Ditchling Common, Protected natural area in East Sussex, England
Ditchling Common is a protected nature site in East Sussex covering about 66 hectares with different habitat types. The land features acidic grassland, bracken, woodland areas, small streams, and a natural pond scattered across it.
The land was owned by the Marquess of Abergavenny until 1950, when local commoners purchased it to establish the Common and Tenantry Down Ltd. This community takeover represented a significant shift in how the land was managed.
The name Ditchling Common reflects its status as shared grazing land managed by the local community. Today it serves as a space where people walk among open heathland, woodland, and grassland throughout the year.
The northern section is managed by East Sussex County Council as Ditchling Country Park, while the Commoners Association oversees the southern part. Both areas are open for visitors to explore on foot through different routes.
The site displays bluebells in spring that grow among bracken rather than under tree cover like in typical woodlands. This unusual combination of flowering plants and open vegetation creates a distinctive spring display.
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