Levin Down

A superb example of chalk grassland and scrub, rich in flowers and butterflies

Levin Down is easy to see. As you come over the ridge at Goodwood racecourse it stands alone – a hill covered in natural scrubby grass­land; the olive green hues are so different from the synthetic emerald of the agricultural fields and viridian forestry plantations that form the surrounding landscape. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest; indeed the reason that Levin has so much of its wildlife value still intact is hinted at in the name, which is derived from ‘Leave-Alone Hill’, meaning that the land was too steep for the plough or other intensive agriculture.

Postcode:
PO18 0HU
Grid ref:
SU887130
Reserve size:
28 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

Grazing

News

Meet our volunteers: Bill Young

Meet our volunteers: Bill Young

Bill Young has a been a volunteering with the Trust for 45 years, most recently at Levin Down. He tells us all about it.

Orchids of Sussex

Orchids of Sussex

Discover some of the fascinating orchids found in the Sussex

Why chalk grasslands are so important - part two

Why chalk grasslands are so important - part two

Development has eaten away at our stunning Downs, but with planning laws, then protective designations, this has dramatically slowed. In the second of two blogs, Phil Belden talks about the vital importance of protecting and caring for it.