Halfsmock Bottom

Valley in Sussex Mid Sussex

England

Halfsmock Bottom

Maidenbower Junior School Built and opened as a Middle School in the late 1990s, it became a Junior School following the Crawley Schools&#039; Re-organisation in 2004 — Maidenbower Junior School Credit: Michael of Crawley

Halfsmock Bottom is a scenic valley located in Sussex, a county in southern England. Situated near the town of Steyning, it is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. The valley takes its name from the Old English word "smoc," meaning a fold or crease in the land, which accurately describes its topography.

This idyllic rural area is characterized by rolling hills, meandering streams, and lush green fields. The valley is bounded by the South Downs, a range of chalk hills that provide a stunning backdrop. Halfsmock Bottom is particularly popular among nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers due to its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes.

The valley is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including rare orchids, butterflies, and birds. It boasts an extensive network of footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty up close. The area also features several small woodlands, adding to its charm and providing habitats for various wildlife.

Halfsmock Bottom offers a sense of tranquility and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in a natural environment. The valley's open spaces and panoramic views make it a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and leisurely walks.

Overall, Halfsmock Bottom in Sussex is a hidden gem that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the English countryside. Its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and anyone seeking a serene escape.

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Halfsmock Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.095805/-0.1440269 or Grid Reference TQ3034. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Maidenbower Junior School

Built and opened as a Middle School in the late 1990s, it became a Junior School following the Crawley Schools' Re-organisation in 2004

Michael of Crawley

Furnace Green Parade, Furnace Green, Crawley

At the centre of the local community, this local parade of shops provides access to most everyday needs for the residents of this Crawley neighbourhood. The style of the parade is slightly more modern than that of Tilgate (TQ2735) - late 1950s?

Pete Chapman

Worth Way, just before passing under B2036, Crawley

The disused railway between Crawley and East Grinstead was converted into a hard surfaced route for non-motorised traffic. Here we see the route heading towards E. Grinstead, just before passing under the Balcombe Road. The tunnel is not an original from the days when steam trains used to ply this route.

Pete Chapman

Tilgate Golf Course, Crawley

Grid square TQ2834 is dominated by most of an 18 hole golf course. This fine course is popular and the view here shows three ladies enjoying a round on a Friday afternoon.

Pete Chapman

Tilgate Forest: natural and un-natural trees

Tilgate Forest dominates this square. The proximity to the M23 and high vantage point have led a mobile phone company to locate a mast here. It's supposed to blend in with the other flora, but I've never seen another tree like this round here!

Pete Chapman

M23 Motorway looking NE from footbridge between Tilgate Golf Course and Tilgate Forest

The M23 cuts across the S of grid square TQ2834. The motorway acts as a boundary between Tilgate Golf Course (to the N) and Tilgate Forest (to the S). The view here is that from a footbridge that crosses over the motorway. In the distance, the edge of the Maidenbower neighbourhood of Crawley can be seen (centre of photo, to left of motorway).

Pete Chapman

Bridleway through Oldhouse Warren, Near Crawley, West Sussex.

A wide (and muddy, in places) bridle route through this otherwise private area of woodland. Links Pease Pottage (via Parish Lane) to Whitely Hill.

Pete Chapman

1990/2000s Housing Estate - Chapman Road, Maidenbower Neighbourhood of Crawley, West Sussex

The newest of Crawleys "Neighbourhood" areas. This part of Maidenbower was built on the site of Worth Forest and spreads into the NW corner of this grid square. As was the fashion at the time, the houses on this housing estate are built to appear slightly different from their immediate neighbours. Amazing how many detached/semi-detached houses can fit in such a small area! The photo shows the street name sign in front of the car. All the street name signs in Crawley are of this general pattern (see supplemental photo for details).

Pete Chapman

Chapman Road, Maidenbower - general pattern of street name signs in Crawley.

Sign for Chapman Road, next to Chapman's bike! The "neighbourhood" identity of the various parts of Crawley is emphasised by all of the street name signs having the name of the neighbourhood included on the bottom right corner of the sign (as shown in the picture). Additionally, each neighbourhood has its own colour for the band across the centre of the sign, Maidenbower uses a blue colour. Other area colours include: Northgate (green); Manor Royal Industrial Estate (Black - "Industrial").

Pete Chapman

1990/2000s Housing. Another view of Chapman Road, Crawley, West Sussex

This short road (150m long) has a variety of housing - all helping to make the high packing density feel less oppressive. These houses are in the middle section of the road and are generally bigger than those shown near the street name sign. The origins of the area being a forest are evident in this view, with a couple of very large and mature trees left in situ to add interest to the area.

Pete Chapman

Halfsmock Lake

North east facing view of lake near to M23.

Chris Plunkett

Blackwater Lane in the Snow

Formerly the approach to Blackwater Farm, now a residential street in Crawley.

Robin Webster

Site Entrance - Stone Court

Urban infilling - Stone Court was a house in large grounds. Now being redeveloped for 120 dwellings.

Robin Webster

Stone Court - new Block of Flats

This is the earlier (not the earliest) entrance to Stone Court from Balcombe Road when it was a single house. This block of flats is just one of the blocks replacing one dwelling with 120 dwellings.

Robin Webster

Frogshole Farm after a Fire

Originally a farmhouse, latterly a pub, the site is cordoned off after a fire on 8 Feb 2007. Outwardly in good shape, according to the newspaper report about 50% was damaged and the roof of the kitchen collapsed.

Robin Webster

Maidenbower Community Centre

This is the large building beyond the roundabout in one of the newest parts of what used to called the New Town of Crawley. Maidenbower is the name of the area, not invented but the name of a former farm here.

Robin Webster

Parkside Development, Maidenbower, Crawley

This development will just about complete available sites in this area of Crawley. 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom houses are announced on the placards. The road is Lucerne Drive.

Robin Webster

Frogshole Farm public house

Still boarded up from the fire in February (2007) but the enclosing fences now display planning applications (so things are looking up). The pub's name is not a contrivance of Olde Worlde corporate branding as this actually was the farmhouse for Frogshole Farm. The timber-framed building dates from the 16th century with numerous modifications over the centuries (and probably a few fires too!) Most of surrounding development is built on the fields of the old farm so Maidenbower could well have been named Frogshole instead.

Andy Potter

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Halfsmock Bottom is located at Grid Ref: TQ3034 (Lat: 51.095805, Lng: -0.1440269)

Administrative County: West Sussex

District: Mid Sussex

Police Authority: Sussex