OUR TOP 10 NATURE SPOTS TO VISIT POST-LOCKDOWN

To combat cabin-fever and to promote a little optimism we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots of natural beauty across Sussex.

East to West, the county has a wealth of gardens, heathland, forests and of course an enviably beautiful coastline - So, ditch those lockdown-blues and start planning yourself a trip to one of these gorgeous destinations as something to look forward to once we’re safe and sound to explore once again!

#Stayhome (for now!)

Sources:
https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
https://www.visitchichester.org/
https://www.rspb.org.uk/

Lavington Common

Petworth

Boasting one fo the few open landscapes that once stretched across the Weald, its sandy soil has created a rich lowland heath. The heather that grows across the common provides a home and breeding grounds for reptiles not-often seen in Britain such as adders and sand lizards.

Woods Mill

Henfield

Woods Mill is almost like stepping back in history. Walk through the ancient woodland, alongside streams and waterways, wild meadows with unmanicured hedgerows. Consisting of a number of different habitits, Woods Mill is home to an impressive number of species including mammals, insects, amphibians and birds.

Seven Sisters

Seaford

Found where the undeveloped and beautifully meandering mouth of the river Cuckmere joins the English Channel, the Seven Sisters boast towering cliffs of chalk. stunning ancient downland, and rockpooling.

Sheffield Park

Uckfield

The National Trust calls it: “A horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design”.
Paths wind through glades and wooded areas that surround the lakes found at the centre of the garden, A diverse range of species including kingfishers, birds of prey, butterflies, and dragonflies can be found in this wildlife haven.

ASHDOWN FOREST

High Weald

Known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh, this six and a half thousand acres of forest and heathland is rich in heritage, with an array of treasurers from medieval pottery to the first ever blast furnace in Britain.

Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve

Chichester

One of the few undeveloped stretches of the Sussex coast. This sheltered inlet is an internationally important wetland site for wildlife. Watch black-tailed godwits and little egrets by day, then linger when skies are clear for an amazing sunset.

Kingley Vale

Funtington

Kingley Vale is known for its twisted and ancient yews and includes a grove of veteran trees which are among the oldest living things in Britain. It also has superb chalk grassland and is one of the most important archaeological sites in southern England, with 14 scheduled ancient monuments.

Ditchling Beacon

near Ditchling

Offering amazing 360 degree views from its summit, Ditchling Beacon was once the site for a warning beacon, ready to light in times of imminent invasion. Boasting remains of an Iron Age hillfort, the site is also of archaeological interest.

Camber Sands

Camber

A fabulous stretch of unspoilt sandy beach, featuring one of the purest and longest dune systems on the South Coast.

Devil’s Dyke

Near Brighton

Devil’s Dyke offers stunning panoramas and the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in the UK. Formed naturally just over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age, it gets it’s name from the legend that the Devil dug the chasm to drown the parishioners of the Weald.

The ramparts or walls of the Iron Age hill fort can be seen when you walk around the hill.