Highfield Shaw

Downs, Moorland in Sussex Rother

England

Highfield Shaw

Bateman's A Jacobean house, former home of Rudyard Kipling. — Bateman's Credit: Andrew Longton

Highfield Shaw is a picturesque area located in Sussex, England. Situated amidst the scenic Sussex Downs, it is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, encompassing both moorland and rolling hills. The area is renowned for its serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers.

The moorland in Highfield Shaw is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including heather, gorse, and various species of birds. The landscape is dotted with ancient trees, creating a sense of timelessness and history. The expansive views from the moorland stretch out across the countryside, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area.

The Sussex Downs, which envelop Highfield Shaw, are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The undulating hills provide a haven for wildlife, with rabbits, foxes, and deer frequently spotted in the area. The Downs are also home to a variety of plant species, such as wildflowers and grasses, adding to the area's natural charm.

Highfield Shaw is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also offers a range of recreational activities. The area is crisscrossed with well-maintained walking trails, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with numerous species of birds making their home in the area.

Overall, Highfield Shaw in Sussex is a captivating destination that showcases the beauty of the English countryside. Its combination of moorland and rolling hills, along with its abundant wildlife, make it a must-visit location for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.

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Highfield Shaw Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.991727/0.35308425 or Grid Reference TQ6524. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bateman's

A Jacobean house, former home of Rudyard Kipling.

Andrew Longton

Hop Garden near Witherenden

An uncommon sight these days, one of the few hop gardens in an area in the High Weald that used to be famous for hop growing. This is in early spring when the trellis has been strung, and the fresh bines are just emerging.

David Saunders

Willingford from Blackbrooks Wood

A typical Wealden landscape near Burwash. The streams in the valley below were dammed for iron manufacture in Medieval and Roman times.

David Saunders

Gardens at Bateman's

The formal garden behind the National Trust property at Bateman's.

Stephen Craven

Dudwell Valley

Looking north-east from hilltop woodland across rough pastureland, down to farm in the valley. Note the white cowl on the roof in mid-distance left - trademark of an oast house.

Colin Smith

Dudwell Valley, South-west of Burwash

Around the stile are brambles, broom and gorse in the hedgerows. Beyond the stile, the grassy field leads down to the small River Dudwell. On the skyline is the High Weald village of Burwash.

Colin Smith

High Wood

Heather and bracken line this wide track running over the East Sussex High Weald. The woodland is a good mix of trees with beech, birch, oak, pine, etc.

Colin Smith

Dudwell Valley, South-west of Bateman's

Black and tan cattle inquisitively follow two walkers along the pastureland in the Dudwell Valley. The ground is still very dry after ca 18 months of below average rainfall. The High Wealden landscape is one of fields and woods, with hilltop villages.

Colin Smith

Willingford Farm

"Please Shut the Gate" is a countryside mantra but this one was open. It leads to the farm track which begins at the brick-built, narrow Willingford Bridge.

Colin Smith

Wheel Inn, Burwash Weald

This inn is sited on the A265 in a High Weald village which straggles along the road. It has a traditional tile-hung frontage on its first floor.

Colin Smith

The Oast House, Burwash Weald

Oast houses are common not only in Kent, but also across the county border in East Sussex. Like this one, they are often now converted into exclusive houses retaining the distinctive round tower with its white cowl.

Colin Smith

Burwash Weald on the A265

The A265 has many straight stretches as it runs over the ridges of the High Weald. This village suffers from one of the higher speed limits imposed on drivers. Many Wealden villages, like this one, are sited on the ridges or on hill tops - above formerly ill-drained and wooded river valleys.

Colin Smith

Oast House Weather Vane

Oast houses have distinctive white cowls on top of their towers. These swivel in the wind to catch the breeze for drying the hops below. This converted oast house in Burwash Weald has a distinctive weather vane attached which reflects the local sheep-rearing industry.

Colin Smith