Ditchling Beacon

Panoramic views of the Weald from this Iron Age hillfort site of chalk grassland and scrub

Photographs from 60 years ago show the steep, north-facing scarp slope on this nature reserve completely free from tree cover, as the short-downland turf was grazed by sheep. Since the road opened and grazing ceased much of the site has become covered in Hawthorn and Ash scrub.

The Trust manages this nature reserve on behalf of The Ditchling Common and Tenantry Down Ltd, who are made up of the registered Commoners.

Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve is free to visit, but we are only able to care for Ditchling Beacon with the support we receive from our members. Please consider becoming a member or making a donation today.

Ditchling 60 years
Ditchling Beacon 60 years ago

The Trust has re-introduced grazing and cleared some scrub to conserve the beautiful open areas that display chalk downland specialities such as Round-headed Rampion, Twayblade and Fragrant Orchid.

Postcode:
BN6 8XD
Grid ref:
TQ332129
Reserve size:
24 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

Grazing

Read more
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