Ilex Avenue

It is the best known avenue of Holm Oaks in Britain. Holm oaks are evergreen and are from the Mediterranean. They were planted by David Lyon who bought the Goring Hall estate in 1834. The trees were also planted on the East wall of the estate, now forming Sea Lane, Goring, and some also on the West wall on the border with Ferring.

Many types of people want to use Ilex Way. Cars and motor cycles are definitely banned, but horses and bicycles are welcome, as well as people and their dogs. Ilex Way is defined as part of the Sussex Cycleway project, though there are alternative routes along the sea front. As part of this they want to harden the path down the centre of the way. We are very much against this; the existing path is fine and keeps fairly dry even in the heaviest rain. And if we harden the path it will encourage vehicles, however many signs are displayed saying No!

The Ilex Group is very active defending the avenue, and indeed the Goring Gap and other threats.