Enjoy wonderful walks through 100 acres of the original Standen estate, including ancient bluebell woods and meadowland, which can be enjoyed all year round.
Springtime in the woodland
Our Lead Ranger, George, gives his tips for the best of the season that can be spotted in the woodland.
In spring, you’ll see the yellow and green male catkins of a hazel tree. They hang like earrings, and in the wind, you may see the yellow pollen floating away. Harder to spot is the female flower – it’s pink and about the size of a fingernail. Keep your eyes peeled for them on your next walk.
Blackthorn trees are one of the earliest trees to blossom. With snow-white flowers, they brighten up the waking woodland. Blackthorn is best known for their dark fruits, which are used to make the warming wintry sloe-gin.
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Wildlife at Standen
Integral to the running of a large country house, this land is still managed in the traditional way and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The woods are home to badgers, roe deer and fallow deer. Discover the badger viewing platform available for public use in the woods and see if you can spot any wildlife.
Listen out for the sounds of blackbird, chaffinch, chiffchaff, blackcap, magpie, great spotted woodpecker and woodpigeon, all found on the estate.
Twenty-acre Rockinghill Wood is home to spectacular bluebell displays in spring. Ponds are dotted throughout the wood with winding paths making it easy to explore the local wildlife.
Hollybush Wood
Situated to the south of the garden with a boardwalk path, Hollybush Wood is perfect for families and dog-walking. Explore ancient deciduous woodland, which grows either side of a small stream.
Orchids in Hollybush Wood
Please be aware that although Hollybush Wood is home to orchids, the area in which they flourish is currently inaccessible due to ash dieback.
Jack and Tommy field
This ancient meadow has been restored from scrub and is named after two Victorian horses. It is now part of Standen’s woodland walks and home to wildflowers.
Discover more at Standen House and Garden
Find out when Standen House and Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Bring your dog for a walk at Standen and explore acres of woodland paths. Dogs are also welcome in the formal garden so you can explore more with your four-legged friend. Standen House and Garden is a two pawprint rated place.
Stroll around the Arts and Crafts inspired hillside garden at Standen, explore themed outdoor rooms and find a rare collection of plants including ones grown by Margaret Beale.
Explore the family home of the Beales, designed by Philip Webb and furnished throughout by Morris & Co fabrics and wallpapers. An Arts and Crafts inspired comfortable country retreat.
Find out more about this modern home with historic influences and charming Arts and Crafts workmanship, designed and built for the Beale family at Standen in West Sussex.
Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.
Discover the wide array of countryside settings around Sussex, from the highest point of East Sussex at Ditchling Beacon to the incredible rolling landscape of the South Downs.
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
