Iping and Stedham Commons

Iping and Stedham Commons represent some of the best that this scarce heathland habitat can offer. As rich in atmosphere as it is in wildlife.

Iping and Stedham Common Nature Reserve is situated just west of Midhurst and is one of the best examples of lowland heathland in Sussex. Its extensive 125ha is mostly owned by Sussex Wildlife Trust and also now includes Trotton Common and Bridgelands Plantation. It is a great place to see some of the amazing wildlife that can only be found on this declining habitat. Over 80% of lowland heath has been lost from the UK in the last couple of centuries. On top of this the UK has 20% of the world’s lowland heath making the total area rarer than tropical rainforests.


Heathland Restoration work
Heathland Restoration work is carried out on Iping and Stedham Commons mostly during the winter.  This can include the use of chainsaws or other machinery to clear small birch and pine trees.  This allows rarer heathland plants to re-establish themselves.

Please follow any instructions and keep dogs on a lead near the work areas. Thank you for your co-operation.

Postcode:
GU29 0PB
Grid ref:
SU852219
Reserve size:
125 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

Grazing

News

Be tick aware

Be tick aware

Now summer is here it is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of ticks, where they live and what sensible precautions you can take.

Heathland Dragonflies at Stedham and Iping Commons

Heathland Dragonflies at Stedham and Iping Commons

As part of the Heathland Sculpture Trail that connects the heathlands within the South Downs National Park, a sculpture dedicated to the specialist heathland dragonflies has been erected at Stedham Common.

Bee Wolf

Bee Wolf

Last week Glenn Norris spent 15 minutes watching one of the coolest insects of the year the Bee Wolf.