Discover Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way…

Map Visits Tastes Pubs Journeys Car-free itineraries Places to stay I-Spy

A22

Bodiam and the Rother Valley 9 M20 Ashford M23 Tunbridge Located in the High Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on A2 A28 2 Wells the Kent and East border. A Crawley 26 2 6 A 8

Highlights: R 9 ES 5 A23 K 2 Bodiam and A26 A • The word Weald comes from an old word meaning ‘wood’; small 5 8 26 Rother Valley woodlands, tree belts and hedgerows are everywhere. A A

A21 2 Rye 8 • Majestic moated ruin of Bodiam ; arrive by boat from EAST Heathfield or by the Kent & Railway’s steam train from Tenterden. SUSSEX • Sheep and cattle-grazed pastures of the Rother floodplain; the reed- A27 A22 filled ditches and channels are an important wetland habitat.

• South-facing slopes and sandy, loamy soils ideal for growing vines. High Weald Area of • Oasthouses dot the landscape, a reminder that the area was once hop Outstanding Natural Beauty Newhaven Railways country. • Timber-framed buildings; many weather-boarded or hung with 0 20 km distinctive pantiles. 0 10 miles • Excellent footpath network. www.highweald.org 1 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… 25 22

1 A 27 36 24 23 38 12 10 25 21 14

3

B 5 18 4 25 A 29 20 A 9 28 11 17 30 D 31 16 32 7 39 26 2 41 6

40 E 15 33 C

34 35 19

37 Key 13 8 1 Visits 24 Journeys 9 Tastes 26 Accommodation 14 Pubs A Walks (circular & long-distance) Click on numbers on map for further details

The Ordnance Survey map data included within this publication is provided by East Sussex County Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfill their public function to conserve and promote the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. East Sussex County Council - 100019601. Discover Bodiam Visits

1 Merriments Gardens and Nursery 2 Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7RA You see a wonderful array of Wealden architecture 01580 860666 among the houses and cottages of this large village’s www.merriments.co.uk handsome sloping main street and roads leading David Weeks and his extended family have from it, where there are eye-catching examples of transformed what was in 1988 just an orchard and a tile hanging and half-timbering. Robertsbridge field into an eye-opening four-acre show garden. prospered during the heyday of the iron industry. A ‘The biggest challenge was the heavy clay soil’, says curious reminder of this is seen at Ripley Forge & David, ‘but it’s a lovely south-facing aspect.’ There Fireplaces: the stove shop has a huge collection of are colour-themed borders for sun and shade, dry Wealden firebacks, some very early and rare, outside and moist areas, and a hidden stream which links its premises and beside the bungalow garden of its two large ponds, a bog garden and a rock garden, owner. You can see them opposite the Robertsbridge and the nursery sells herbaceous perennials grown Cricket Club car park just east of the village. The on site. The garden includes a bridge that is a nod to shop can make casts of any of them for customers. Monet’s famous garden at Giverny in France. Local Cricket bats are still manufactured in the village produce on sale at the café includes Rother Valley by Gray-Nicolls; a by-product of these are willow beers, juices from , fish from Rye and trugs (baskets of a type special to the Weald), which beef from Staplehurst. are made in Herstmonceux. You’ll see hops growing in fields around Robertsbridge, and there is even a working which walkers can go past by walking along Fair Lane (by the Seven Stars), carrying on at the end over a footbridge across the A21, and left on the other side on Redlands Lane, past the oasthouse. Local hops here supply Harveys Brewery in Lewes: you can taste the finished article at the Seven Stars itself. Further along Redlands Lane are the scant remains of Robertsbridge Abbey, the only Cistercian house in Sussex. It’s virtually concealed, although you Using the map can see a wall of the lodging forming a wall of the • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. more recent tile-hung farmhouse. Robertsbridge • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. never had a church to itself: the nearest one is at • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. . www.highweald.org 3 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Visits

