Castle Hill, Brighton

Castle Hill is a nature reserve covering around 115 hectares of chalk grassland on the eastern side of Brighton and home to diverse plant and insect life. The site is crossed by marked pathways that allow visitors to explore this sensitive ecosystem.

The site gained official status as an area of special scientific interest in 1986, marking an important moment for nature protection in Britain. This recognition led to targeted efforts to preserve the unique chalk grassland environment.

The northern section functions as a place where visitors can experience local plant life firsthand, including rare orchids and specialized grassland species. Walking through this area reveals the different habitats and what makes each one special.

The reserve is best visited during drier weather, as paths can become slippery when wet. Comfortable walking shoes are important, and visitors should stick to marked trails and respect conservation guidelines.

The site harbors specialized bee species that were once thought extinct before scientists rediscovered them in the grassland habitats. This unexpected return shows how important protecting this environment is for the survival of rare species.

Location: East Sussex

Location: Brighton

Location: Brighton and Hove

GPS coordinates: 50.84600,-0.05300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05