Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn) National Nature Reserve

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Overview

Mount Caburn NNR’s ancient, traditionally managed chalk downland has extensive south-facing slopes, perfect for sun-loving flowers and their associated insects, including many rare butterflies. The reserve has the largest population of burnt-tip and pyramidal orchids in Britain. Wildflowers such as marjoram, deep-blue round-headed rampion, tiny chalk milkwort and the bright yellow horseshoe vetch also thrive on the sunny slopes. Butterflies found here include the Adonis, chalkhill blue and silver-spotted skipper, while day-flying moths such as the metallic-green scarce forester and the red and black six-spot burnet can also be spotted. The re-introduction of the wartbiter cricket in the 1990s has established a new population of this nationally rare species. Skylarks, meadow pipits, yellowhammers, corn bunting, kestrels and buzzards are among the birds that find their homes and food in the skies above Mount Caburn. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the speedy peregrine falcon – the fastest bird on the planet.

Location

Glynde

About the area

East Sussex is a land of stately homes, castles and the South Downs, with miles of chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel. For history buffs, there are a great many historic landmarks within Sussex, such as the battlefield where the Battle of Hastings took place, or visitors can enjoy pretty towns such as Lewes, Rye and Uckfield and the city of Brighton.