3 5 Great Dixter House & Gardens Bodiam TN32 SUA TN31 6PH 01580 830196 01797 252878 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle www.greatdixter.co.uk For many people this magnificent ruin, with its swan- This world-famous garden was the creation of the patrolled and what’s thought to be ’s late Christopher Lloyd, the celebrated gardener and oldest , is everything a medieval castle writer. Here you can see the focus of what he wrote should be. Its walls stand virtually to the height about for some 40 years up to his death in 2006: his when built by . He began it in creation is a series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each a the 1385, when the river was much wider – at the distinct character, and full of colour and unexpected highest point upstream navigable to French raiders. views that suddenly reveal themselves. But, by the time it was completed, the threat had The garden is actively managed to promote passed. An introductory film sets the scene for biodiversity, and experts and volunteers survey for visitors, and costumed guides talk you through what moths, spiders, bumblebees and butterflies. Great life was like here when the castle was at its peak. Dixter is something of a rarity in the High Weald in Climb the spiral steps up to the rooftop for dizzying having with public access to a wildflower meadow views down into the courtyard and moat. Look out and in enabling close-up views of a range of typical for the World War II pillbox in the grounds – a Wealden farm buildings, including barns and an oast reminder of the site’s renewed military importance in house. the last century. At its hub is the half-timbered house of the To make a longer visit, picnic in the extensive ‘Wealden hall’ design, adapted by Edwin Lutyens for grounds or time your visit to coincide with one of the Lloyd’s parents, who moved here in 1910. Lutyens’ special events featured on the Bodiam Castle scheme opened up the interior into its original website – children might even get the chance to medieval form. dress up as a knight and try a longbow. Special events include various study days and workshops on aspects of gardening. There’s a well 4 Bodiam Nursery stocked shop selling garden tools, books, and locally sourced products, and refreshments are on sale. Bodiam TN32 5RA 01580 830811 www.bodiamnursery.co.uk Using the map A small nursery which focuses on plants for small • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. spaces, including raised beds, narrow borders and • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. containers. They stock coastal and country plants, • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. including many unusual varieties. www.highweald.org 4 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Visits

6 Bixley Wood and Flatropers Wood 8 Brede High Woods

Access from Bixley Lane, near Beckley TN31 6TH Access is from small car parks on the B2089 Steve Hanna Some parking by barrier by Bixley Wood sign. Broad Oak to road. There’s free access to the tracks of Bixley Wood, a Brede High Woods, managed by the Woodland Forestry Commission woodland just south of Beckley. Trust, is a favourite among naturalists, thanks to its Among the conifers are broad-leaf species such as very old and varied habitats. During the summer birch, sweet chestnut and beech. Listen out for months the sunny rides are a great place for spotting typical woodland birds, such as green and great woodland butterflies such as the Silver-washed spotted woodpeckers. You can extend your walk by Fritillary and the site is known for other rare wildlife crossing Bixley Lane, and entering the neighbouring including glowworms, great crested newts and Flatropers Wood, a nature reserve owned by the dormice. Sussex Wildlife Trust, which harbours a range of wildlife such as palmate newts and tiger beetles. 7 All Saints Church, Beckley The former iron-producing village of Beckley remembers its industrial past in the place name of Beckley Furnace nearby, where an iron furnace was built in 1578. Within the church, a huge dug-out wooden chest dating from around 1200 includes what is thought to be some of the oldest ironwork in Sussex. The church tower, the oldest part of the building, dates back to around 1100 and displays herringbone masonry characteristic of the period.

