Malling Down
Superb chalk grassland and scrub with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre
Our Downland nature reserves at Malling Down and Southerham Farm sit on the fringes of the East Sussex county town of Lewes, with Malling Down dominating the easterly skyline of this quaint historic town.
Both sit within the chalk massif of the Lewes Downs and are part of the South Downs National Park. They share their space with Glyndbourne and Glynde estates and the Lewes Golf Course. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.
Recent tree work
Urgent tree work has taken place at Malling Down nature reserve near Lewes . UKPN carried out essential tree safety work relating to ash dieback. The work focussed on mains electricity cable running along the Ringmer road track. All of the Ash trees that have come down were showing heavy signs of dieback. It is a real shame to have to remove this number of trees but we have been left with little choice due to the risk to the public.
Find out more about Ash Dieback here.
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News

Where to see… orchids
30 May 2023
There are about 56 species of orchid native to the UK and 23 of those can be found across Sussex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves. These are some of the best reserves to visit in search of beautiful and elusive wild orchids.

Why chalk grasslands are so important - part two
17 April 2023
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.

Why chalk grasslands are so important - part one
16 April 2023
The first Wild Isles programme featured chalk grassland. Phil Belden explains why it’s such an incredibly important habitat.

Three nature reserves to visit this spring
15 April 2023
Did you know that we have over 30 nature reserves in Sussex, and that they are all free to visit? We’ve chosen 3 of our best reserves from across the county that are great for wildlife in the spring.