The Living Things Themselves

EAST GRINSTEAD TO WAKEHURST VIA GRAVETYE AND WEST HOATHLY 

 Well, I had my journey all sorted until I decided to do a little more citizen science for a project called Nature Sense. Naturally and with only the evening before to prepare, I had to entirely re-route through the Gravetye Estate. There was a little more to my walk than is documented because much of it was random wanders in the partial sun, looking for shy butterflies. As soon as the actual surveying was done, the insects and the sun came out of hiding. This did not diminish a great day and a more thorough explore of an area with more walking trails than are marked on the OS map.

William Robinson left his estate to a charitable organisation and public enjoyment was core to his requirements. With this spirit in mind, the insistence of a 15 minute sitting survey of pollinators at Gravetye was an excellent excuse for and a reminder of the pleasure to be had of stillness in the outdoors. With premission granted to stay in one place, I am mindful that my future walks should have a bit more of this rather than simply racing myself through the landscape. In truth, I am quite often stopping to examine the made and living things that I see en route but building in some intentional pauses, might make for a less punishing schedule and allow space for fortunate finds.

Robinson was a gardener and author who championed a more 'natural' planting method. He was a fan of heavy ground coverage, the planting of drifts and the use of native and perennial species. This was contrary to many of his contemporaries. I liked to think I've pioneered this technique in my own garden but I find this was not so much a plan as a happy accident. Liking plants I've seen on my travels and the pollinators they host, I have been subliminally compelled to recreate my memories by buying facsimiles and planting them in my own space.

In terms of landscape, the trail passes through the High Weald with suprising sandstone outcrops and steep river ghylls. The clay is present but the dry weather has made serious mud less of an obstacle. All this ensures the potential of considerable biodiversity and a healthy visual and sensory mix. Sheltered southern slopes and sandy clays are also good for lakes and wine-growers.

East Grinstead has a national railway station, as well as the steam one but is not conveniently connected south to Burgess Hill. A better option is a train to Three Bridges and the 400 bus. Return from Wakehurst was made with a bus back to Three Bridges.

From East Grinstead fire station bus stop, back track a go left on Station Road. Several 'breakfast' options are available as you join Firbank Way, near the railway station. Round Sainsburys and drop on to Brooklands Way to continue south. At the roundabout, turn right and almost immediately leave the road for the High Weald Landscape Trail, on the left. The footpath merges with Streatfield Place and you turn right at the junction. Take Coombe Hill Road and then turn left into Medway Drive. You'll see a sign for the Standen Trail. This is a path from the National Trust property to the East Grinstead railway station. Keep Dunning's Wood on your right as you enter and pass through the meadows to join the bridleway at the pitches and the home of the Sunshine Sevens.

On Saint Hill Road turn right and pass the ever so creepy one-time residence of Ron L Hubbard and the Church of Scientology. Saint Hill Manor is dwarfed by the newer Saint Hill Castle, the scientologist centre. Moving swiftly on, pass the playing field and immediately enter the hedge that skirts the edge of the drive. It continues to follow the road behind the sports club and through the pitches and in vogue padel courts before entering High Wood.

Now you can take your eye off the satnav and enjoy the single path that opens out into The Rough and views to the south. You'll see reference to Deers Leap, over to the west. It used to be a bike park with trails but I'm uncertain what is happening there to date. Enter Mary Wood and you'll emerge near the lakes of Kingscote Vineyard. Turn right to cross the Medway and you'll pass the visitor centre and walk under the Bluebell Railway, near to Kingscote Station. The Old Dairy, Mill Place and pond were once part of William's estate and are indeed very old and related to the iron industry.

Rejoin the Landscape Trail going north on the tarmac. After a time of following the railway north, continue on the bridleway into the Gravetye Estate proper. A sign indicates there are many paths you can follow. Through Mill Place Wood, you reach Home Farm and the volunteer centre. 

Here I ran about the meadows and woods, sat amongst the thistles, chased the roe deer and ate my sandwiches. 

Then it's Warren's Wood and beyond Gravetye Manor itself. This is a hotel with gardens. After the lakes, the path takes you over the hill and into West Hoathly. Go opposite carefully into North Lane at this junction. The visibility is not good. I made use of the historic toilets and West Hoathly is home to the Priest House, which I've visited before. The road turns and you continue the trail opposite onto Hook Lane. More DofE walkers clogged the track. A hotspot for semi-reluctant and weary trekkers.

You pass Philpots Quarry and then round the corner to descend between the school and the farm. The bridleway follows the water through pools, sandstone outcrops and waterfalls in Chiddinglye Wood, where you leave the Landscape Trail to ascend towards the Selsfield Road. Go directly over to the verge and turn left to the Wakehurst entrance.

I stopped for coffee and cake, as I pondered continuing past the seedbank to Balcombe. Instead, my pleasantly weary self, was easily persuaded to call it a day, buy plants and wait for a bus.