Woolbeding Countryside

The view of river meadows at Woolbeding parkland

Important notice -

Please do not travel to Woolbeding Countryside if it's outside of your local area. Our car parks are at capacity. Please do not park on roadsides or verges. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe.

Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life

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.

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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.

Heathland view over Woolbeding

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.

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Woolbeding Countryside

Wildlife

A hobby showing its barred chest and long pointed wings

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.

There's more to bats than meets the eye

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.

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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Woolbeding Countryside

Get involved

A volunteer group in the bracked on the common

Volunteer with us 

We couldn't work without our dedicated team of volunteers. Take a look at what they help out with and how you can get involved in joining the volunteer team.

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Woolbeding Countryside

Our work

Beautiful Belted Galloway cows

Conservation grazing 

Find out why grazing is so important in helping us look after our countryside.

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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