Countryside around Scaynes Hill

The countryside around Scaynes Hill is considered one of its biggest attractions according to the Village Plan survey response in 2011. Over 90% of respondents indicated that one of the main benefits of living in Scaynes Hill was access to the countryside, which includes typical Wealden rolling hills, consisting mainly of pasture and woodland. A rather different landscape of heathland can be enjoyed at Chailey Common about 2 miles from the village, and there are many possible circular walks from the village itself. Being a relatively high point in the surrounding country there are views of the Downs to the South and the Ashdown Forest to the East, both of which are easily accessible by car or cycle for the more energetic.

Walking

There is a lot on offer for the keen walker as there is an abundance of public footpaths in the area (see Map). There are five main footpaths starting in the village which lead off in all directions of the compass. One of these going north towards the neighbouring village of Lindfield passes through Costells Wood, which is managed by the Woodland Trust with open access and there is network of paths where short woodland walks can be enjoyed. The wood is designated ancient semi-natural woodland as it has been wooded since at least 1600 AD. A leaflet with a map and information about Costells Wood has been produced by the Sustainability Group, which can be viewed and downloaded. The Woodland Trust’s management plan can be on their website page for Costells Wood.

The footpath to the North East of Scaynes Hill leads through farmland with some good views and then drops down to the Sloop Inn next to the River Ouse, where the course of the old canal which used to provide a waterway to the coast can be seen. Continuing up the hill behind the Inn leads through Hammer Wood to Kitts Camp, which encourages the more traditional experience of informal camping with an emphasis on sustainable practices. Beyond the camp lies Wapsbourne Wood where in Spring the most amazing display of Bluebells can normally be enjoyed.

The path to the East along Clearwater Lane, where you can get wonderful views of both the Downs and the Ashdown Forest, continues to the Clearwater Lake, a tranquil spot that is used by Hassocks & District Angling Society. Continuing further to the South East leads on to Chailey Common with its different heathland landscape and ecology. More information on this can be provided by the Chailey Common Society.  To the South of Scaynes Hill two separate paths, one behind the Farmers pub and another along Ham Lane, give access to a more open area of mainly pasture land which can take you to Wivelsfield or Chailey and beyond.

A circular walk around the Village of about 5 miles (and taking in the two village pubs!) is shown below. There is also and alternative short cut, which allows two shorter circular walks of about 3 to 3 ½ miles, each one including at least one of the pubs, where refreshments may be taken.

All the above routes are on signposted Public Footpaths, except the short lengths along the main road (A272) through the village and near The Neale Farm. The other section not on a signposted Public Footpath is the route through Costell’s Wood, which is a public access area with many paths through it.

A group that is active in promoting walks in the area is the Mid Sussex Ramblers who publish a programme of walks for several months ahead, which are normally well attended.

Conservation & Nature

Over 80 respondents to the Village Plan survey indicated an interest in participating in a Scaynes Hill Village Conservation Group, which demonstrates that local residents are willing to take part in helping to observe and maintain the nature-rich surroundings of Scaynes Hill. A large number of respondents indicated they would consider being involved in nature surveys, which could be co-ordinated by such a group.

The Scaynes Hill Sustainability Group, which was set up in 2012, is much more than a conservation group as it considers the wider issues concerning sustainability in all its aspects.  However, the group has organised guided walks and nature surveys in the local area.  Other county groups that also carry out these sorts of activities have their own websites that may be of interest:-

Farming & land use

There are many farms which are located adjacent to or near Scaynes Hill. Some specific farms about which it would be interesting to know and publish more are given below.

        • Oakgates Fruit Farm
        • Hooklands Farm
        • Townings Farm
        • Teagues Farm
        • Rock Vineyard
        • Freshfield Mill Farm
        • Pellingbridge Farm
        • Scaynes Hill Beekeeping

Useful links: