Natural England - Castle Hill NNR
Castle Hill NNR
Castle Hill NNR comprises a series of valley-side slopes and is a good example of ancient, traditionally managed chalk downland.
County: East Sussex
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 47 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map.
Access to the reserve is limited to public rights of way, but guided walks organised by Natural England's Sussex office allow wider access. For details email the Sussex office or telephone the site manager on 01273 476595.
To download a leaflet describing this site click here 
.
Castle Hill is designated a Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe and is a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) under the European Habitats Directive.
The site's cSAC designation stems partly from the chalk grassland being rich in orchids. Species include fragrant, common spotted, pyramidal and autumn lady's tresses, as well as the rare early spider orchid for which Castle Hill is the national stronghold. Other rare plants include spring gentian, Nottingham catchfly, chalk milkwort and field fleawort.
Local invertebrate communities are equally rich. Adonis, chalkhill and small blue are some of the rarer butterflies present, and the rare wartbiter cricket has its largest UK colony here.
The best time to visit the reserve is between May and July, for wildflowers and butterflies.
Location and access
Access to the reserve is limited to public rights of way.
Castle Hill is located 1 km east of Woodingdean, and 7 km east of Brighton city centre. By road, access to the site is by tracks from the B2123 to Woodingdean, or by tracks from the village of Kingston-near-Lewes, 2 km to the north east of the reserve. The nearest car park is in Woodingdean.
The nearest train station is Falmer, 3 km to the north, served by Southern Railway, and there is a mainline train station in Brighton. Bus services between Brighton, Falmer and Woodingdean are provided by the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company.
The reserve is near the path of the South Downs Way National Trail and Route 89 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Woodingdean.