Trees

There are about 2,700 acres of Woodland for the public to enjoy, this has to support a certain amount of commercial forestry.

Scots Pine occurs naturally, though some was hand sown from seed. Much of this is interspersed with self sown Oak, Birch, Beech, Rowan, Holly And Whitebeam. This pleasing balance of broad leaves and conifers, with their subtle shapes and colours, add to the unspoilt appearance.

Birds & Wildlife

On The Hurtwood you will be able to see all the common woodland animals, Roe deer, squirrels, rabbits, foxes and if you are there at the right time, the occasional badger is more often seen on the edges of the Hurtwood.

According to the time of year, it is possible to see 15 or more species of bird. Most of the woodland species of bird are present, as well as migrants like the Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers, Wood Warblers and Tree pipits. We are also lucky enough to have the Nightjar, with its constant ‘churring’ sound. Whist watching for the Nightjar you may also hear the Woodcock flying over, making a sound rather like a flying Frog! Also present are some of the Raptor species such as Sparrowhawks, The Hobby, Kestrels and Buzzards.

On The Hurtwood you may also be lucky enough to see Adders, Grass Snakes, Common Lizard and Slow Worms

On Holmbury Hill we have an area of Heathland where Sand lizards were re-introduced by the Herpetological Conservation Trust, this has been a wonderful conservation success story, having been taking from doomed sites in Dorset. Smooth Snakes though rarer can also be seen in this area.

Heathland

Not so long ago much of The Hurtwood was wide open Heathland. Today Heathland is internationally important, but still disappearing from Surrey. Here on The Hurtwood we have actively encouraged Heathland regeneration, by removing the young trees and cutting the bracken allowing the Heather to re-grow. Preventing the re-growth of trees on the heather areas is a continual effort, and volunteer help with this is much appreciated.

Hurtwood Millenium Pinetum

The Hurtwood boasts a Pinetum containing different types of pine trees from as far a field as India, Canada and Australia. The area covers not more than 2 acres, which leaves enough room for around 100 different trees. The Pinetum was officially opened in 2000 by Prunella Scales. It can be found near Car Park number one and is highlighted on the location map here.

View Points

Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill form part of the Greensand Ridge. Pitch Hill at 257m (843ft) has stunning views towards the South and West, whilst on a clear day the sea at Shoreham can be seen by the naked eye from Holmbury Hill, which at 261m (857ft) is the second highest point in the South East of England.

Looking North from Holmbury Hill is the view to London, with Canary Wharf being a clearly visible landmark. You can see this on our Location Map. Click on the the marker at the top of Holmbury Hill.

Funghi & Hurts

Not necessarily on a pizza - but The Hurtwood is well known locally, for its wonderful collection of Fungi.

And what would The Hurtwood be without its famous Hurts?

Or is it Whorts, Whortleberries, Huckleberries, Trackleberries, Blueberries, Bleaberries, Whinberries, Hurtleberries, Airelles and Myrtles? All these are vernacular names for our famous little berry.