Furnace Meadow and Brick Kiln Rough

This nature reserve was acquired by Plantlife in 1994 and is split into two parts – Furnace Meadow, a ten acre area of unimproved grassland and Brick Kiln Rough, six acres of ancient semi-natural woodland.

Furnace Meadow comprises a single field with dry grassland on a steep, south-facing slope, and damper grassland on flatter ground alongside a small stream, which trickles through the southern part of the field.

The warm slope supports a rich mix of species including lesser Hawkbit, Pepper Saxifrage, Musk Mallow and Oxeye Daisy. In and alongside the stream, a different suite of plants can be found including Yellow Iris, Hemlock Water-dropwort, Lesser Spearwort and Brooklime.

The woodland of Brick Kiln Rough is oak dominated with an interesting ground flora, including daffodil, bird’s-nest orchid and bluebell. Spring visitors to Brick Kiln Rough will see the woodland flora at its peak. May and June are the best months to see the flora of Furnace Meadow.

Location: Ebernoe Common, near Petworth, West Sussex. Grid Reference: SU 977 277

return to top >>

back to Plantlife Nature Reserves>>