Woolbeding Countryside

The view of river meadows at Woolbeding parkland

Important notice -

Our car parks and countryside sites are very busy especially at weekends. Please do not park on roadsides or verges. We ask all visitors to follow government guidance to keep everyone safe.

Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life

Overview
Opening times
How to get here
Facilities and access
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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.

Woolbeding Countryside

Things to see and do

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 biking is unfortunately not permitted at Woolbeding Common, as it is a designated SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) with no bridleways or permissive paths here. We know how important it is to find fresh air and relaxation, but we ask trail riders not to create routes on the nature reserve here.

Heathlands Reunited sculpture trail

Heaths are home to 3 species of snake. The grass, smooth snake and adder. The smooth snake is Britain’s rarest and most secretive reptile. The sculpture shows the snakes curled up on a bed of oak and birch leaves, trees which are both associated with wooded-heaths.

Woolbeding Countryside

Wildlife

A hobby showing its barred chest and long pointed wings — Summer visiting hobby

Wildlife in Woolbeding Countryside

Woolbeding's mix of landscapes rise from the river valley up to the heathland on the greensand ridge. They support a great diversity of wildlife; from tiny beetles to soaring birds of prey. Find out about the habitats they live in and what you can spot on your walks.

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.

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

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.

Woolbeding Countryside