Outdoor Spaces
The key landscape characteristics are winding valleys and streams which converge in the Combe Haven basin. There are numerous ancient woodlands, ghylls and small irregular shaped fields. One of the distinctive features which results from the topography and layout of development is the strong visual connectivity between the village and the landscape – offering uncluttered long and shorter distance views from the built up area. Farmland also surrounds much of the village.
The Neighbourhood Plan designated 4 Local Green Spaces:
- The Recreation Ground
- St Georges Church Churchyard
- Quarry Wood - https://talesfromquarrywood.wordpress.com/tags-events/the-story-of-crowhurst-nature-reserve/
- RSPB Forewood Nature Reserve - https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fore-wood/
Sites of Special Scientific Interest:
- Forewood SSSI
- Combe Haven SSSI
- Marline Wood SSSI
There are many wonderful Public Rights of Way (https://row.eastsussex.gov.uk/standardmap.aspx) in the Parish, including the 1066 CountrySide Walk - Bexhill Link. In 2021 "10 Village Walks - Crowhurst and its footpaths" was re-printed and sold with all profits going to the Youth Club.
The Combe Valley Countryside Park is to the south of the village and includes part of the Recreation Ground. http://combevalleycountrysidepark.com (External Link) . A Parish Councillor is on the board of directors for the Community Interest Company (CIC) that runs the Park.
High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - The northern part of Crowhurst Parish is also part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much of the design guide for the Crowhurst Neighbourhood Plan was based on the High Weald Design Guide. https://www.highweald.org/