Using the map • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. www.highweald.org 5 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Tastes

9 Busters Farm Shop 11 Lighthouse Bakery School Parsonage Farm, Salehurst TN32 5PJ Dagg Lane, TN32 5RD 01580 882020 01580 831271 www.bustersfarmproduce.co.uk www.lighthousebakery.co.uk Tucked behind Salehurst’s parish church, this is the Originally based in , this is a wholesale bakery outlet for the Hoad family’s traditional Wealden with a difference. Liz Weisberg and Rachel Duffield farm, and sells own-reared meat as well as moved it down to Ewhurst Green with a view to delicatessen products. The Hoads have farmed here combining it with a bakery school – aimed at all for six generations, since the 1880s. The varied soils levels, from professionals to total beginners. You get on their land enable them to diversify with both to use the machinery that’s used by the professional livestock and crops, and they pride themselves on staff at night; classes are informal but informative and their native-bred pedigree Sussex cattle. They also include baking from many European cultures, such as grow hops for Harveys brewery in Lewes – you can the art of making French pain au raisin or Russian sample the finished product in the Seven Stars in black bread. ‘We do family days and tailor the day for Robertsbridge. the children – then we would make chocolate bread, which is always popular!’ Nearby outlets selling 10 The Curlew Lighthouse’s traditionally made, additive-free bread include Stores, village shop Junction Road, Bodiam TN32 5UY and Hurst Green community shop. 01580 861394 www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk 12 Rother Valley Brewing Company In a white weatherboarded house at a crossroads not far from Bodiam Castle, this much-praised restaurant Station Road, Northiam TN31 6QT brings diners from afar for the excellence of its 01797 252922 modern British cuisine, for which it has earnt a www.rothervalleybrewery.co.uk Michelin star under owners Mark and Sara Colley. You can sample the valley’s very own beer locally: Closed Monday. Rother Valley Brewery brews in Northiam, using its own hops grown on site, along with other hops sourced a few miles away at Sandhurst. Bottled Rother Valley beers are on sale on the Kent & East Using the map Sussex Railway and at Merriments Gardens, while the • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. White Hart in Newenden always has the brewery’s • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. real ale available, and it is regularly on sale at the • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. Swan at and the White Dog at Ewhurst Green. Brewery tours by arrangement. www.highweald.org 6 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Tastes

13 Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard Sedlescombe TN32 5SA Pubs 01580 830715 www.englishorganicwine.co.uk 14 White Horse 19 Cross Inn England’s very first organic vineyard, this was started by Roy Cook in 1979. His winery uses traditional Silver Hill, Hurst Green TN19 7PU Cripps Corner Road, Staplecross methods: grapes are hand picked, no chemical 01580 860235 TN32 5QA fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides or fungicides, and 01580 830217 wildlife is actively encouraged. Roy’s wines – red, 15 George Inn www.thecrossinn.com white and sparkling – have picked up several awards and in 2013 picked up the first award in an High Street, Robertsbridge TN32 5AW 20 White Dog international competition for an English red wine. 01580 880315 The nature-friendly conditions allow bees, butterflies www.thegeorgerobertsbridge.co.uk Ewhurst Green TN32 5TD and birds to thrive. 01580 830264 Roy also manufactures liqueurs such as 16 Seven Stars Inn www.the-white-dog-inn.co.uk elderflower, and pressed organic fruit juices as well as cider made from local apples. Find out more by High Street, Robertsbridge TN32 5AJ 21 Station House taking one of several vineyard tours, taking in 01580 880333 woodlands carpeted with springtime bluebells and Station Road, Northiam TN31 6QT wood anemones (the stakes for the vines are actually 17 Salehurst Halt 01797 252116 harvested from the coppice here) as well as the www.stationhousenorthiam.co.uk vineyards themselves, and followed by a wine Church Lane, Salehurst TN32 5PH tasting, with scope for having a picnic along the way. 01580 880620 22 New Swan On the trail, look out for the World War II ‘dragon’s www.salehursthalt.co.uk teeth’ tank trap. Sandhurst TN18 5HY You can stock up on Roy’s products at the on-site 18 Castle 01580 850260 shop, and the café here serves refreshments using www.harveys.org.uk/stockists/ locally sourced ingredients Main Road (opposite entrance to the-swan Bodiam Castle), Bodiam, TN32 5UB Using the map 01580 830330 23 White Hart www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/ • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. bodiam/castle-inn Newenden TN18 5PN • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. 01797 252166 • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. www.thewhitehartnewenden.co.uk www.highweald.org 7 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Journeys by boat and steam train

