A captivating woodland, complete with meadows, streams and an array of quintessential British wildlife, is the perfect place to spend a spring day out. The onset of a new season marks the perfect time to explore this enchanting location, as beautiful flowers begin to bloom. Ebernoe Nature Reserve earned its status as a Site of Special Specific Interest back in 1972.
Situated just north of Petworth in West Sussex, the commons are made up of ancient woodlands and were historically used for agricultural grazing among the meadows. The area also has a history of brick making and crude iron production dating back to 1594, as per the Woodland Trust.
Ebernoe Nature Reserve offers an idyllic setting for forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku as it’s known in Japanese.
From March through May, you can witness the emergence of bluebells, purple orchids, cowslips and primroses.
As the weather warms, adders can be seen basking in the sunlight, and you might even spot toads embarking on their annual migration between ponds for mating season.
The reserve forms part of the west Weald, located near the parallel chalk escarpments of the South Downs, reports Surrey Live.
For those seeking a longer hike, AllTrails offers a 10.9km circular walk around Northchapel and Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve.
Starting from the village green in Northchapel, the route takes just over three hours to complete.
Nestled near the Ebernoe Nature Reserve, visitors can discover the charming Holy Trinity Church with its picturesque grounds.
Dating back to the 1800s, the church’s stained glass windows, originally gifted in 1914, saw most replaced by 1940.
For those strolling through the woodlands, a welcoming pub awaits to provide well-deserved refreshments.
The Stag Inn, situated in the quaint hamlet of Balls Cross, is the nearest public house to Ebernoe Nature Reserve.
This traditional pub boasts authentic Horsham flagstone floors, a cosy inglenook fireplace, and has retained much of its 19th-century charm.
Patrons can enjoy a lunch menu featuring sandwiches accompanied by a side salad and gourmet chips, available from Wednesday to Saturday.
The sandwich selection includes tempting options such as sausage and onion, prawn cocktail, brie bacon and cranberry, and egg and bacon, with prices ranging from £10 to £14.50.
For those wanting something heartier, the menu offers mushroom stroganoff with rice at £14.50, crispy chicken schnitzel complete with coleslaw, salad and skinny fries for £18, alongside pub favourites like fish and chips and scampi and chips.
With an impressive Google rating of 4.6 stars, The Stag Inn has garnered an array of glowing reviews.
A satisfied customer shared on Google: “Really lovely, warm, friendly, busy and authentic place. Team was amazing and very accommodating, great food and really inviting atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
