Park lane side on grass verge just above Staple Ash Farm at SU842151 for this 3.5kms (2.2 miles) stroll. Walk north-west downhill noting ash, walnut, larch, ash in meadow. Turn left, south, along road around farm slurry pond with nesting mallard.

All the hedges on our walk today have at least six species which denotes 600 years of existence. Hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, elder, hazel, spindle, ash are the usual mix hereabouts.

Above to left is Staple Ash Down. Meadow bank left has narrow strip of downland with sheep's fescue grass and bird'sfoot trefoil.

At Stonerock Cottages find a mixed woodland of Turkey oak, western red cedar, Douglas fir, birch on the right, and an ancient English coppice system of oaks and hazels left, complete with bluebells.

The lane continues with some large old oaks and hollies, all of these in flower when I passed that way in May. Chilgrove Park House, has some fine old beech and limes. Jackdaws and green woodpeckers nest here.

Turn right under spreading chestnut tree, towards King George postbox, noting another neat hedge around garden containing holly, lime, elm, beech, privet, ivy, hawthorn and ash.

Passing the postbox, cross the cricket pitch north-east towards some flint cottages, passing just left of them. Flint garden walls around them are new, but look very old. Last Cottage has walls of Kentish flints, larger and browner than Sussex.

Now continue north-east along rue also 600 years of age. Note marble galls on oak bushes, and wild garlic.

Pass grove of horse chestnuts. Note Chilgrove Hill back left with its yew/ash wood which was studied in 1926 by Dr A S Watt. At hedge end branch north, half left, across arable field. Note badger latrines as you go so mind your step.

Reaching wood, pass small spindle bushes before coming to road where turn right. Passing Tom's Acre, guinea fowls may curse you and shout 'Go back, go back'. Downhill, road bends sharp right around the cherry and apple orchard where hawfinches often seen.

The old Morris beckons, seeming to call: 'Come back, come back, it's lovely here.'