Facilities

What's on offer at Buchan Country Park

  • There is a network of hard-surfaced paths which ensures easy walking in all weather conditions. Much of the park allows good access for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

    Places to visit and explore in the park:

    • Spruce Hill Coppice
    • Plantation
    • Middle Covert
    • The Meadow
    • The Phill Haskell wildlife garden (a dog-free area)
    • Douster and Island Ponds
    • Target Hill Heath

    You can download our easy-access trail information below.

    There is a permanent 3.5km (two-mile) novice orienteering course and maps are free. Download one below or collect one from the Countryside Centre.

    Be tick-aware: When out and about in the countryside, be mindful of ticks. Read these NHS guidelines about Lyme disease and tick awareness.

  • The Countryside Centre is open to visitors for viewing information about the park and the wider countryside 5 days a week:

    • Wednesday to Friday - 10.00am to 3.00pm
    • Saturday and Sunday - 10.00am to 4.00pm.

    These opening times are dependent on weather conditions on the day.

  • At the main picnic area by Douster Pond there are three barbecue stands. You may only BBQ on one of these designated stands. Please follow the park's BBQ policy which is posted close to the waste bins on site.

    If the litter bins are full, please take your litter home with you.

    The nearest shops are at Dorsten Square, Bewbush, just under half a mile from the entrance.

    picnic area sign of buchan's barbecue policy

  • We have male and female toilets plus a disabled toilet with baby change facilities. Toilets are cleaned three times weekly.

  • Buchan Country Park is a haven for quiet recreation and is popular with local dog walkers.

    • Dogs are welcome, but please keep them under effective control for the benefit of wildlife and other park users.
    • Keep dogs on a short lead in the car park and along the main entrance path until you have crossed the bridge into the park.
    • Owners are obliged to always clear up after their dog in the park - 11 dedicated bins are provided for this purpose.
    • Island Pond has a dog dip, a designated area where dogs may swim without disturbing other users and to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Please do not allow your dog to swim at any other location in the park.
    • Help us keep the wild garden a dog-free area.
    sign stating no dogs in douster pond

  • Cuppa-Love coffee shop will be open, serving barista coffee, hot and cold drinks and cold snacks in the Countryside Centre 5 days a week:

    • Wednesday to Friday - 10.00am to 3.00pm
    • Saturday and Sunday - 10.00am to 4.00pm.

    These opening times are dependent on weather conditions on the day.

  • Fishing is available to Crawley Angling Society members only.

    No day tickets are available and night fishing is only permitted on Tuesday and Saturday nights.

  • In October 2018 West Sussex County Council installed some second-hand car parking meters to try and generate income for the park.

    Paying for parking is voluntary and you will still be able to park for free if you wish.

    All money donated via the machines is gratefully received and goes towards maintaining and improving the park for our visitors and wildlife conservation projects.

    Donations received by other means have already helped fund the:

    • orchard restoration project
    • improvements to the Phil Haskell Wild Garden
    • planting of wildlife friendly hedgerows
    • making of bird boxes
    • installation of benches, sculptures and waymarked trails in the park.