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← Back🌳 Broadleaved woodland

The Plantation

✦ Ancient woodland19 ha

Plan your visit

WildlifeBirdsForaging
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome19 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • ☀️June — canopy now fully closed, creating cool dappled shade even on warm days
  • 🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
  • 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
Parking

Best for

8 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles

Free

Bird watching

Birds — Blue Tit, Robin, Woodpigeon +68 more · last seen 2026; Birds — Blue Tit, Robin, Woodpigeon +68 more · last seen 2026

Free

Foraging

Plants — Common Nettle, Blackthorn, Elder +18 more foraging species; Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Seasonal nature

Ancient woodland — bluebells, fungi and autumn colour; Plants — Wood Anemone, Common Nettle, Wood Avens +187 more · last seen 2026

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed — public woodland

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Meadow Brown, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly +29 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Meadow Brown, Common Darter, Emperor Dragonfly +29 more · last seen 2025

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

12 signed routes nearby · 38 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
South Downs WayWalking route160 km
Named routeLength 160 kmNational walking route
Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, South Downs walk, Sussex EastWalking route11.2 km

This walk takes in one of the most stunning sections of the South Downs Way. Spring & Summer bring rich plant life thanks to the chalk soil, forming unique grassland habitat. Great bus links from Brighton. Mostly flat until Pyecombe where it gets steep.

Named routeLength 11.2 kmDuration 03:00Point-to-pointRegional walking route
Wolstonbury Hill Explore Nature Walk, Sussex EastWalking route5.9 km

Go through beech woodland before climbing steep open grassland to the top of the hill. On summiting, admire panoramic views of the weald, sea & downs, including Newtimber Hill & Devil's Dyke. Bluebells & garlic can be found in Spring. Potential livestock.

Named routeLength 5.9 kmDuration 02:00-02:30Round tripLocal walking route
Rampart Ramble, Sussex EastWalking route1.3 km

Stroll around the old walls of the Iron Age hill fort. Take in views over the Weald & Brighton. Look out for remains of the curious Victorian funfair riders & in summer, walk through a meadow of orchids & butterflies. Suitable for pushchairs when dry

Named routeLength 1.3 kmDuration 00:30Round tripLocal walking route
Green Circle - Walking RelationWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Belmont Lanepublic footpath · 144 m
Public pathpublic footpathLength 144 mPath type: service
🚴

Cycling

22 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Green Circle - Bicycle RelationCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Kings WayCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Norther Arc AvenueCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Norther Arc AvenueCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Hurstpierpoint to Downlands Communitiy CollegeCycling route
Named route
National Cycle Route 20 Pyecombe to BrightonCycling route
Named routeRef 20National Cycle Network
🚵

Mountain biking

1 signed route nearby

Signed route nearby
South Downs WayMountain bike route
Named routeRef 89National Cycle Network
🐴

Horse riding

8 public paths nearby

Public paths
Belmont Lanebridleway · 810 m
Public pathbridlewayLength 810 mSurface asphaltPath type: bridleway

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Looking south from The Plantation

Looking south from The Plantation

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