Buchan Country Park
Buchan Country Park is a remnant of the extensive more extensive old St Leonard's Forest - in historic times much bigger than it is today and and now a key part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Like most country parks, Buchan gives the sense of being a managed space rather than natural countryside. It's clearly not free from the guiding hand of man, but it's still a fine outdoor space.
Two large man-made bodies of water - Douster Pond and Island Pond - are at the heart of Buchan Country Park and Spruce Hill, Silver Hill and Target Hill give the whole area plenty of interest and there is plenty of good walking to be enjoyed.
Buchan Park Countryside Centre
Buchan Park Countryside Centre contains a few displays with information about the wildlife and history of the park. The Countryside Centre is also the base for regular education activities for children - helping them learn about wildlife, countryside skills and the great outdoors in general.
Heathland at Buchan Country Park
Buchan Country Park was bought by West Sussex County Coucil in 1969 and was opened in its present form in 1982.Since the Park has played its part in reestablishing heathland environments in Sussex - a sizeable chunk of Buchan Country Park has been turned over to heathland.
If you hate rhododendrons, the relentless 20th century invader of St Leonard's Forest, then parts of Buchan Country Park could be to your liking. The dense woodland planted by the Forestry Commission has meant that rhododendrons have had a slightly harder time getting established here than most other parts of Mid Sussex's sandy soils.
Close to Buchan Country Park
Nearby attractions include Holmbush Farm and Cottesmore Golf and Country Club.