This year has to be the most spectacular display of Spring flowers that I can remember. Everything is blooming at the same time and if you get the chance, you must get into the countryside and enjoy a walk, whatever the weather.
We had a family walk to Racton Tower at the weekend and didn’t see a single person until we got to the tower, wondering what the view from the top was like. At the moment, someone appeared with his drone, and in five minutes, we had a birds eye view of the tower as well as the spectacular views of Chichester Harbour in one direction and the South Downs in the other. The flowers in the woods and hedgerows were incredible, with the bluebells, wood anemonies, cherry blossom and countless others doting the fresh green undergrowth.
At the same time the bees and butterflies are flitting around, and the bird song is glorious, interspersed with woodpeckers drumming, it’s an inspirational hive of activity.
Stansted Park has 36 miles of footpaths, it’s great fun to explore, get lost and enjoy the countryside. Here is information on walks and access in Stansted:
There are many footpaths and bridleways across the Stansted Estate, including the Sussex Border Path. The Estate is managed to balance conservation and access. Click here to find us on Google Maps, and zoom in or out; search for directions
Click here to see an OS map of local footpaths and bridleways O.S ref: SU 761 103
Click here for a map of Permissive Access routes on the Stansted Park estate
The Foundation has entered into Environmental Stewardship to benefit mammals, woodland and farmland birds, invertebrates and to maintain and restore the historic parkland and pastureland.
The permissive access routes link up with open access land and the Monarch’s Way, providing a circular walking route. Parts of the Forest are accessible by bridleway.
The Forest is bisected by large open vistas which are major features of the Grade I Historic Park and are managed under the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.
Please follow the Countryside Code by shutting gates behind you, taking your litter home and keeping dogs under close control.
Many congratulations on the successful official opening of the Farm Shop, which has undoubtedly become a gem within the Stansted Estate as the produce I bought prior to last Christmas was excellent. I look forward to my next visit from Tenerife later in the year. The photographs of spring flowers, most notably the Bluebells which are a great favourite of mine and look spectacular, also provide a reminder of the many walks I took each year and reported on in the FOSP newsletter.
With best wishes for your continuing success,
Jill Waring