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The Slindon Estate, off the A29 near Arundel, consists of a large expanse of sweeping downland divided by dry valleys. The estate includes Bignor and Coldharbour hills and Glatting Beacon, from which there are spectacular views of the South Downs and the coastline. The famous Bignor Roman villa is nearby. There is an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways.
Hanging beech woods on the scarp and old wood pasture on the dip slopes, much of which was damaged in the storms of 1987 and 1990.
Points of historical interest include a Neolithic causeway enclosure at Barkhale, several Bronze Age round barrows, some cross-ridge dykes, the medieval deer bank surrounding Slindon Park and a folly overlooking Court Hill Farm.
Much of the original downland on the more gentle slopes has been under arable cultivation in recent years, but large areas at Gumber Farm have now been put back to permanent pasture. There is an area of chalk heath and scrub on the plateau above the scarp.
Encompassing most of the village of Slindon, with its flint and brick cottages, the estate is also crossed by the largest remaining section of the Roman road, Stane Street. There is evidence of the pitched chalk and flint surface with ditches on either side.
In Slindon Wood is a preserved shingle beach, showing that the sea level was once 40 metres higher than it is today. The old Slindon Park on the southern part of the estate still has the impressive bank and ditch of its medieval park pale.
Much of the woodland is on ancient woodland and wood pasture sites, including the fine beech woods on the steep scarp slope. The storm-damaged woods are regenerating, with saplings and woodland plants flourishing in the lighter glades caused by the storms; ash and yew are also common. Typical ground plants of the beech woods include Bluebell, Dog's Mercury, Wild Garlic, Wood Anemone, Wood Sedge, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Butcher's Broom, Nettle-Leaved Bellflower, Twayblade and over 65 species of moss and liverwort. White Admiral and Silver-Washed Fritillary Butterflies can also be found here.
The grassland supports Stemless Thistle, Small Scabious, Rock-Rose, Cowslip, and Early Purple and Common Spotted Orchids.
Facilities
- Car parks at Dukes Road and Park Lane, Slindon. Each provides wheelchair access to suitable footpath network. Parking also by South Downs Way at Bignor Hill, south of Bignor village.
- At Gumber Farm there is a ‘camping barn’ converted by the National Trust. This is within a working stock farm and provides overnight accommodation just off the South Downs Way for walkers, riders and cyclists (no vehicle access). There are two rooms sleeping about 25 people plus a smaller family room. Good kitchen facilities with basic pots and pans are available together with hot showers and a drying area.
- Camping field also available. For further information or bookings, telephone 01243 814484.
- A self-guided walk leaflet is available as part of the National Trust’s 'Stroll the South Downs' walks pack, available by mail order for £3.50, call 01243 814554.
- For further information call the Head Warden on 01243 814730.
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