The Rise of Northwood 10 year anniversary walk
Sussex
A hundred years ago Northwood was a great woodland with soaring beech and oak trees and an understory of hazel coppice and wild flowers. It once stood at the heart of the Slindon Estate but was mostly cut down during the First World War for timber, and the land then farmed from the First World War onwards to feed the nation. The ancient woodland left standing was small and disconnected, isolating much of the wildlife left behind. Thanks to a generous bequest, ten years ago we had the opportunity to let the woodland rise again. The Rise of Northwood Project reconnected isolated islands of ancient woodland and re-established lost wildlife corridors. It also provided the perfect opportunity to connect people to their local landscape, trees, wildlife and heritage. This walk celebrates the 10 years of work that have gone into creating the landscape you see around you here today.
Near to
Slindon EstateStart point
Courthill Lane, grid ref: SU959099Trail information
Follow the pink arrows
This walk is marked throughout by pink arrows so you can make sure you're on the right track by following the pink waymarks around the loop.
Total stages: 12
Total stages: 12
Start point
Courthill Lane, grid ref: SU959099
Stage 1
Park in any of the laybys around the large notice board - there is no vehicle access beyond this point. With the main notice board on your left head north along Norewood Lane, past Northwood cottages and farm buildings for approximately ¼ mile (400m) until you reach the second set of crossroads with two large wooden gates to the left.
Stage 2
Turn left through the gates onto a gently ascending bridleway with open fields to your left and woodland regrowth to your right. These two fields are the first you encounter of the land that has been restored to wood pasture in the 'Rise of Northwood' project. Cattle graze this area to maintain a mosaic of habitats rich in wildlife.
Stage 3
Continue following the bridlepath straight along. And as it reaches the crest of a hill, you pass a small woodland on your right, known as 'Littlewood' – a relic of Northwood as it was before First World War. There is also a wooden building called Littlewood Lookout here. Continue on the same track as it descends down towards more of the Northwood fields, with Eartham woods in the distance.
Stage 4
Pass through another gate. At the bottom of the hill, take the wide open footpath to your right along the edge of a shelter belt of woodland known as a 'rew' in Sussex. This particular rew - 'Ashborder' - is a great place to spot badgers going about their business in spring and summer evenings. Continue along this path - after ½ mile (800m), this path gradually merges with the approaching woodland - 'Lepers' Wood' - in front of you.
Stage 5
Look out for a path on the left in front of the large veteran oak tree. There is a low post with a pink waymark arrow on the right hand side. You are now entering the area that has been planted up as part of the Northwood project.
Stage 6
Bear slightly left following the first pink arrow. Continue for about 30m and take the pink arrow pointing right that will take you along the path through the start of the planted woodland. Continue along the grassy track. You will pass through areas of open grassland that have been cleared to protect the underlying archaeology. Walk until you reach the large stone sculpture at the bottom of the track.
Stage 7
Pass the sculpture and bear right. Follow the pink arrows as the path winds gently to the left. Walk straight over the open ride (created to protected the underlying archaeology). Continue to follow the path and walk through this area of planted woodland. The Women's Institute supported the project here by planting 100 oak saplings which continue to grow and thrive today.
Stage 8
As you leave the area of planted woodland follow the pink arrows and the path until you reach a T-junction. Turn left at this junction and follow the path for another 100m until you reach another T-junctions.
Stage 9
At the T-junction take the first left and follow the path along the woodland edge. Before your reach a large junction with multiple exits there is a pink arrow on the left point along a path that turns back on itself. Follow this path as it dips down gently to the bottom of the small valley. There are several large adult holly bushes in this part of the wood that are covered in autumn. At the bottom of the path you will see a dew pond on your right and also a gate into the area of woodland that has high deer fencing to protect the natural regeneration of the woodland.
Stage 10
At this point follow the pink arrow and turn right through the gate into the fenced area. Follow the straight path through this area of natural regeneration until you reach T-junction with a gate.
Stage 11
Pass through the gate and turn left. Continue to walk along this track. You will be able to look left and see Littlewood Lookout in the distance across the wood pasture. Carry on walking along the track over a crossroads and past a hay meadow on your right that is known locally as Stoney Bottom.
Stage 12
As you continue to walk you will pass a low stone plaque on your right which is the memorial for Slindon Airfield. Continue along this track until you pass the notice board. You are now back at the start point.
End point
Courthill Lane, grid ref: SU959099
Trail map
Map route for Northwood 10 year anniversary walk | © Crown Copyright and database right 2024 Ordnance Survey | © © Crown Copyright and database right 2024 Ordnance Survey
