Cissbury to Chanctonbury
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/cissbury-ring
Stretching along the South Downs in West Sussex, the ridge between Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring offers one of the county’s most scenic and rewarding birding walks. This section of the Downs, located just north of Worthing, is rich in biodiversity and steeped in history, with Cissbury Ring and Chanctonbury Ring both being ancient hill forts that crown the chalk hills with sweeping views over the Weald to the north and the English Channel to the south.
Habitats and Landscape
The area is characterised by chalk grassland, scrub, ancient beech woodland, and open farmland, offering a mosaic of habitats ideal for a wide variety of bird species. The south-facing slopes and sheltered combes provide warm microclimates that support rich insect life, benefiting many passerines and summer migrants.
Birdlife Highlights
- Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, and Corn Buntings are regular breeders in the open grassland, their songs filling the air in spring and summer.
- Stonechats, Whinchats, and Wheatears may be seen perched on scrub or fence posts during migration periods.
- The scattered patches of scrub support Linnets, Yellowhammers, Whitethroats, and occasionally Dartford Warblers, especially in milder winters.
- Raptors are well-represented, with Buzzards, Kestrels, and Red Kites often soaring overhead, and Peregrines sometimes seen hunting along the escarpment.
- During autumn migration, the ridge acts as a flyway for Swallows, House Martins, Hirundines, and finches, with the potential for scarcer species like Ring Ouzels or Wrynecks.
Seasonal Interest
- Spring brings a flush of migrant activity and song, with warblers and chats returning to breed.
- Summer sees breeding activity in full swing, especially among farmland and scrubland species.
- Autumn offers exciting migration watching, with visible migration (vismig) days sometimes producing impressive numbers.
- Winter can be quieter, but still yields wintering thrushes, finch flocks, and occasional owls at dusk.
Accessibility
Several public footpaths and bridleways link the two rings, including a section of the South Downs Way. The walk between Cissbury and Chanctonbury is around 5 miles (8 km) and offers moderate walking with some steep sections. Access points are available from Findon, Washington, or the outskirts of Worthing.