ウォルバートンの天然記念物・トップ12

Levin Down is easy to see. As you come over the ridge at Goodwood racecourse it stands alone – a hill covered in natural scrubby grass­land; the olive green hues are so different from the synthetic emerald of the agricultural fields and viridian forestry plantations that form the surrounding landscape. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; indeed the reason that Levin has so much of its wildlife value still intact is hinted at in the name, which is derived from ‘Leave-Alone Hill’, meaning that the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.

Take a stroll around the idyllic and ancient woodland of Nore Woods. The woods are situated in the South Downs National Park, somewhere between Chichester & Arundel. You'll be meandering through a stunning display of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and ash, with the most notable feature being the incredible display of bluebells that carpet the forest floor during the spring months.

Great walk up to here from Singleton on good paths

The English countryside is littered with bomb craters. There are various theories as to their provenance, all stemming from the Second World War. Rouge German bombs, Allied aircraft dropping bombs in the countryside to make for a safer landing on their return from missions and munitions being buried in the woods and subjected to controlled explosions after the war had ended. They are now popular with mountain bikers who use the steep sides and features to test their skills.

from the Middle of April

Really lovely circuit with a great variety of terrain and landscapes, did it January on gravel bikes and the trail was proper muddy in places, also leafy, gravelly, you name it. Added a diversion to the RAF memorial to the site of a crashed Dambusters Lancaster from where there are lovely views south to the coast and the IoW. Recommended.

The Dakota crashed in poor visibility on 11 February 1945, killing all 7 men on board. The plane was returning from Europe on postal duties, flying low in cloud and fog. Almost exactly a year earlier, a lancaster bomber crashed on the opposite side of the valley at Crown Tegleaze. The Four Nations War Memorial at Upwaltham Church commemorates the loss of life on both sides of the valley.

Well worth a look to see what destruction the bomb had caused.