Visit the St Roche's Arboretum and take the two-and-a-half-mile circuit walk that encompasses a fine collection of specimen trees and shrubs. As a complete contrast and whilst in the arboretum, particularly during the late Spring early Summer, see the azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom. 

The 49-acre St Roche's arboretum was started in the 1830s. Edward James kept his golden pheasants in the arboretum and made a significant contribution to its planting, specialising in exotic, pendulous, contorted and twisted trees. It is appropriate that this should be his final resting place. He is buried beneath a massive slab of Cumbrian slate inscribed by local artist John Skelton with the simple words 'Edward James, Poet 1907 - 1984'. It was as a poet that Edward wished to be remembered. At his head are two female coade-stone statues (1973) that originally stood in his garden at his home in Monkton House.

The walk also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Sussex Downs and of the flint mansion of West Dean College in its parkland setting.

West Dean Gardens hold two National Collections of Liriodendron, (Tulip Tree) and Aesculus (Horse Chestnut Tree) which can be seen throughout the garden and arboretum.

Autumn in the 49-acre St Roche's arboretum

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