Natural England - Lullington Heath NNR

Lullington Heath NNR

Lullington Heath NNR is one of the largest areas of chalk heath in Britain.

Lullington Heath NNR, Peter Wakely

County: East Sussex

Main habitats: Lowland Grassland, Lowland Heath

Area: 63 Ha

Site map: Nature on the Map.

To view a map of this reserve, click here pdf document.

The slightly acid, fine soil has allowed the development of an intimately mixed chalk and heath plant community. Acid loving heathers and tormentil grow among plants such as thyme, salad burnet and dropwort, which have adapted to the chalk.

Access to the reserve is limited to public rights of way, but guided walks and events organised by Natural England's Sussex and Surrey office allow wider access. For more details email the team or telephone 01273 476595.

Location and access

Lullington Heath is 7 km north west of Eastbourne on the northern fringe of Friston Forest, 1.5 km west of Jevington village and 1.5 km east of Litlington village. Jevington and Litlington are accessed via minor roads from the A259 and A27. There are Forestry Commission car parks in Friston Forest.

The nearest train station is Polegate, 4 km to the north east, served by Southern Railway. Local bus services are provided by Eastbourne Buses, and the Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company provides a service along the A259 between Brighton and Eastbourne.

The reserve is near the path of the South Downs Way National Trail and the Wealdway, and on Route 89 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.

Facilities

The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in local towns and villages. There are picnic areas in Friston Forest and facilities can also be found in the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre at Exceat, 2 km to the south, on the A259.

There is a short nature trail, and leaflets and interpretation panels are provided on-site for visitor information.

Select a region