Graffham Common
Pine plantation on ancient wet and dry heaths with a lovely acid pond.
There are two sites on either side of the Graffham / Selham road that make up the Trust's newest reserve. They were purchased in 2009 and 2010 and are part of the wider area that was once Graffham and Selham Commons. Currently under pine plantation, the reserve has a history of heath and heath pasture, reflected in the beautiful heathers along the rides and glades along with some rare wet heath plants. The site has a tranquillity belied by its ancient history of manorial fiefdom alluded to in the name of "Gallows Hill". Previously designated SSSI, we hope to restore some of the site's former glory.
Graffham Common Nature Reserve is free to visit, but we are only able to care for Graffham Common with the support we receive from our members. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation today.
We would also like to thank the following for helping to fund the restoration of Graffham Common Nature Reserve
- The Egremont Charitable Trust
- Arcadia, the charitable foundation of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin
- Natural England through the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme
- Sussex Ornithological Society
- Viridor Credits
- And neighbours of the nature reserve
In this section
News
Sundews - Sussex heathland carnivores
17 July 2026
This eater of insects can be found on Sussex heathlands - but look carefully, as despite being prolific predators, these plants are only centimetres tall.
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?
Heathland Management at Graffham Common
25 November 2025
In a great piece of collaboration, Sussex Wildlife Trust & the South Downs National Park Authority combined forces to help improve Graffham Common as an area of lowland heathland