Graffham Common

Pine plantation on ancient wet and dry heaths with a lovely acid pond.

There are two sites on either side of the Graffham / Selham road that make up the Trust's newest reserve. They were purchased in 2009 and 2010 and are part of the wider area that was once Graffham and Selham Commons. Currently under pine plantation, the reserve has a history of heath and heath pasture, reflected in the beautiful heathers along the rides and glades along with some rare wet heath plants. The site has a tranquillity belied by its ancient history of manorial fiefdom alluded to in the name of "Gallows Hill". Previously designated SSSI, we hope to restore some of the site's former glory.

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

We would also like to thank the following for helping to fund the restoration of Graffham Common Nature Reserve

  • The Egremont Charitable Trust
  • Arcadia, the charitable foundation of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin
  • Natural England through the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme
  • Sussex Ornithological Society
  • Viridor Credits
  • And neighbours of the nature reserve
Postcode:
GU28 0PT
Grid ref:
SU932196
Reserve size:
38 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

News

Be tick aware

Be tick aware

10 March 2026

With spring around the corner it is a good time to brush up on your knowledge of ticks, where they live and what sensible precautions you can take.

Heathland Management at Graffham Common

Heathland Management at Graffham Common

25 November 2025

In a great piece of collaboration, Sussex Wildlife Trust & the South Downs National Park Authority combined forces to help improve Graffham Common as an area of lowland heathland

Read more
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