Overview
The Deneway is our most urban nature reserve, located near the Patcham and Withdene area in Brighton, which makes it one of the most easily accessible sites for local communities to visit.
The reserve is youth led, with most ideas and projects planned and carried out by the Youth Rangers volunteer group. It is a locked site, so community groups can gain solo access, so those with specific requirements can get a safe and secure outdoor experience.
As you walk through the beautiful gates, welded with familiar Sussex wildlife fauna and flora, you’ll notice that the reserve is made up of a long-wooded trail that takes you out of the urban landscape and on a tranquil stroll, meandering past ponds, glades, trees and wildflower banks teaming with pollinators. You’ll gradually ascend a gentle incline until you get to a clearing with a beautiful view out over the Patcham area. This reserve is a precious wildlife corridor for transient urban species, like pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and mammals, such as Hedgehogs and Badgers.
The Deneway Nature Reserve currently offers a wide range of opportunities to the local community. The Youth Rangers group, Adult Hit Squad volunteer group, free access for local charity community groups and university students all enjoy the reserve on a regular basis. How would you like to use this beautiful wild space on your doorstep?
Archie Taplin Trainee Community Engagement OfficerIt’s so inspiring to see how The Deneway can be many things to many different groups within one community. It’s an area for young conservationists to try out ideas, learn and gain experience, it’s a peaceful green space for local charity groups to connect with nature, and it’s a wondrous urban wildlife habitat for adult volunteers to help manage and protect.
Know before you go
Open for volunteer sessions & community events
Due to the reserve backing on to houses the reserve is not left open. Access is permitted to volunteer groups and local community events, which run regularly.
Free to visit
All our open reserves our free to visit, but if you enjoy your visit please consider donating to Sussex Wildlife Trust to help us manage these special places
How to get here
Postcode: BN1 5ES
Site access is limited to a single gate at the southern end of the site on The Deneway road/ What3words location rugs.window.drag
The 5/5A & 27 buses stop very close to the reserve. Preston Park train station is a 20-minute walk. It is also on a relatively flat cycle route.
Getting around the reserve
Much of the reserve beyond the first section is not easily wheelchair accessible, due to being woody and often overgrown. Muddy in winter.
Dogs are not permitted
With the exception of designated assistance dogs
Toilets
There is a simple compost loo on site, with steps.
Alternatively, Withdene Sports Centre is a 10 minute walk away.
Check Toilet Map for other nearby options
Dos and don’ts
- Do only come for pre-booked events
- Do bring what you need for a session – it’s not easy to leave
- Do bring water to drink
- Do bring sun protection and insect repellent in summer
- Don’t expect a good phone signal
- Don’t expect running water
- Do wear sensible clothes and footwear to protect from weather, mud, sun, ticks and nettle stings
The Deneway pond dipping Aug 24 © Sophie AtkinsonThe story of the reserve
This area was once a brownfield site destined to be built upon until the local community pooled their resources and bought the land, donating it to Sussex Wildlife Trust to manage. Since then, it’s remained a reserve that aims to be a great asset to the local community and wildlife.
Once upon a time, before the city expanded, this area was farmland. Volunteers will occasionally uncover a relic from this time when clearing brambles to bring more light in for less dominant plant species.
Did you know
Old English
‘The Deneway’ translates to ‘woodland valley path’ in old English
White-letters
When Dutch Elm Disease swept through Britain, the Brighton area retained some of the best remaining Elm trees. They are the food plant of the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, which is found at The Deneway
