Speckled Wood, Hastings

Speckled Wood is a woodland in Ore Valley with steep slopes and multiple walking trails spread across nearly 13 acres. The site features natural clearings between trees and several access routes throughout the landscape.

The woodland appears on the Yeakell and Gardners Sussex map from 1778. After World War I, plots were allocated to veterans between 1916 and 1921 as part of land settlement schemes.

Local residents historically called this area 'The Oller', where children played among medlar, blackthorn, hazel, and oak trees. This name reflects the community's deep connection to the woodland.

The woodland has multiple access points, including one from Frederick Road on the north and another from Old London Road on the south near Ore Village Green. The slopes are quite steep in places, so wear suitable footwear for uneven terrain.

The site received its current name in 2005 because of the brown speckled wood butterflies that live there. These butterflies became a defining feature of the woodland and shaped its modern identity.

Inception: 1778

GPS coordinates: 50.87170,0.60528

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41