Harting Down (NT)

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Overview

Harting Down nature reserve in West Sussex is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by the National Trust. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland. When you reach the brow of the hilltops you are met with views across the Weald and to the Isle of Wight. Venture off the South Downs Way into a more secluded valley where you will find species-rich downland turf, edged with scrub full of songbirds. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south. Butterflies such as the Grizzled Skipper thrive here. Look out for the exquisite Blue Carpenter Bee and the rare Cheese Snail. Of historical interest is an Iron Age hill fort and cross-ridge dykes. The remains of a Napoleonic war telegraph station can be found on Beacon Hill, the highest point on Harting Down. In the last ten years grazing of livestock has been reintroduced in order to sustain the diversity of flora.

Location

SOUTH HARTING, GU31 5PN

About the area

Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.

Area image

South Harting West Sussex Things To Do in West Sussex

Harting Down (NT)

SOUTH HARTING, GU31 5PN

01730 816638

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Harting Down (NT)

Recommended by

Overview

Harting Down nature reserve in West Sussex is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland cared for by the National Trust. A tapestry of pristine downland blends beautifully with scattered scrub and woodland. When you reach the brow of the hilltops you are met with views across the Weald and to the Isle of Wight. Venture off the South Downs Way into a more secluded valley where you will find species-rich downland turf, edged with scrub full of songbirds. It is also home to one of the best juniper sites in the south. Butterflies such as the Grizzled Skipper thrive here. Look out for the exquisite Blue Carpenter Bee and the rare Cheese Snail. Of historical interest is an Iron Age hill fort and cross-ridge dykes. The remains of a Napoleonic war telegraph station can be found on Beacon Hill, the highest point on Harting Down. In the last ten years grazing of livestock has been reintroduced in order to sustain the diversity of flora.

Location

SOUTH HARTING, GU31 5PN

About the area

Area image

Divided from East Sussex back in 1888, West Sussex has a variety of landscapes and coastal scenery, but it is the spacious and open South Downs with which the county is most closely associated. There are plenty of walking routes in the South Downs National Park, cycling routes by the sea or visitors can explore the pretty town of Arundel with its historic castle and buildings.

Explore West Sussex

South Harting West Sussex Things To Do in West Sussex