Blackcap
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Blackcap extends over the peak of the South Downs in Sussex, just south-east of the village of Plumpton. This tract of country contains the hills of Blackcap (676 feet) in the parish of East Chiltington, Mount Harry (643 feet) in the parish of Hamsey and the wooded area of Ashcombe Bottom in the parish of St John Without. It is an estate belonging to the National Trust.
The estate lies mainly within the 'Clayton to Offham Escarpment SSSI'.
Walks can be taken starting low down by the road at the north, and then climbing steadily south up to the ridge, where there are spectacular view southwards. The flatter landscape is made up of scrubby open ground with chalk paths, surrounded by thickets (home to many songbirds especially Blue Tits and Chaffinches). The steeper ground leading up to the ridge is low-density woodland. The top is very open, with patches of pine woodland and gorse bushes, and there is a triangulation point here.
The flat surrounding fields are grazed by sheep, and the surrounding hillsides are so stubbly and coarse that hardy Exmoor ponies are brought in to graze them. Carrion crows often fly overhead, and the scrub is densely populated by rabbits. Roe deer come out when it is quiet to graze, hidden and protected by the surrounding thickets.
Outside links
- Location map: 50°53’23"N, 0°2’52"W