What to do and see in Horsham, England: The Best Nature & Parks

The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve is a registered charity (No. 1171924). Our aim is to ensure the conservation, protection, and improvement of Warnham Local Nature Reserve for the benefit of both the public and the wildlife. Working in close partnership with Horsham District Council who own and manage the Reserve, we: * Promote the Reserve through displays and road shows * Meet & greet visitors to the Reserve and collect permit charges * Manage the Heron’s Rest café, selling drinks and light refreshments * Raise funds for specific projects * Organize and run programmes of events at the Reserve both for the public and for our members * Host regular evening visits by groups from local youth organisations * Assist with wildlife surveys All income raised is used for the benefit of the Reserve.

Horsham Park is a haven of green space with a lake, trees, wildlife and colourful flowerbeds. Within the Park is Park House Garden, a tranquil landscaped sensory garden designed with the disabled and visually impaired in mind. For those wishing to be more active, there are tennis courts, two outdoor gym locations, a permanent Orienteering Course, a very popular bowls green and a skate park. In 2011 a permanent table tennis table was added to the Park as well as a delightful Human Nature Garden, which offers an attractive educational garden illustrating the link between plants and people in their everyday lives. The Garden was created by Horsham in Bloom and funded by the Big Lottery. A wide range of refreshments are provided at The Conservatory Café; an ideal spot to stop for a break and to listen to concerts on the nearby podium.

Within a stone’s throw of the town centre you can find Horsham’s secret paradise. You can walk or ride through 90 acres of beautiful countryside any day of the year. Chesworth Farm dates back to before 1086 and has been listed as one of the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 Hidden Gems, as many people aren’t aware it is here to explore ! The River Arun forms a picturesque meadow in addition to the gorgeous grasslands (which sometimes host grazing livestock) and the ancient hedgerows that act as a haven for wildlife. It boasts the opportunity to see animals , such as skylarks in the daytime and barn owls flying past at dusk. You can walk through clouds of butterflies, encounter cows and sometimes see rare sheep and their llama companions in a beautiful countryside setting. The farm is suitable for anyone: a place to walk the dog, ride a horse, jog for miles or have a family cycle ride, well away from any main roads .

In 2019, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens opened its doors after a closure of 10 years, this magnificent Grade 1 listed garden was nearly lost forever and has been the subject of the largest garden restoration in England and possibly Europe. These spectacular and ancient gardens are now open for the public to enjoy once again. Many people in the local area have fond memories of their visits and life around these gardens, and we aim to protect this magnificent heritage so that future generations get to enjoy these beautiful green spaces and flora and fauna within.

Leechpool and Owlbeech woods have been announced as one of the best travel discoveries of 2O17, as chosen by Guardian writers. The woods have been included alongside some of the most prestigious areas of the world, including Shell Beach in Wstern Australia, Lake Gaube in the French Pyrenees and The Hooghly river above Kolkata, India. Leechpool Woods were once part of St. Leonard's Forest, a former hunting ground in medieval times. The 53 acre site is said to evoke feelings of traveling through time when weaving between the ancient Oak, Ash, Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Blackthorn, Sweet Chestnut and Scots Pines. Owlbeech boasts of 55 acres of remnant heathland which is being encouraged back to its former glory after the Great Storm that caused wide-spread destruction of the forest in 187. The area supports a rare selection of flora and fauna such as Nightjars and Brilliant Emerald Dragonflies. Both sites are open all year round and are free to enter.

We are 3 specialist growers in one, all British grown, unusual and difficult to find cultivars of Azaleas and Rhododendron, Camellias and Hydrangea. As a result we have amassed a eye-catching collection of plants rarely seen elsewhere. Our friendly staff offer an old fashioned atmosphere with a personal and professional service.