14 June, 10.30am: Burton Mill & Lavington Common Walk

Explore the historic 18th-century watermill and its millpond, the parkland of Burton Park House, and the sandy heathlands of Lavington and Duncton Commons, on this fascinating walk with local expert Dr Geoffrey Mead.

Walk details: Burton Mill is next to a large millpond, formerly an iron working site. The walk takes a heathland wooded start through the Local Nature Reserve, which leads onto classic English parkland at Burton Park house, an early 19^th century mansion. Here is a mile or so of open farmland, before Lavington Common is crossed, an open sandy heath of pines and heather. Duncton Common is heavier clay with some dense woodland; before the route takes us past a large sand workings and then along a quiet road back to Burton Mill.

Staring point: Burton Mill carpark

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBjZrPneEzLWXifs7

What3Words: tacky.sprinting.stiffly

Difficulty rating: Moderate

Duration estimate: 3 – 3.5 hours

Length: Approximately 6 miles

Accessibility: Woodlands, sandy heathland and some farm paths. Some road walking at end of tour.

Public transport information: Unfortunately, there are no public transport links

Parking: Burton Mill car park (limited) or on lane side nearby

Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads, as livestock in surroundings fields. Please take all dog waste home.

Born and raised in Brighton, Dr Geoffrey Mead is a geographer and local historian with a PhD in Geography. He has taught adult education and undergraduate courses at Sussex, specialising in local history, landscape studies and geography, and has researched communities across south-east England.