Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn) NNR
Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn) NNR is a hill and valley with south-facing slopes, clothed in grassland with a scattered scrub.
County: East Sussex
Main habitats: Lowland Grassland
Area: 49 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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The site is a good example of ancient, traditionally managed chalk downland and is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), under the European Habitats Directive, as an example of orchid-rich chalk grassland.
As well as the fragrant and pyramidal orchids typical of these downs, the site has the largest British population of burnt-tip orchid. The rare small-leaved sweet-briar can also be found amongst the downland scrub.
Invertebrates include Adonis and chalk-hill blue butterflies and the scarce forester moth.
The cultural history of Mount Caburn mirrors its wildlife value. The reserve contains the 'Caburn', one of the best preserved and most important Bronze Age hill-forts in Sussex. The hill's name probably derives from the Celtic 'Caer Bryn' meaning 'stonghold hill'.
In the 18th century, John Ellman, the local tenant farmer, developed the internationally famous South Down breed of sheep on this downland. Once the world's most important breed, the South Down is now a rare breed.
The best time to visit the site is between May and July for butterflies, poppies and other wildflowers.
Location and access
Lewes Downs is immediately north of the A27(T), 3 km south east of the town of Lewes, and 1 km west of Glynde village. The nearest car park is in Glynde as is the nearest train station, served by Southern Railway.
Glynde is also on Route 90 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network.
Facilities
The nearest toilet and refreshment facilities are in Glynde.
Further information
For more information please contact the Senior Reserve Manager on 07971 974401 or Reserve Manager on 07825 386620.
