Nestled between coastal wetlands and open farmland near Worthing, Ferring Rife offers birders a gentle yet rewarding escape into one of Sussex’s quieter wildlife corridors. This meandering freshwater stream flows toward the coast, flanked by reedbeds, rough grassland, and small woodland pockets—creating a patchwork of habitats that attract a rich diversity of birdlife year-round. 🦆...
Pulborough Brooks is a 171-hectare nature reserve managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), located in the Arun Valley near the South Downs in West Sussex. The site includes a range of habitats such as wet grassland, reedbeds, deciduous woodland, and heath, supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life...
Knepp Wilding Project Overview Knepp Estate covers approximately 3,500 acres in West Sussex and has been managed as a rewilding site since 2001. The project is recognised as one of Europe’s leading examples of large-scale rewilding on former agricultural land. Management practices have shifted from intensive farming to a low-intervention, process-led model where natural...
Located just south of Henfield in West Sussex, Woods Mill Nature Reserve covers approximately 19 hectares and is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. In addition to serving as the Trust’s administrative headquarters, the site functions as a key centre for environmental education and conservation outreach. Habitats and Features The reserve comprises a range of...
Brooklands Park is located between Worthing and Lancing in West Sussex and has undergone significant ecological enhancement in recent years. Previously known for its leisure facilities, it is now managed as a nature-focused green space with accessibility and biodiversity at its core. Key Features and Habitats Central lake: Restored with improved hydrology via open channels...
Located near the village of Storrington within the South Downs National Park, Chantry Hill and Kithurst Hill form part of a contiguous chalk ridge. These hills are intersected by the South Downs Way and represent a historically grazed landscape typical of lowland calcareous grassland in southern England. Landscape and Habitats Chalk downland: Managed primarily through...
Hollingbury Hill forms part of Wild Park, Brighton’s largest designated Local Nature Reserve. Situated on the northern boundary of the city, the site is managed by Brighton & Hove City Council and integrates historical and ecological features within a publicly accessible green space. Historical Significance Hollingbury Castle: An Iron Age hillfort featuring surviving ramparts and...
Brighton Marina, perched on the eastern edge of the city, is a striking fusion of coastal engineering and seaside vibrancy. Built between 1971 and 1979, it’s one of the largest artificial marinas in Europe, with over 1,200 berths, a working harbour, residential apartments, and a lively mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The marina’s...
Sheepcote Valley is a 90-hectare Local Nature Reserve located between Brighton Marina and East Brighton. Formerly a landfill site, the area has been rehabilitated into a mosaic of semi-natural habitats and is managed to support biodiversity and public access. Habitat Types and Land Use History Restored downland and grassland: Characterised by rough, unimproved swards, typical...
