Knepp Wildland

Nature reserve

Explorer Tom

Knepp Wildland in West Sussex lets nature make more decisions, and the result is scrub, meadow and woodland in motion. Tom offered to supervise the rewilding, but the free-roaming pigs and ponies appeared to have matters well in hand without his clipboard. The estate began its rewilding project in the 2000s after farming heavy clay proved difficult. Grazing animals, including longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies, Tamworth pigs and deer, help shape the habitat. Nightingales, turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies have returned to breed here. Nothing performs on demand; watch what appears. Knepp provides sixteen miles of free public and permissive footpaths, with viewing platforms and a bird hide overlooking the lake. Follow the marked paths, close gates and leave the animals plenty of space. Stork nests can sometimes be watched from a viewpoint in the nesting season, but watch through binoculars. The old castle ruin is reached on the orange trail; the modern Knepp Castle house remains private. Even Tom knows better than to knock on that door. The estate asks walkers to use its dedicated car park beside the Wilding Kitchen and Shop at Dial Post. The paths are open year-round; the car park has stated hours and a charge during the day. Some paths are firm, but the clay becomes muddy quickly, so choose footwear for the weather and check the route map first. Dogs need close control around wildlife and grazing animals. Come to wander, watch and let the wild residents run the show.

What is recorded here

Map note: The map marks Knepp Wildland as a nature reserve near Shipley, Horsham, England. The map knows where the place is, even if the scenery is staying quiet.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) r12145644

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.