Find the Source of the Mole in Baldhorns Copse, Crawley
We had no idea what to expect as we cautiously peered through a hole in the trees and down a dark footpath.
We had accepted a challenge to find the source of the River Mole but we hadn’t been able to find anything about it on-line, except that the river rose in Baldhorns Copse in the village of Rusper.
The Paths through the Baldhorns Copse
The footpath was a little muddy at first but quickly dried out and widened into more of a tree-lined avenue.
When we reached a fork in the footpath we went through the trees…
…and came straight out into a meadow full of butterflies
and an intricate flower we later identified as an orchid!
Onwards to the Source!
We explored the meadow and then followed a narrow, bramble-lined path back into the woods.
The River Mole
And it was there that we first saw the Mole, although it was more of a stagnant puddle than a flowing river.
A Troll’s Swamp?
“This is definitely a troll’s swamp,” my eldest said as we walked through the trees. I was inclined to agree but wasn’t sure why we both sensed that – maybe the boggy mud or the putrid stench?
The Source of the River Mole
We followed the fledgling river upstream. It narrowed quickly, became a tiny trickle and then disappeared into a hole – the source of the River Mole! The children were thrilled.
A Second Source…
Next to the source of the Mole was the source of the stench – a stinkhorn, something we’d never seen before. Two sources for the price of one – a lucky but smelly find!
Baldhorns Copse
Baldhorns Copse itself is small but fun. We made a den, went bug hunting and played hide and seek.
How to Find Baldhorns Copse
The footpath starts on Horsham Road near to the junction with Steeres Hill (RH12 4PT).
From the top of Steeres Hill, turn left onto Horsham Road and the footpath is a very short walk away, on the opposite side of the road.
Further down the footpath you come to a fork. Straight on leads to the meadow but via a narrow path. Turning right leads to the source of the Mole and is also an easier way into the meadow.
No website found
Further Information
Nearest Town: Rusper, near Crawley
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: RH12 4PT
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: About three hours.
Buggies: I used an all-terrain buggy without any problems.
Parking: There is no car park but we parked on a nearby residential road called Steeres Hill (RH12 4PT).
Cost of Parking: Free
Wildlife You Might See: Insects and birds.
Information Written: May 2017
Ratings
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