24 Bodiam Boating 25 The Kent & East Sussex Railway Newenden TN18 5PP 01580 765155 01797 253838 www.kesr.org.uk www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk Hop-on-hop-off Rover tickets enable you to It is advisable to book cruise tickets in advance explore points en route By the picturesque 18th-century Newenden Bridge Lovingly restored to working order by an army of and a short stroll from Northiam station on the Kent volunteers and rail enthusiasts, this portion of railway & East Sussex Railway, this provides the best way to gives a memorable journey back in time, vividly encounter the River Rother close up. The 45-minute evoking the days of steam-hauled rail travel on a river cruise on the 24-seater former naval lifeboat rural light railway, as it makes its 10.5-mile journey MV Danny Lee, to Bodiam Castle make a memorable down the Rother Valley. The rolling stock has huge way of arriving at the spectacular medieval fortress. character: some carriages are Victorian, and the “We see lots of kingfishers, barn owls and herons, earliest loco dates from 1872. and in the water you might well spot pike and carp. The trains used to bring Londoners from the East Some visitors like to combine a boat trip with a visit End down for their annual hop-picking holiday in the to the Michelin-starred Curlew restaurant in Bodiam Rother Valley (hence the tiny hop garden at Bodiam or a pub lunch at the White Hart here by the station). This was the first of Colonel Stephens’ 16 boatyard. You can camp here too,” says proprietor light railways in this country – these being cheaply Vanessa Ferrett. constructed lines where the rules of building were Another option is to buy a single ferry ticket and relaxed: the railway follows the lie of the land rather do the return leg by Kent & East Sussex Railway, and than having embankments and cuttings, and the the company does a three-hour sunset cruise to Rye stations were largely of corrugated iron; the museum and back. Or if you want to go along the river your at Tenterden station honours Stephens’ achievements. own steam, you could hire a rowing boat, open- The line’s eastern end is in Tenterden, a topped kayak or Canadian canoe, and there’s a handsome Wealden town striking for its wide, verge- trailer pick-up service so you don’t have to row all lined high street with old weatherboarded houses; the way back. The 1920s mahogany Irene takes the shops and Heritage Trail give plenty of reasons eight passengers and can be privately chartered. for lingering. The hour’s journey to Bodiam involves a steep descent, passing the loco yard at Using the map and then the main rail depot at Wittersham. There is a stop at Northiam, where you can take a cruise on • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. the river with Bodiam Boating, then Bodiam Castle • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. comes into view to make a dramatic finale. • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. Check the website for special events. www.highweald.org 8 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Journeys on foot

A The Sussex Border Path C Robertsbridge

This long-distance path carefully picks out a scenic A 5-mile circular route around the countryside route through the area using public footpaths, surrounding Robertsbridge, taking in the woods and bridleways and short stretches of quiet roads. It farmland around the village of Robertsbridge as well includes a section from Hawkhurst to Beckley, via as beautiful views across the valleys. Bodiam. By using bus 349 to return, you could start www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/ at The Moor, just south of Hawkhurst and walk 4 exploring-the-high-weald/ miles/6.5km to Bodiam Castle, or carry on a further 11-miles-and-above-walks/ 1.5 miles along the River Rother and up to Ewhurst 914-robertsbridge-walk/file.html Green. www.sussexborderpath.co.uk D Bodiam

