Watersfield Common

Downs, Moorland in Sussex Horsham

England

Watersfield Common

Daffodils in Coates Churchyard Credit: Basher Eyre

Watersfield Common, located in West Sussex, England, is a picturesque area encompassing both downs and moorland landscapes. Spanning approximately 275 acres, this common land is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The common is characterized by its rolling hills and open grasslands, which are interspersed with patches of heather and gorse. These heathland areas provide a habitat for a variety of bird species, including skylarks and meadow pipits, which can often be seen and heard throughout the year.

Watersfield Common is also home to a diverse range of flora, with wildflowers such as purple orchids, harebells, and violets dotting the landscape during the spring and summer months. The common's varied topography, including wooded areas and small ponds, adds to its biodiversity, attracting an array of insects, amphibians, and small mammals.

The common is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking. Several footpaths and bridleways crisscross the area, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the downs and moorland at their leisure. Additionally, the common is well-suited for dog walking, providing ample space for both exercise and relaxation.

With its tranquil atmosphere and stunning vistas, Watersfield Common is a cherished natural resource in Sussex. Whether it is for enjoying the vibrant flora and fauna or simply appreciating the peacefulness of the countryside, this common offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Show me another place!

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

Watersfield Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.938739/-0.56457456 or Grid Reference TQ0016. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Daffodils in Coates Churchyard

Basher Eyre

Rush hour in Coates (revisited)

Basher Eyre

Road and path junction at Coates

Basher Eyre

Coates Manor House, from the south

Seen from the churchyard.

Stefan Czapski

Coates Manor House, from the south-east

The main structure - built of pale sandstone with brick string-courses - is said to date from the 17th century (Nairn and Pevsner, 'The Buildings of England: Sussex'). Not visible from this angle is the lower, later north wing Link built of a more colourful ironstone (similar to the material known in Surrey as Bargate stone). The listing (rather brief) is to be found here: Link

The settlement pattern at Coates is puzzling - a scattered hamlet rather than a village - and I wonder whether there was a more compact settlement in medieval times.

Stefan Czapski

Coates Manor House

According to the Listing, this dates from the early 17th century Link

Stefan Czapski

Coates church from the south-east

Stefan Czapski

Coates church and churchyard

Stefan Czapski

Coates church from the west

Stefan Czapski

St Agatha's church from Coates Lane

I scrambled up a bank to take this shot over the churchyard wall.

Stefan Czapski

Trees by a ditch

I stopped to photograph the French-style plantation of young poplars (seen left) and only then realised that the rank vegetation in the foreground was growing along a roadside ditch - overgrown but still very wet.

Stefan Czapski

Lord's Piece

I wonder about the history of this area (now access land). The impression I get is of heathland that has - at some time in the past - been tidied up, with parkland-style plantings. A fellow-contributor has likened it to the New Forest Link but for me it's Ashdown Forest that comes to mind.

Stefan Czapski