Upper Alexandra Park, Hastings, East Sussex
Old Roar Gill and Coronation Wood
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
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Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8A steep, narrow wooded gill tucked into the upper reaches of Alexandra Park, where spring woodland flowers and a streamside habitat give this Hastings reserve its distinct character.
This is more than a quiet woodland walk: Old Roar Gill has a steep-sided valley, streamside ferns and mosses, and a strong spring display of ancient woodland flowers. Its scarce wildlife adds a rewarding layer for observant visitors. Check the council’s current notices, as parts of Streamside Walk are closed.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapUpper Alexandra Park, Hastings, East Sussex
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The experience
A nature-focused visit to a narrow wooded valley on the edge of Alexandra Park. Check current path closures before going, then explore only the signed open paths and look closely at the woodland floor and streamside habitat.
Things to do
Look for spring woodland flowers
In spring, look for bluebells, wood anemones and wood avens in the woodland.
Notice the gill’s fern and moss life
Look closely at the damp, wooded valley for the ferns, mosses and liverworts noted by the council.
Explore the streamside habitat where paths are open
The reserve includes streamside habitat, but parts of Streamside Walk are closed. Check current notices and follow signed diversions.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting
A quiet woodland and streamside wander
- 01
Check the Hastings Borough Council reserve page for current path closures.
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Use open paths and follow signed diversions; parts of Streamside Walk are closed.
- 03
Pause to look for spring woodland flowers and the ferns, mosses and liverworts of the gill.
Verified history
The council identifies Old Roar Gill and Coronation Wood as a Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by Hastings Borough Council. The source row states that Coronation Wood was planted in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation; this planting detail is not confirmed by the supplied council source.
Hidden details
A scarce parasitic plant — The council identifies toothwort, a scarce parasitic plant, as a feature of the gill and park.
Deadwood with uncommon inhabitants — Dead wood in the stream and on the woodland floor supports the endemic crane fly Lipsothrix nervosa and the nationally scarce door snail Macrogastra rolphii.
When to go
Spring · No verified time-of-day advice supplied; check before visiting.
The council reports that spring brings bluebells, wood anemones and wood avens. The source row also suggests autumn for woodland colour, but this is not confirmed by the supplied council source.
The source row reports muddy paths after heavy rain. Parts of Streamside Walk are closed for health and safety reasons; check current notices and conditions before visiting.
What to look for
- 01
In spring, look for bluebells, wood anemones, wood avens and the scarce parasitic plant toothwort. Along the stream and woodland floor, look for deadwood habitat
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the council identifies the endemic crane fly Lipsothrix nervosa and nationally scarce door snail Macrogastra rolphii.
The story
Local nature reserve; Coronation Wood is described in the source row as planted in 1953 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
Best time to go
Spring for bluebells, wood anemones and wood avens; autumn for changing woodland colour.
Spring is the strongest season for woodland flowers. The council also notes the gill’s ferns, mosses and liverworts; check current path notices before visiting.
How long to spend
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Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Solo
Practical information
Opening & access
A council-owned Local Nature Reserve. Parts of Streamside Walk are closed for health and safety reasons, with signed diversions. Check current access before visiting.
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Parking
The source row reports nearby street parking but gives no verified parking location. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Paths are unpaved, and the source row reports they may be challenging for wheelchair users. Parts of Streamside Walk are closed, with signed diversions; check current conditions before setting out.
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Cost
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Water
Stream
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Old Roar Gill and Coronation Wood
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
