Castle Hill is a Local Nature Reserve on the cliffs above Newhaven - adjacent to the dramatic Newhaven Fort. Covering an area of about 16 acres, it offers spectacular views in all directions ; over the Ouse Estuary, the surrounding South Downs and across the sea to Seaford Head.
The Castle Hill site supports a variety of interesting coastal and terrestrial habitats. The large north facing hill is dominated by gorse, Hawthorne and slowe scrub, which provide an excellent habitat for woodland birds, and some of our rarer species, for example the Dartford Warbler.
The cliff tops are dominated by one of Britain's most sensitive habitats, Chalk, maritime Grassland. The huge floral diversity present on calcareous grassland, makes it one of our most botanically species rich habitats, and is home to some beautiful and rare species such as the bee orchid. Butterflies and other insects are prolific within the chalk grassland flora.
There are a variety of mammals present including rabbits, and badgers. There are also good populations of reptiles, including lizards and grass snakes.
It also has fascinating archaeological, historical and geological histories.
Newhaven is situated between Brighton and Eastbourne on the A259 coast road and is linked to Lewes on the A27, via the A26. Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve is located adjacent to Newhaven Fort, which is well signed on all approach roads into Newhaven. |
