Malling Down

Superb chalk grassland and scrub with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre

Our Downland nature reserves at Malling Down and Southerham Farm sit on the fringes of the East Sussex county town of Lewes, with Malling Down dominating the easterly skyline of this historic town.

Both sit within the chalk massif of the Lewes Downs and are part of the South Downs National Park. They share their space with Glyndbourne and Glynde estates and the Lewes Golf Course. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.

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

Postcode:
BN7 2RU
Grid ref:
TQ423112
Reserve size:
85 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Geodiversity at the Lewes Downs

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

Grazing

News

Where to see orchids in Sussex

Where to see orchids in Sussex

16 June 2026

There are about 56 species of orchid native to the UK and 23 of those can be found across Sussex Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves. These are some of the best reserves to visit in search of beautiful and elusive wild orchids.

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.

Read more
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