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Harting Down, just off the B2141, south of South Harting village, is one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland owned by the Trust.
This local nature reserve and SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Importance) has traditionally been grazed by sheep and continued grazing is vital to maintain the range of species.
Small hummocky mounds, the nests of yellow meadow ants, are a sign that the grassland has not been ploughed for a long time, if ever, and those areas of downland that were ploughed in the early 1970s are now reverting to pasture. The area is part of the South Downs ESA (Environmentally Sensitive Area).
The sward on the steep slopes is dominated by rather rank upright Brome Grass, and rarities, such as Chalk Milkwort and Musk Orchid, are restricted to the skeletal soil areas. There is an area of chalk heath which has one of the best juniper sites in the south. Their fragrant black berries are used to flavour gin. Invertebrates include Duke of Burgundy Fritillary and Grizzled Skipper Butterflies, the exquisite Blue Carpenter Bee and the rare Cheese Snail.
Of historical interest is an Iron Age hill (Scheduled Ancient Monument - SAM), probably built as an animal enclosure and symbol of power, rather than for defence. There are some earthworks and cross-ridge dykes. They date back to the Iron Age, and would probably have had wooden fences on top. It is thought that they could have been a 'check-point' on the transport route across the ridgeway, or boundary markers.
The concrete foundations on the hilltop at Beacon Hill are the remains of a telegraph station. It was one of a series created in the late 1700s to give warning of French invasion. Shutters on the roof could be opened and closed in sequence to pass messages from Portsmouth Docks to London, the whole process taking just 15 minutes. After 1814, telegraph lines were replaced by the new semaphore system.
The dew pond in the valley bottom was re-created in 1990, on the site of a former 17th-century pond. It is one of three on Harting Down. Traditionally, such ponds supplied water for grazing animals, relying on collecting rainwater not dew. No longer needed for sheep, this pond is a haven for wildlife such as frogs and dragonflies.
Facilities
- Car park and picnic area off B2141
- Access to the South Downs Way
- Refreshments and lavatories at nearby Uppark, a National Trust house and garden
- A self-guided walk leaflet is available as part of the National Trust’s 'Stroll the South Downs' walks pack, available by mail order for £3.50, call 01243 814554
- For further information call the Head Warden on 01730 816638
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