Mill Hill
Website: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/parks/conservation-and-countryside/mill-hill
Mill Hill Nature Reserve comprises approximately 13 hectares (33 acres) of chalk downland, scrub, and secondary woodland situated above Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex. It is managed by Adur District Council in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority. The site is among the few surviving fragments of unimproved chalk grassland in Sussex, a habitat now reduced to roughly 3% of its original extent across the UK.
Habitat Features
- Chalk grassland: Supports high botanical diversity, including specialist plants such as Hippocrepis comosa (Horseshoe Vetch)
- Scrub and secondary woodland: Provide shelter and nesting habitat for bird and invertebrate species
- Topography: South-facing slopes offer clear visibility across the Adur Valley
- Access: A 500-metre surfaced path ensures inclusive access for visitors
Invertebrate Interest
- Presence of specialist butterfly species including:
- Adonis Blue (Lysandra bellargus): A priority species for conservation associated with horsehoe vetch
- Additional species: Common Blues, Small Heaths, and other chalk grassland-dependent butterflies
Avifauna (Birdlife)
Commonly observed bird species include:
- Grassland breeders: Skylarks, Stonechats , Meadow Pipits
- Shrub and edge species: Whitethroats, Blackcaps
- Raptors: Kestrels are frequently seen hunting; Peregrine Falcons occasionally recorded overhead
- Migrants: Wheatears and Whinchats use the site as a staging point during migration
Conservation Relevance
Mill Hill contributes to the preservation of lowland calcareous grassland and associated species. It is frequently used for habitat monitoring and public engagement with local biodiversity.