapman

Owlbeech Woods, Horsham, West Sussex

Mixed woodland. The part shown is a coniferous plantation. The woods join on to Leechpool woods TQ1931. Owned an run by Horsham District Council, who permit general public access.

Pete Chapman

Motocross track near to Horsham, West Sussex

A view facing roughly north of the start line, with St. Leonard's forest in the background.

Chris Plunkett

Mick Mills Race, St Leonards Forest

Mick Mills (or is it Miles?) race. Mick, a local braggart, boasted he could outrace anyone. The Devil took up the challenge. The resulting contest, which Mick won, left a course through the forest on which no tree would grow. Being gravelled and a forestry access route probably helps.

Peter Cox

Turf Plain

Turf Plain looking to the south east. The ground dips just beyond the trees to Sheepwash Ghyll and then rises to Scragged Oak Hill in St Leonard's Forest. Bottom left of the picture passes the High Weald Landscape Trail.

Peter Cox

Turf Plain Lodge

The ground floor pattern of Turf Plain Lodge can be clearly seen. The High Weald Landscape Trail passes just beyond the remains.

Peter Cox

Turf Plain pond

One of several ponds on Turf Plain. This one feeds to a commercial fishery.

Peter Cox

Earthbank on Greenbroom Hill

The earthbank goes west down Greenbroom Hill for approximately 200m. Silver birch is here on the top of the bank which heads into a pine plantation. The earthbank continues east for approximately 25m on the other side of the forestry track.

Peter Cox