Maresfield
The village of Maresfield lies on the southern fringe of Ashdown Forest, formerly a deer hunting reserve at the time of King Edward II.
Maresfield Parish includes the village of Nutley and the southern part of Ashdown Forest. Rock Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, falls within the Parish. This ancient wood has several features of biological interest including mosses and liverwort.
Shortbridge Stream, a tributary of the Ouse, rises on the Forest and flows through Underhill valley, close to the centre of Maresfield. It was dammed in the 16th century to provide power for the iron furnaces around Maresfield, but now the stream supports a diversity of freshwater invertebrates. MCG liaises with the Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust whose mission is to protect and enhance the rivers and their tributaries such as Shortbridge Stream.
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Weald to Waves, founded in 2022, is establishing a 100-mile nature recovery corridor across Sussex from the High Weald at Ashdown Forest to the coast. The objective is to connect our fragmented landscape to boost biodiversity, capture carbon, enhance food production and enrich our rural economy.
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The Wealden iron industry was important to Maresfield, with three foundries in the area. One of the foundries was converted to make gunpowder in the early 1800’s.
The Chequers, at the heart of the village opposite the church, was built in 1743 as a coaching inn on the London to Brighton stagecoach route. St Bartholomew's Church dates from the 12th century.
Maresfield Camp has been home to many soldiers down the years. Maresfield is proud to be the first home of the Royal Corps of Signals.
Read a series of articles and posts about the history of Maresfield
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Links to useful organisations in Maresfield and beyond:
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Map of Maresfield Parish
