Wheelers Common

Downs, Moorland in Sussex Horsham

England

Wheelers Common

View from Chanctonbury Ring (3) Credit: Peter Shimmon

Wheelers Common is a picturesque area located in the county of Sussex, England. Situated in the heart of the South Downs, this vast expanse of land covers both downs and moorland, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility. Spanning an area of approximately 500 acres, Wheelers Common is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

The downs of Wheelers Common are characterized by rolling hills, covered in lush green grass and dotted with vibrant wildflowers during the summer months. The elevated terrain provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a favored spot for hikers and cyclists. The moorland portion of the common is distinguished by its heathland vegetation, featuring purple heather, gorse bushes, and scattered patches of bracken.

The area is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of birds, butterflies, and small mammals. Birdwatchers can catch glimpses of kestrels, buzzards, and skylarks soaring overhead, while lucky visitors may even spot a rare peregrine falcon or a graceful red deer roaming the moorland.

Wheelers Common is easily accessible, with well-maintained footpaths and bridleways crisscrossing the area. These paths lead visitors through picturesque landscapes, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls, challenging hikes, or peaceful horseback rides.

Overall, Wheelers Common is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning Sussex countryside and connect with the rich biodiversity of the South Downs.

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Wheelers Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.918006/-0.36515592 or Grid Reference TQ1514. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Chanctonbury Ring (3)

Peter Shimmon

View from Chanctonbury Ring (4)

Peter Shimmon

All Saints Church, Buncton

12th Century Church in the tiny Parish of Wiston with Buncton.

Janine Forbes

Bushovel Farm, Wiston

Formerly called Bush Hovel Farm, it is seen slightly left of centre in this picture taken from Chanctonbury Ring. What is interesting is the circular shape of the field to the right of the farmhouse and buildings (with an extension on the right). This betrays it as having been an early clearing in the vast, heavily wooded Sussex Weald from which the farm was created. There are several farms along the foot of the downs here. At first sight it appears not to be the best situation for a farm, the southern sun being blocked by the bulk of the downs for much of the year (although not at Bushovel), but it is along this line that the chalk of the downs gives way to the gault clay of the Weald and it is here that numerous springs rise, providing a plentiful supply of water.

Ron Strutt

Fastings Cottage, Chanctonbury Ring Road

Ron Strutt

Wiston Tearooms

Wiston tearooms is at the southern end of the village. In the garden is a substantial collection of animals including various species of chickens, duck and geese, as well as two pigs, Henry - the infamous "Ashington pig" who was found wandering in the nearby village of Ashington - and George, goats, and a pony.

Ron Strutt

Fields of Hole Street Farm

A view across this entirely agricultural square: the fields of Hole Street Farm, looking towards Upper Chancton, with the trees of Birth Copse in the middle distance. The hedge line in the foreground is probably ancient; it marks the parish boundary.

Ron Strutt

Holloway, Chanctonbury Ring Road

An old droving lane that linked Downland farms with their Wealden pastures.

Simon Carey

Footpath to Kensett's Corner

Taken from North Lane bridleway.

Simon Carey

Coppicing, Brickyard Copse

Taken from North Lane bridleway.

Simon Carey

Field, Jessops Farm

Taken from the footpath that goes through the farm.

Simon Carey

Footpath, Jack O'Lantern Wood

This is one of the better ones too!

Simon Carey

The route to Hawking Sopers

Common Copse is to the right and those rainclouds were heading my way.

Simon Carey

Dying Deer, near Jessops Farm

On the footpath that heads south from the farm. Both back legs seemed to be gone. Not much I could do I'm afraid.

Simon Carey

Small Hill near Furzfield Cottage

Taken from Spithandle Lane path. The peak should have had Upper Barn on it but this did not appear to be either there or visible.

Simon Carey

Colour amid the gloom, Spithandle Copse

Amongst the churned up mudbath that was Spithandle Lane was the odd bloom of spring flowers and shoots which make a lovely contrast to the murky browns elsewhere

Simon Carey

Spithandle Lane

Spithandle Copse to the right, Spithandle Rough to the left. The road at the bottom left heads to College Wood Farm. The lane itself links Wiston to Horsebridge Common.

Simon Carey