B Silverhill A generally easy 5-mile circular walk around Bodiam Castle and along the river Rother, with views of the A 3-mile walk around Silverhill near Robertsbridge: a castle and the river Rother as well views of the Kent typical country walk of stiles, some mud and some & East Sussex Railway. fantastic views across the Rother valley. www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/ www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/ exploring-the-high-weald/ exploring-the-high-weald/6-10-mile-walks/ 11-miles-and-above-walks/ 897-silver-hill-walk/file.html 905-bodiam-castle-walk/file.html

E Beckley

A 3-mile walk through the woods through Flatropers and Bixley woods. Flatropers wood is an ancient woodland reserve run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. www.highweald.org/downloads/publications/ exploring-the-high-weald/3-5-mile-walks/ Using the map 874-beckley-walk/file.html • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. www.highweald.org 9 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Car-free itineraries

Car-free travelling Key services

It’s surprisingly easy to get round this area Buses without your own transport. And with the These route numbers are shown on the bus map journey being part of the adventure, you can www.stagecoachbus.com/uploads/ relax and take in the landscape as you travel. ekandesnetworkmapjun2013.pdf

The bus routes highlighted here are regular 304/305 Hastings – Robertsbridge – Hawkhurst services (some frequent; some every hour or two; (hourly). note that on Sundays there may be no services or 340 Hastings – Newenden – Northiam – Tenterden a restricted service). For details of times see (hourly) www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk 344 Rye – Northiam (hourly) 349 Hastings – Bodiam – Hawkhurst (every two See a map of routes on hours) www.stagecoachbus.com/uploads/ ekandesnetworkmapjun2013.pdf Links in from points on the national rail network outside the area Buses are operated by Stagecoach. You can get a 2 Ashford – Tenterden (hourly) day Explorer ticket for a day’s unlimited 254 Tunbridge Wells – Hawkhurst (hourly) Stagecoach bus travel in Kent and East Sussex 312 Rye – Tenterden (every two hours) www.stagecoachbus.com £6.30 for an adult (plus 10p per child if Trains accompanying, weekends and school holidays To Rye – then either cycle (cycle hire from Rye Hire); only); family of five £10.50. or bus to Northiam, explore Great Dixter; bus to Tenterden; Kent & East Sussex Railway to Bodiam. Southern Railway www.southernrailway.com offers unlimited travel in the Southern network Direct services to Tenterden from Ashford, Hastings on DaySave off-peak and peak tickets. and Tunbridge Wells. Bodiam, for example, is reached by bus 349 www.nationalrail.co.uk (Hawkshurst–Hastings; trains serve Hastings itself), or by Kent & East Sussex Railway from Tenterden. Or even by boat cruise along the Planning your itinerary Rother from Newenden (itself served by bus 342, When planning any visit or itinerary it is important Tenterden–Hastings). to check up-to-date travel information. www.highweald.org 10 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Car-free itineraries

GREATER Margate LONDON Gillingham

M2 Maidstone M25 Sevenoaks A21 A 2 M20 2 9 Ashford M23 Tunbridge 8 A2 KENT A2 2 Wells Dover Hawkhurst Tenterden 6 A Crawley 2 Folkestone 6 A2 8

Crowborough R 9 A23 ES 5 K 2 A2 A Bodiam 68 65 A2 Northiam

Robertsbridge A Rye

A21 2

8 Uckfield EAST Heathfield SUSSEX High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty A27 Lewes A22 Hastings Bodiam and Rother Valley Mainline railways Brighton Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR) Newhaven 0 20 km Eastbourne 0 10 miles www.highweald.org 11 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Places to stay

28 The Original Hut Company The businesses selected for this guide have demonstrated that they work to sustain their environment, support their community, and share their Quarry Farm, Bodiam TN32 5RA knowledge of the High Weald. Their ‘promise’ to the landscape can be 01580 831845 found on www.OurLand.co.uk www.original-huts.co.uk – a website dedicated to telling A cluster of four homemade self-catering glamping the stories of the countries huts styled on traditional shepherds’ huts. Located on protected landscapes through a family farm within walking distance of Bodiam their food, buildings, history, Castle and the bus stop services to Hawkhurst and people and wildlife. Hastings. Also has traditional camping pitches.

