High Weald AONB

This site of two very contrasting woods lies on the eastern edge of Horsham. Leechpool Woods is mature woodland with many ponds and streams running through it, whilst Owlbeech Woods has recently undergone major conifer clearance and recreation of heathland. The long distance High Weald Landscape Trail passes close by.
Location: near Horsham, West Sussex

Tel: 01403 731218
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://www.horshamdistrictcountryside.org

Grid Reference: TQ200315(OS Map)
OS Map: 134 (Explorer, 1:25,000)

Terrain: Numerous surfaced and unsurfaced paths criss-cross the two woods.  Boardwalks, bridges and steps are present in numerous locations to help visitors around the site, but some paths can still be muddy in wet weather.
Directions/Transport: Contact Traveline for details 0871 200 22 33.
Car Park Information: Free car park off Harwood Road, and parking also available next to South Holmes Play Area.
Opening Times: Open daily.
Prices: Free.
Disabled Access: One self guided trail - 320m on surfaced path from Harwood Road car park for wheelchairs.

Interpretation boards welcome visitors to the site and a site leaflet is available.  A sculpture trail also exists, which celebrates the wide range of wildlife that can be found on the site.  The trail includes stunning sandstone sculptures and huge woven willow structures- including a dragonfly and squirrel - which are slowly decaying into their surroundings!

Site Enhancements 2009 - 2012

A very wide range of habitat restoration and improvement works were carried out between 2009 and 2012. The special heathland habitat at Owlbeech Woods was for wildlife through removal of invasive birch, bracken and rhododendron, by both contractors and volunteers.  Ongoing grazing management of the heathy vegetation is undertaken by Hebridean Sheep; assisted at times by Llamas to help keep inquisitive dogs at bay! 

Numerous paths throughout both Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods were improved for easier visitor access: with boardwalks and bridges built, steps constructed and surfacing laid.  Coupled with other enhancements, these access improvements saw visitor numbers soar. 

One very noticeable enhancement was the installation of a temporary sculpture trail, developed in partnership with Same Sky Arts Cooperative, and including sculptures created by pupils from neighbouring schools.  The trail has its own leaflet, downloadable here.

 Walks guide for sculpture trail in Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods 

 

 

The 2009 - 2012 site enhancements were funded by the Weald Forest Ridge Landscape Partnership Scheme, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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