Back to Country Walk map


1. Lampetts.  This is one of three Manor Houses in Fyfield and first appeared in parish records way back in the 15th century. The house is partly moated – an unusual characteristic of many other houses in Fyfield.

2. Lampetts Marsh.  Now designated as a Country Wildlife Site, this is a fantastic area for wild flowers. Striking spikes of pink common spotted orchids can sometimes be found in the summer. Fragrant meadow sweet or ‘queen of the meadow also grows here in profusion.

3. Green’s Farm viewpoint. Immediately to the west is Nor Wood and to the north is Blackcat, names which conjure up images of witchcraft and black magic. Something to look out for, growing wild in ditches and hedgerows, is Fyfield’s very own pea. Originally brought over by the Flemish as cattle fodder in the 1800s, it is now considered quite a rarity.

4. Wooden Castle.  What is now a quiet winding lane, Norwood End was once a busy link road between Fyfield and the nearest Roman road to the west. As you leave the green lane and join Norwood End you will notice a mysterious field surrounded by a moat, straight in front of you. This is thought to be the site of a wooden castle, a form of police station, built to keep an eye out for highway men amongst local traffic.

Back to Country Walk map

5. Perryfield Lane.  This old byway is a fine example of a green lane bordered by a mixture of trees and shrubs. It has an attractive display of flowers in spring and there is a sure chance you will see brimstones, wings folded, sunning themselves in early summer.

6. Gubbis.  Now designated as a County Wildlife Site, Gubbis was once a farm. The area still retains traditional patterns of land use with many small fields and ponds. The wooded areas offer shelter to weary ramblers and animals including fallow deer and brown hare in the winter.

7. Parish Boundary.  Across farmland between Rose Cottage and Gubbis are some of the oldest hedgerows in the area. Among the regular hedgerow trees are pollards of hornbeam, ash and oak. Pollards such as these, traversing open fields, often served to mark parish boundaries and certainly pre-date the Enclosure Acts of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Back to Country Walk map

8. River Roding.  On this clear, tranquil stretch of the river there is a wide variety of wildlife. During the summer you are sure to see a number of different dragonflies hawking along its banks. You may see them mixing with the vivid blue colours of banded demoiselles, one of Britain’s largest damselfly species. At all times of the year there is a good chance of seeing one of our colourful birds, the kingfisher.

9. Church of St. Nicholas.  Please see the separate page on this unusual building, estimated to be over nine hundred years old