West Sussex County Council: The West Sussex Countryside

West Sussex has some of the most beautiful countryside in England, with 80% of the county being rural and over 50% designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An extensive network of public rights of way allows access throughout the county, ranging from the sandstone hills of the High Weald, across the patchwork of pasture and woodland that makes up the Weald, and over the rolling Sussex Downs to the Coastal Plain, with its wooded harbours and open beaches.

Find out how West Sussex County Council manages the countryside to protect and enhance its wildlife and historic value and ensure access to all. Read about Pagham Harbour Local Nature Reserve and Buchan Country Park, learn how the footpaths and bridleways are kept open and find out what the Countryside Access Forum and Rural Forum do to help protect and enhance the countryside.

• Access to the Countryside
• Countryside Grants in West Sussex
• Problem plants
• Public Rights of Way
• The Coastal Plain
• The High Weald
• The Low Weald
• The Rural Strategy 2007 - 2017