Leechpool and Owlbeech woods

Colourful pink wildflowers at Leechpool Woods

Signposted walking trails criss-cross the beautiful woodland and heathland

Leechpool Woods is a site of ancient woodland. There are five signposted walking trails that cover different habitats, including a sculpture trail. Owlbeech Woods is restored heathland that supports a rare selection of flora and fauna. The combined woods cover 109 acres. Admission to both sites is free and they are open all year round.

A walk around Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods

Take a walk with us around Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods in our video below.

Parking

Leechpool Woods car park is off Harwood Road and is free. Free parking is also available next to South Holmes Play Area.

Middle Heath Enclosure  - Closure from 1 February 2023

Please be aware that revised changes to access at Middle Heath come into effect on 1 February 2023.
From this date the enclosure will be closed to public access and will not reopen. Previously this area was closed between April and September but open to the public in the winter months.

This decision has been taken as Heathland is an important habitat and Middle Heath is now attracting rare birds such as Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Woodcock.
Closing Middle Heath in February will allow these ground nesting birds to establish their breeding territories.

It will remain permanently closed to protect the area and its wildlife from further disturbance.

Access across the rest of Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods remains unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grazing Animals

As part of our on-going land management strategy, please be aware that grazing animals are used in Owlbeech Woods. These include cattle, sheep and domestic horses. They help to create and maintain the woodland and heathland habitats and the complexity of diverse scrubby ecotones between.

We would ask all our visitors not to feed or touch these animals.
In the event of an emergency or animal welfare issue, please contact 01403 256890 (office hours) or 01403 215100 (out of hours).

Volunteer at Leechpool woods

Horsham Green Gym is a nature conservation group run by volunteers with support from Horsham District Council. The groups meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at parks and open spaces around the district, including Leechpool and Owlbeech woods.

Join Horsham Green Gym

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