Facilities

trees and a pathway through the park

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 Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

    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.

    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. Follow the park's BBQ policy. You can find this posted close to the waste bins on site.

    If the litter bins are full, 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.

    Be aware that:

    • dogs are welcome but read and follow our code of conduct for dog owners using the countryside.
    • you should 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
    • dog owners must clear up after their dog in the park - we provide 11 bins for this
    • Island Pond has a dog dip where dogs can swim without disturbing other visitors or local wildlife - you must not allow your dog to swim anywhere else in the park
    • some flea and tick treatments, including spot-on products, can wash off into the water and harm invertebrates - if your dog enjoys swimming, consider using a tablet flea and tick treatment instead to help protect wildlife
    • the wild garden a dog-free area
    sign stating no dogs in douster pond

  • 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.

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

    All money donated is gratefully received and goes towards maintaining and improving the park for our visitors and wildlife conservation projects. Donations can be made in the coffee shop when open.

    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