Bridge Meadow & Copse, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

Bridge meadow is bordered by established broadleaved trees, giving the land a pleasantly sheltered feel. The ground is has a very gently sloping topgraphy, opening out into a sweeping meadow with a belt of mature woodland along the northern and eastern edges. These wooded margins provide natural screening, a sense of privacy and a ready-made habitat for local wildlife. The section of woodland to the west of the meadow is not included.

The diversity of open grassland and woodland makes the parcel suitable for a range of amenity uses. It lends itself well to quiet enjoyment, spending time close to nature, creating new wildlife habitats or even grazing an animal or two. Those considering tree planting or broader landscape enhancement may be able to access grant support for establishing native woodland or improving biodiversity. The southern boundary, currently marked by a line of wooden stakes, is an ideal candidate for a new hedgerow, for which a grant may also be available.

The meadow is accessed from a right-hand spur off the main access track. The access track runs slightly uphill for the final section, with Bridge Meadow on the left-hand side. An area of hardstanding can be found at the entrance for parking a vehicle. From here, the meadow drops away very gently towards the woodland, which frames the open land beautifully around three sides.

When walking along the edge of the meadow, starting in the south west corner next to the access track, the line of trees to your left marks the boundary of the meadow. When you reach the north-west corner, a line of stakes marked with orange paint heads off into the woodland, signalling the beginning of the section of mature woodland included in the land. Upon entering the woodland, you will find a seasonal stream, along with a nice path which bends around to the right, ushering you into the belt of woodland which hugs the northern boundary of the meadow. The boundary at the northern edge of the woodland is marked by a drainge channel. At the far eastern end of the woodland, a second line of stakes, also marked with orange paint, marks the boundary.

Quietly situated yet only a short distance from nearby villages and the coastline, the land combines a sense of escape with practical ease of access. Its mix of open ground and established tree cover provides a versatile setting, well suited to ecological enhancement, gentle land-based projects, or simply those looking for a private place to unwind.