THE REVISITED: THE ANCIENT EXQUISITENESS OF KINGLEY VALE IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

It was on a delightfully mild day when they drove down the labyrinth roads heading to a National Nature Reserve in Chichester, Kingley Vale. This English Nature Reserve was amongst the first established National Nature Reserves in 1952. For the past years, it has been the enclave for the most important archaeological sites in Southern England and the habitat of 14 ancient monuments including the Devil's Humps Barrows. Moreover, it is also recognised for its lowland grassland sheeted in porous chalk and more importantly, the realm ground for its aged apparitional twisted Yew trees which are estimated to be 500 years old or as much as 1000 years of age. 

They carefully traversed the roads with the assistance of her handy offline navigation app and more so when they arrived around the vicinity of Chichester. Consequently, after more than 2 hours of expedition by car they reached the free car park of the sedating location for the Kingley Vale. She was enthralled and then whispered, “What a soothing way to spend the day away from the busy boom town and to see once again the yielded changes after 4 years!”. On the other hand, Kingley Vale's whereabouts is linked to a set of convoluted directions. The puzzling roads heading to its exact location will surely try out your patience and ascertain your diligence, specifically if you are travelling from London. 

The sun was still brightly shining and its crepuscular rays were balmy caressing their moisturised skin. It illuminated the footpaths on the nether side of the trees while the leafy branches acted as a canopy... 

 The sky was empowered by its peppy gradient shades of blue and the occasional shadows of cottony clouds provided them with some protection. They walked at a slow pace while also being engaged with tête-à-tête of birds and the green milieu… 

 The entire surroundings had a sprightly ambience because of its verdant vegetation. It was also omnipresently counterbalanced by unmoved sturdy trees as well as the thriving wild flowers. She was in wonderment at how Mother Nature harmoniously arranged her own environment despite the difference in breeds, in build and in the various heights... 

They entered the outset gate and walked onto a footpath in the middle part of the vast land. The immediate area on the right side was a private farmland enveloped in rapeseed flowers. While on the left side were the developing green plants; spontaneous colourful blooms and the imposing mature trees. After 15-minute of leisure strode, they arrived at the main ingress of the Kingly Vale.

The main wooden gate led into the abyss bounded by different varieties of wild plants and flowers; a nesting habitat for exotic birds; a safeguarded ground for insects and a forest for the remarkably long-established Yew trees. In her own personal opinion, it was akin to ancient forests but with a Greek-like stadium fortified by a slope wall of mountains and ameliorated by tall trees and resilient plants. They stopped for while in this open-to-all-elements “stadium” before they decided to attempt the shortcut uphill trail. It was a time saving alternative but not a prudent course of action as the way to the plateau at the top of Bow Hill was ominously very steep. When they both reached the surface of Bow Hill they were running out of breath, fainting heavily and the rates of their heartbeats were palpating. Lub-dub... lub-dub... lub-dub... 

They unrolled the wool blanket throw onto the recumbent ground of grasses and then, admired the stunningly unsullied landscape of the Kingley Vale at the top of Bow Hill. Once they had recomposed themselves by devouring the contents of their scrumptious lunch boxes, they advanced their way to the wooden kissing gate. Alas, they were stepping on the exact location of 2- 12 feet tall Bell Barrows on Southwestern which were known as the Devil's Humps Barrows. They are Bronze Age Kings' Graves, out of the four mounds, which have been acclaimed as Scheduled Archaeological Monuments with the most impressive round barrows. 

When they ultimately reached the top ring surface of one of the barrows, they were presented with breathtaking panoramic views like Chichester Harbour and the tapestry of rich farmland. She then softly whispered to herself while standing on the round surface of one of the Devil's Humps Barrows at Kingley Vale, “It feels like I am on Top of the World!”. 

After absorbing the picturesque landscape and vista from up above, they walked back to the car park down a moderately declining footpath. They then ventured on a 25-minute drive to small seaside town on the South coast of England called Bognor Regis. Historically, this coastal resort was well-visited by the Royal Families during the Victorian period. Why? Its because when King George V suffered from lung problems and septicaemia circa 1929, the sea air nourished his recuperating condition and boosted his stamina.