29 Park Farm Caravan and Camping 26 Slides Farm Junction Road, Bodiam TN32 5XA Silverhill, Robertsbridge TN32 5PA 01580 831982 01580 880106 www.parkfarmcamping.co.uk www.slidesfarm.com Park Farm Campsite is set in a stunning location next Contemporary and stylish B&B accommodation in a to the River Rother and the owners take great care in rural position east of Robertsbridge, to which it is maintaining the site and its surroundings. The site is connected by a good network of footpaths. Its two available for tents and caravans and campervans. ensuite bedrooms open onto a west facing terrace Bodiam Castle can be reached by crossing the B2244 and garden area with wonderful views of the Rother and following the path along the River Rother. Valley. Guests can try the farm’s own-made cider.

27 The Old Courthouse Hurst Green TN19 7QP 01580 860080 www.oldcourthousebandb.co.uk Luxurious B&B accommodation in a former courthouse, this comes with vaulted ceilings and Using the map stained-glass windows. Buses 304 and 305 get you • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. from here to Hawkhurst, Robertsbridge, Battle and • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. Hastings. • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. www.highweald.org 12 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Places to stay

30 Clouds Bed & Breakfast 33 Oasthouse Loft 9 Dagg Lane, Ewhurst Green TN32 5RD Beckley Road, Northiam TN31 6JB 01580 830677 01797 253525 www.cloudsbedandbreakfast.co.uk www.highweald.org/explore-sussex/places-to- A beautifully rural location, with views from the stay/1983-luxury-self-catering-in-northiam.html house over the well-kept garden to sheep grazing Oasthouse Loft makes the perfect location for a the grassy slopes. Lighthouse Bakery is close by, and romantic weekend or week away. Stroll through rich it’s a short stroll along lanes to the pub at Ewhurst bluebell woods in late spring, spot orchids in a carpet Green, or to a point where footpaths lead down to of wood anemones in late winter and wander Bodiam Castle. between the foxgloves by the stream in summer. With only a handful of dwellings nearby, this holiday cottage is completely untouched by either noise or 31 The Poplars light pollution. Just feast on the fresh air and wallow Beckley TN31 6RR in the silence. Bus 340 from Hastings to Tenterden 01797 260888 via Northiam runs close by. www.highweald.org/explore-sussex/places-to- stay/2063-self-catering-cottage-near-rye.html 34 Woodside This self-catering cottage is located in the village of Beckley and is surrounded by beautiful countryside in Staplecross, TN32 5SG the heart of good walking territory. Bus 344 from 01580 830903 Northiam to Rye runs through the village. www.woodsidebandb.com Bed and breakfast, self-catering and glamping are all on offer and there is a resident beauty treatment 32 Swallowtail Hill professional to make your stay even more special. Hobbs Lane, near Beckley TN31 6TT 0845 337 2948 www.swallowtailhill.com The tents and cottages here are in a beautiful setting in which to spend a deeply relaxing holiday safe in the knowledge that its impact on the environment Using the map will be absolutely minimal. A short walk along a very • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. quiet lane leads to Four Oaks, for bus 344 to Rye • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. and Northiam. • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. www.highweald.org 13 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam Places to stay

