Hareswith Pond

A shallow, reedy pond just outside Pulborough that's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a day around. It's proper quiet - the kind of spot where you'll hear more birdsong than people talking. The water's ringed by vegetation and trees, making it excellent for spotting waterfowl if you're into that sort of thing. Herons, ducks, the occasional kingfisher if you're lucky and patient.

You're really here for a gentle 20-minute walk round the perimeter or a sit-down with binoculars, not much more. It's the sort of pond that appeals to twitchers and walkers rather than families after an afternoon's entertainment. The area around Pulborough is decent for that though - it's a gateway to the South Downs, and there are proper nature reserves nearby worth your time if you're staying at one of the local parks like Washington Caravan & Camping or Honeybridge Park.

Access looks unrestricted from what I can gather, though there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of. Go early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and the birds are most active. Bring the camera but don't expect drama. This is understated Sussex countryside - low-key and honest. It works perfectly as a break during a longer walk or as part of a park-based stay where you're exploring the wider area. Worth knowing about, though not worth driving across the county for on its own.