Seaford Head

Seaford Head is the best spot to enjoy the iconic view of the majestic Seven Sisters cliffs. Please be aware if you are walking east from Seaford sea front or west from Hope Gap you should take care as a significant crack has appeared and there has been a major cliff fall. Stay well away from the cliff edge and follow any diversions. Seaford Head is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust in partnership with Seaford Town Council, the site owners.

Seaford Head is the best place to enjoy spectacular views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley. A short walk from the car park at South Hill Barn takes you to one of the most spectacular views of the Seven Sisters, a wonderful undulating line of chalk cliffs. However the stunning views are not the only reason to visit this nature reserve.

Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve (LNR) covers an area from Seaford Head Golf Course eastwards to the Cuckmere Valley and north to Exceat Bridge. Over 50% of the LNR is owned by Seaford Town Council and has been managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust since 2013. The rest is owned by the National Trust and East Sussex County Council. Lying within the South Downs National Park it is part of the Sussex Heritage Coast and home to many nationally rare and significant species of plants, birds and insects. Due to its outstand­ing biological and geological features it is part of the Seaford Head to Beachy Head Site of Special Scientific Interest and falls within the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.

Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve declaration

Seaford Head is part of the new Seven Sisters National Nature Reserve (SSNNR) is the UK’s first groundwater-inspired reserve of its kind and seeks to protect our drinking water, which filters through the chalk landscape of the South Downs. The National Nature Reserve, which covers 1,500 hectares, includes precious wildlife habitats, including chalk grassland, rare chalk heath, woodland, saltmarsh, scrubland, flood plains, an estuary and underwater chalk reefs.

Seven Sisters NNR Declaration Documents and Maps

Public notice Seven Sisters NNR

December 2025 – Cattle are now grazing on the reserve.

Please note we now have cattle grazing the shaded area shown on this map.

The area includes Hope Bottom and Hope Gap and the areas down to the Cottages. There will be 5 cattle on the reserve and we have installed an electric fence along the cliff edge to keep them safe. The cattle are checked daily and have access to water.

Please keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead and ensure that all gates are closed.

Please collect all dog poo and use the bins provided. Dog faeces may contain parasites that have serious negative effects on cattle.

Please report any problems to the Grazier on 07501 223898.

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

Postcode:
BN25 4JQ
Grid ref:
TV504980
Reserve size:
83 hectares

In this section

Reserve profile

Dogs

What you might see

Getting around

Grazing

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.

Meet the staff: Sarah Quantrill

Meet the staff: Sarah Quantrill

25 February 2026

From windsurfing to brush cutting. Sarah Quantrill has had a fascinating route into a career in conservation.

Read more
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