Three nature reserves to visit this spring

, 19 March 2024
Three nature reserves to visit this spring
Early Purple Orchids © James and Dawn Langiewicz

Did you know that we have over 30 nature reserves in Sussex, and that they are all free to visit?

We’ve chosen three of our best reserves from across the county that are great for wildlife in the spring.

Ebernoe Common

Ebernoe Common © Mark Monk-Terry

A magical network of ancient wood pasture with ponds, streams and meadows, Ebernoe Common is hidden away in the far north-west corner of Sussex.

This spring you will see Bluebells, Early Purple Orchids, Cowslips and Primroses. Adders will be looking for safe basking areas whilst hundreds, if not thousands, of Common Toads will be mating in the ponds.

Malling Down and Southerham Farm

Malling Down © Nigel Symington

A brisk walk on the downs in the spring is a great way to blow away the winter’s cobwebs. Our reserves at Malling Down and Southerham are two of the best examples of chalk grassland in Sussex, with many rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre.

On a sunny spring day there’s nothing better than sitting back in the grass listening to Skylarks singing high up in the blue sky. In May you might be lucky enough to see the beautiful Adonis Blue butterfly feeding on the bright Yellow Kidney Vetch at Malling Down.

Rye Harbour

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve © Stuart Conway

Rye Harbour is one of the most important conservation sites in Britain. Enjoy some amazing wildlife along miles of path with five bird watching hides accessible to wheelchairs. It comprises a mosaic of coastal habitats; shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater gravel pits and reedbeds.

This spring the lagoons will be busy with hundreds of Sandwich Terns, and the rich insect life will attract Housemartins and Swallows. Also look out for Orange-tips and Peacock butterflies.

Explore more nature reserves


Help protect the nature reserves of Sussex

Our nature reserves contain some of the most important and fragile habitats in Sussex, but without careful management these precious habitats degrade quickly and restoration can take decades.The Wildlife Trust movement was founded on the concept of nature reserves, and they depend on support from people like you. Will you become a member today to help protect our nature reserves?

With so many species on the red list and at risk of extinction, we need to do all we can to stand up for wildlife. A monthly gift will help us protect the wildlife of Sussex.

Help protect the wildlife of Sussex

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Comments

  • John Doherty:

    I would whole heartily support any one thinking of visiting Rye and, particularly , the harbour. Such a vast eclectic mix of wild life. Also cheap b&b’s available.

    20 Apr 2023 13:14:00

  • Hilary:

    Thank you for letting me know about the Nature Reserves I can visit. Are Dogs (on leads) allowed on all of these? If not which ones are they allowed on please.

    23 Mar 2024 17:31:00

  • Sussex Wildlife Trust:

    Dogs on leads are welcome at all our public nature reserves, except Woods Mill Nature Reserve near Henfield