B Y S A M A N T H A V A N D E P O L L

Exploring the secret and enchanted lupin fields of rural West Sussex

T H E S E C R E T G A R D E N

One beautiful, sun-shining summer morning I found myself sat with a cup of coffee pondering what to do with the day that lay ahead. It was 5am and I hadn't been sleeping well but even with the lack of sleep I felt a sense of serenity waking up so early and soaking up the sleepy lull of the town I lived in. During this chapter I was going through a lot of change in my life and found myself withdrawing majorly from any social situations. Yet with this I found a renewed sense of independence. This rush of desire for adventure and new experiences led me off that morning on a little adventure to seek out a secret hidden wilderness right on my own doorstep in beautiful Sussex.

The hidden Lupin fields in West Sussex are a very well kept secret. I must admit I only found them thanks to a friend sharing the pretty field on instagram and I was blown away that something so beautiful was so nearby and I'd never heard of them! Flower fields in general have grown majorly in popularity over the last few years thanks to social media. In the UK other then the lavender fields in Croydon, Kent and the South West the only other flower fields I'd really heard of were the confetti fields in Worcestershire.

'A tale of Lupins' as its more formally known belongs to the National Trust and is located in Woolbeding in the South Downs. Situated down a small country lane, the field is hidden behind the quaint Terwick Church, just a short drive from Petersfield. The field once belonged to a man called Reverend Laycock, who spent 40 years using it as a market garden in which he planted the wild lupins which self-seeded and bloomed year after year until they grew to what they are today.

That morning I set off at 6am. It was a typical quiet Sunday morning, few people were out and the drive was smooth. I headed from the seafront in Hove towards Petworth in West Sussex before taking the road to Petersfield. Let me tell you now you need to keep your eyes peeled because this turn off can be easily missed! On the A272 you'll come across a small lane called Old Rectory, turn down this road then head right to the end of the lane and you should find Terwick church right at the end - the field is through the graveyard and behind here.

Walking through the church grounds to the little field of Lupins at the back is a magical experience. As you pass through the final gate you are greeted by a sea of colour. Pinks, purples and whites as far as the eye can see, alongside wild poppies and daisies, there is also plenty of wild life to see. It's hard not to fall in love with this little enchanted garden. I had the place to myself but I doubt it ever gets that busy. I took my time wondering the field, taking photos and just sitting amongst the peaceful tranquility. Make sure if you go to be careful and respect the wildlife. As tempting as it may be to try and get the prettiest photos among the flowers - make sure to not tread on the flowers in the process. There are few hidden places as special as this one and we want to look after it.

For me travel is about the moments like these. I love exploring and I love adventure. Whether its hidden like this or the tourist traps, I love experiencing everything this wonderful world has to offer but sometimes the small moments, when you find something truly special and feel completely at peace, they are the ones you remember.

After belonging to the Reverend, the field was later passed on to Jane Patterson Hodge who adored the lupins growing wildly and made sure the fields were left undisturbed to grow in peace. She gifted the field to the National Trust in 1938 with the condition that lupins were maintained and grown for future generations to enjoy. Through the decades the National Trust has worked with the Rogate community and local farmers to ensure new seed is planted and the number of lupins continue to grow and thrive. What I love is they also work with Coastal West Sussex Mind group which offers mental health services, along with associated training and support to people who struggle with mental health issues. They work in communities to raise awareness, challenge stigma and combat against discrimination. I think considering the tranquility of the garden this is very fitting.

In 2020 a year that challenged us all for the most part, I like the majority spent most of the year indoors. For the first time in maybe twenty years I didn't leave the country and I stopped writing on here as it felt silly to talk about travel when we could not.

If that year taught me anything it was to open my eyes to my own surroundings and learn to appreciate what was on my own doorstep without the need to always believe that the best things were always elsewhere. There is so much beauty around us If we just look. The lupin field was my 2020 highlight, not only for its beauty but for the lesson it taught me too.

I hope that many more generations will get to enjoy the benefits of these beautiful fields and that Jane and Reverend Laycock know that have left something truly wonderful for us all.