35 Appletree Cottage 38 Bodiam Boating campsite Staplecross, TN32 5QP Newenden, TN18 5PP 01580 831724 01797 253838 www.appletreecottage.co www.bodiamboatingstation.co.uk Set in an attractive, peaceful hilltop position with The campsite offers 15 pitches, 8 with hook-up, on a superb views over farmland Apple Tree Cottage is a level, tree-lined field and there are firepits, wood and conversion of two 19th-century farmers’ cottages, even marshmallows should you not have your own! retains many original features, and once belonged to Boats are a step away and the Kent and East Sussex the grandfather of the author, Elizabeth Jane Railway steam trains chug past a quarter of a mile Howard. Jane and Hugh are both keen gardeners away; a great base for car-free exploration. and aswell as organically growing fruit and vegeta- bles, free-range chickens and rare breed sheep. Other businesses in the area 36 Hillhouse Cottages 39 Glenferness Newenden, TN18 5PL 01797 252253 Road, Robertsbridge TN32 5DP www.hillhousecottages.co.uk 01580 881841 www.glenferness.co.uk The Barn and The Bothy are two adjacent self- catering holiday cottages in the river-side village of 40 Lordine Court Caravan and Camping Newenden. Both have fascinating histories that date back to the 1600s; including occupation by Lordine Drive, Ewhurst Green, TN32 5TF shepherds, and horse stabling for constructing the 01580 830209 www.lordine-court.co.uk Royal Military Canal. 41 Ostrich Hotel 37 Sussex Tipis Station Road, Robertsbridge TN32 5DG Broad Oak, TN31 6EX 01580 881737 www.ostrichhotel.co.uk 07949 069309 www.sussextipis.co.uk Using the map Nestled in amongst orchards, a vineyard and a small • Click on the name beside the number for an enlarged view of its location. woodland, Sussex Tipi Holidays offers a chance to get • Click on Map in the Bookmarks panel (on the left) to return to normal size. away from it all and enjoy a unique and very cool • Use the zoom buttons in the menu bar to enlarge or reduce the page. camping experience. The site is opposite Brede High Woods. www.highweald.org 14 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam I Spy

Coppice Shelter belt

Woodland where the trees are cut Lines of tall, thin trees, often poplars periodically and then left to re-grow and alders, planted to protect the from the cut stumps, known as precious fruit within orchards from stools. The re-growth has multiple wind and frost. Many of the orchards stems, known as poles. Managing have disappeared but the shelter trees as coppice provides small belts remain, an indication of diameter timber which has many previous land use. uses, such as for making fencing.

Ponds Hops

Ponds are numerous in the High Naturally climbing hedgerow plants. Weald. There are about 9 per square In the High Weald, they have been kilometre and most are man-made. commercially grown up chestnut Some are natural but most have poles cut from the area’s woodlands been created either through since the sixteenth century. They damming to create water power or thrive on the deeper soils at the the digging out of minerals such as bottoms of slopes and in river iron ore and clay. valleys.

Pill box Weather-boarding

Squat, octagonal concrete or brick This often covers timber-framed gun emplacements that were built in buildings, sometimes from top to the 1940s along the Rivers Rother toe. It is usually painted white on and Medway as part of a network of houses and is left unpainted, or defences to prevent German stained black on barns. invasion.

www.highweald.org 15 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way… Discover Bodiam I Spy

Vineyard Oast house

Normally found on south-facing These were used to dry hops for slopes to ensure maximum exposure brewing and come in many shapes to sunshine. Warmer growing and sizes. The cowl is a white conditions in the area as a result of conical-shaped lid on top of the oast climate change has led to an house that was turned by a wind increase in vineyard numbers. vane and drew heat and moisture away from the hops as they dried.

Fingerpost Tile-hung building

The old style of road direction sign. Tiles were often used to clad the They were put up following an Act exterior of timber-framed buildings of Parliament in 1903 which gave in the High Weald. local authorities the responsibility for road signs.

Bank Written by Tim Locke Produced by the High Weald AONB Partnership Built over centuries to mark November 2015 landowners’ boundaries and to protect areas from grazing animals. Woodland Enterprise Centre Hastings Road, They can range in size from a subtle East Sussex TN5 7PR bumps to substantial features T: 01424 723011 topped with mature trees. E: [email protected] W: www.highweald.org Designed by Angel Design Partnership Ltd www.highweald.org 16 Linger longer and enjoy exploring the slow way…