Woods Mill Nature Reserve - Sussex Wildlife Trust
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Henfield
What it’s like
A free circular walk round a lake and ancient woodland, with bluebells, butterflies and fungi depending on the season.
There's one main path here, a circular route round the lake, and it's flat enough for a buggy or a wobbly walker without much fuss. Beyond the lake you get into the older part of the reserve, ancient woodland with coppiced Hazel and Silver Birch, the sort of place where kids can go looking for fungi on a log without you worrying about them getting lost.
Spring is the obvious time to go if you can manage it, bluebells and butterflies both get a mention, and there are orchids to spot too if anyone in your group is that way inclined. It's free to get in, which makes it an easy one to say yes to on a Tuesday afternoon when nobody fancies a big day out. The car park holds about 60 cars and is also free, so no fiddling for change.
One thing to know before you go: the bird hide is currently out of action while they replace it, so if birdwatching was the plan you'll want a backup activity for that bit of the visit. If you've got a dog with you, keep it on a short lead, there's grazing animals about on parts of the reserve.
It's reachable without a car too. The Compass 100 bus between Burgess Hill and Pulborough stops here, which is handy if you're relying on public transport for a countryside fix.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Car park for about 60 cars, free
- Dogs
- Keep dogs on a short lead if there are animals grazing
- Getting there by bus or train
- Compass 100 bus from Burgess Hill to Pulborough stops here
- Bird hide is closed while it's replaced, so skip that if it was the main draw
- Spring brings bluebells and butterflies, better timing than a grey November walk
- Free entry and free parking, no need to book anything
- Keep dogs on a short lead near the grazing animals
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Nothing, entry is free and so is the car park.
Is the path buggy friendly?
The circular route round the lake is accessible, so a buggy should manage it fine.
Can we visit the bird hide?
Not at the moment, it's being replaced, so that's off the list for now.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, a free car park with space for about 60 cars.
Can we get there without driving?
The Compass 100 bus running between Burgess Hill and Pulborough stops at the reserve.
Are dogs allowed?
They are, but keep them on a short lead as there can be animals grazing on parts of the reserve.
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