Chesworth Farm
A 10-minute walk from Horsham town centre and popular with dog walkers, Chesworth has 90 acres of meadows and ancient hedgerows.
Meeting place – Outside the Visitor Centre, near the Council depot. The barrier at the entrance to the lane will be raised until 10.0 am on the day of a HGG meeting. From the barrier to the parking area is about 500 yards.
Leechpool Woods
An ancient woodland covering 53 acres. Trees include Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine.
Meeting place – The car park, which is off Harwood Road and almost opposite the entrance to Manor Fields
Monkmead Wood
The wood, part of the South Downs National Park, borders a Golf Course and is crossed from NW to SE by the course of a Roman Road. The River Chilt, a tributary of the River Arun, flows through the wood.
Meeting place – The car park, which is off Monkmead Lane at the junction with Nyetimber Lane.
Motte & Bailey
Horsham’s only listed Ancient Monument, the remnants of an early motte and bailey originated just after the Norman Conquest of 1066 and was abandoned shortly after 1150. The undulations of the mound and the surrounding ditch are still evident today. The secluded site often has cattle grazing.
Meeting place – Beside the road in Lemmington Way, about 80 yards from the roundabout in Rusper Road. Keep clear of the area of the bus stop. There is space for a few cars to park at the roadside but you may have to park a short distance away.
Owlbeech Wood
Owlbeech Woods is restored heathland that supports a rare selection of flora and fauna. Grazing animals – cattle, sheep and domestic horses – are used to help create and maintain the woodland habitats.
Meeting place – In the car park which is at the farthest end of Owlbeech Way
Southwater Country Park
This 90 acre site, created from a former brickworks, has a large lake and good, surfaced paths which provide an easy-going lakeside walk. The Quarry, on the other side of Cripplegate Lane, is a natural conservation area home to lizards, kingfishers and butterflies.
Meeting place – Usually outside the café. The car park is accessed from Cripplegate Lane and Station Road.
Occasionally, we use and meet at 1) the overflow car park on the opposite side of Cripplegate Lane and 2) the car park off Mill Straight and almost opposite the turning to Andrews Road
Warnham Local Nature Reserve
The 92-acre Reserve has four bird hides overlooking a 17-acre millpond, walking trails through meadows and woodland, boardwalks over the marshy grassland. It is very popular with nature photographers.
Meeting place – Outside the café. In the car park, please reverse into your place.