Black Down

Wide open skies at Black Down make for perfect stargazing opportunities

Important notice -

Our car parks are at capacity - if you cannot find a place please do not park on roadsides or verges. Camping and overnight stays are not permitted in our car parks. We ask all visitors to follow government guidance to keep everyone safe.

The highest point in the South Downs National Park

More about this place

Blackcap bostal white against the dusk on the South Downs

How to enjoy your local countryside 

Welcome to fresh air and open space. Our countryside spaces are currently open to enjoy in line with government guidance. Please follow the Countryside Code at all times: Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs; Leave gates and property as you find them; Protect plants and animals and take your litter home; Keep dogs under close control; Consider other people. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe.

A view south looking over the rolling downland of the South Downs from behind the stone plinth, with a charming curved inscribed stone seat in memory of WE Hunter who donated Black Down to the National Trust in memory of his beloved wife.

Visiting Black Down - what you need to know 

If you are planning on visiting Black Down here are some things you need to know before you set off from home to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Visitors dog-walking at Ickworth, Suffolk

Taking the lead on the South Downs 

The South Downs are a great place to walk your dog, so there's always somewhere near to you where you can enjoy this rich countryside throughout the year.

A cyclist splashes through a muddy puddle

Update on cycling 

Mountain bikes are only permitted on bridleways on Black Down. We know how important it is to find fresh air and relaxation, but we ask people not to cycle on footpaths or create new trails. Structures without permission, such as jumps or ramps, will be removed.

Two children running through a patch of daffodils

Family activities for outdoor adventures 

We've got lots of fun activities to try on your next family adventure. Discover wildlife at the places in our care using our handy spotter guides or have a go at activities inspired by the colours and sounds of nature.

A view over the sloping purple heather at Black Down towards the distant horizon, with tall pine trees to either side.

Heathlands Reunited sculpture trail 

Probably the most famous admirer of the common and nearby former resident was poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.This sculpture is inspired by some of his words and ancient documents granting rights of pasture to the common land. The documents are beautifully hand written with incredible flowing fonts. So this sculpture incorporates a quote, long associated with the site written by Tennyson, using a font taken directly from the documents relating to the rights of the common land. The sculpture references the beautiful landscape and view from the site but also nod to its industrious past.

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Black Down

History

A selection of worked flints found at Black Down, including arrowheads and axes, laid out in a display

Ancient finds 

Prehistoric flints, ancient tracks across the land and so much more – our research reveals treasures in this fantastic landscape.

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Black Down

Wildlife

There's more to bats than meets the eye
Slindon Estate   West Sussex

Reconnecting Wild Sussex – Bats in the Landscape

The dense woods, patchwork of fields and scattered parkland trees of the West Sussex Downs are a stronghold for some of Britain’s rarest bats, and we're working on improving our habitats for these flying mammals.

Find out what we're doing for bats in Sussex
A view over the sloping purple heather at Black Down towards the distant horizon, with tall pine trees to either side.

Saving our heathlands in the South Downs 

The Heathlands Reunited project aims to create and improve heathland at 41 sites covering an area greater than 1,200 football pitches. Find out more about this exciting partnership project.

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Black Down

Our work

Heathland in bloom on Black Down with grazing belted galloway cows
Black Down   Surrey

Ranger diaries: behind the scenes during lockdown in the South Downs

The UK may be in lockdown, but work has to go on to care for our animals in the South Downs. See the cattle and newborn lambs on our Lead Ranger's daily rounds on the Black Down estate and find out about the essential work that goes on behind the scenes.

Watch our ranger diary videos
Panoramic view at sunset in August from Devil's Dyke, South Downs, West Sussex

South Downs sites we look after  

Discover the incredible diversity of countryside sites across the South Downs, from chalk grassland to river valleys, beech hangars and chalk cliffs.

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© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

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