Malling Down
Superb chalk grassland and scrub with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre
Our Downland nature reserves at Malling Down and Southerham Farm sit on the fringes of the East Sussex county town of Lewes, with Malling Down dominating the easterly skyline of this historic town.
Both sit within the chalk massif of the Lewes Downs and are part of the South Downs National Park. They share their space with Glyndbourne and Glynde estates and the Lewes Golf Course. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.
Malling Down Nature Reserve is free to visit, but we are only able to care for Malling Down with the support we receive from our members. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation today.
In this section
News
On the reserves - what's special about Malling Down Nature Reserve
06 April 2026
Butterfly recorder Crispin Holloway tells us why he finds Malling Down Nature Reserve to be so special
Be tick aware
10 March 2026
With spring around the corner it is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of ticks, where they live and what sensible precautions you can take.
How many nature reserves can you visit this year?
05 January 2026
Try our Reserves Checklist Challenge - how many can you tick off in 2026?
Our Nature Reserves Photography Competition 2025
12 September 2025
Sussex Wildlife Trust is calling for photographers to showcase the stunning natural beauty of the Trust’s nature reserves in a new photography competition.