Location:

Harwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex

OS map reference: TQ 200 315

Opening times:

The site is open daily throughout the year with free carparking and entry to the woods. Terrain may be muddy in wet weather. Dogs are allowed but please respect other visitors and wildlife and pick up after your dog.

Description:

Leechpool’s 40 acres are comprised mostly of broadleaf trees with some very important mature species of Beech, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pine. The area is also rich in ground flora with notable ancient Woodland indicator species – Bluebells, Wood Anemones and Pignut. The wood also has pockets of young planted trees, naturally regenerated birches and Holly thickets and small relic areas of heathland. The woods make an attractive home to woodpeckers, many species of mammal including bats and many butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles.

Owlbeech represents a larger proportion of the site covering 56 acres. It’s restored Woody Heathland character is enchantingly landscaped with pockets of Scots Pine, ancient Yews and Redwoods. In addition it is bisected by two vibrant leafy Alder Ghylls. The heathland in particular is a haven for reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies and moths.

Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods are joined by a strip of land called Severals Bottom. The strip remains under the ownership of West Sussex County Council but is managed by Horsham District Council. The stream that flows along the middle of Severals Bottom and out through Leechpool Woods is a tributary of the River Arun.

Forest Walk and Pinetops are two small (8 acres), but valuable, additions to the site comprising birch regeneration and tussock grassland.

Facilities:

The woods have a free car park located off Harwood Road.

There are three way-marked trails, the ‘Red Route’ (approx. 3 miles) takes in both Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods and part of Horsham’s Riverside Walk. The ‘Green Route’ (approx.1 mile) takes you on a journey around Leechpool and the ‘Blue Route’ is a short surfaced route is available for wheelchair access.

There is a picnic area with rustic tables and seating close to the car park. This area is fenced from dogs.

The whole site can be explored using the permanent Orienteering course. Maps are available from the Wardens, see contact details.

Education visits can be arranged for school groups, covering a range of National Curriculum based topics. These are led by the Countryside Wardens.

The Riverside Walk, a circular walk around Horsham following the route of the River Arun, passes through Leechpool Woods.

Sorry there is no visitor centre or toilets available.

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