We parked up in the lay-by marked on the map and wandered down to the treeline where we found a brand new wooden post with the name of the wood cleanly carved out vertically. I was already grinning at this point and I don't think I've stopped all day!
At our entry point (there didn't appear to be an obvious entrance and certainly no locked gate as many woods today have), we found the first huge Holly tree with what appeared to be a huge, white, plastic, sealed paint tub suspended on metal stakes underneath, about a foot above the ground and fenced by a metre high square of chicken wire - no idea what or why?
Passing an ancient yew tree, we decided to walk the boundary line first. We didn't actually manage it in the end as it was clear Rais has been left to grow un-managed for many years - a good thing for wildlife, but not so good for the slightly hungover adventurer wearing thin leggings and wellies. Storm fallen trees had been left precariously balanced against thin, but still living, trees, and at places poor Rais seemed quite dangerous to be clambering around. But we battled on and found many animal tracks, mammal pathways and a network of clogged streams which will be incredible once cleared of obstructions and redefined.
So many ideas and thoughts raced around my head as we pushed on to the electricity pylon which stands inside the northern border on the edge of the meadow and has rabbit-nibbled smooth grass hummocks beneath; reminded me so much of the relay race switch point in Watership Down!There's a huge range of broad-leaved trees and some prize Holly specimens, as well as flowering Gorse and a diverse collection of wildflowers carpeting the many clearings left by fallen trees.
Due to the lack of maintenance though there is a worrying amount of back-breaking work needed to clear Rhododendrons, create paths and make Rais a safe place to relax and explore. The good news is that there is plenty of already-felled wood available for use as shelter and hide-building materials, fires and seating.
We scrambled up banks, climbed over felled trees, paused to listen to woodpeckers busy drilling holes and tested the many derelict bridges spanning parts of the stream. After a good hour, both of us were sold. The possibilities far outweigh the mammoth workload Rais will take. Being close to Gatwick, we listened for aeroplanes: nothing. We couldn't even make out much of the M23 which is also not too far off to the west. As soon as the decision was made to go for it, we made our way back through the emerging bluebells and drove home - we had a life-changing phone call to make.
