Fairmile Bottom Nature Reserve

Ash Dieback tree works will start on the 6 February 2023. We kindly request for the public to follow site notices and contractors' instructions. To enable works to be completed, access routes will be closed for safety whilst works are carried out. Further information is detailed in our getting around section below.

Fairmile Bottom Local Nature Reserve and site of special scientific interest contains chalk grassland and yew and beech woodland. Chalk grassland is one of our richest natural habitats, traditionally managed by grazing. Nationally about 80 per cent has been lost in the last 60 years, so this is an important site.

It is rich in flowers, including scented wild herbs such as basil, thyme and marjoram. Ten orchid species have been found here, including Bee, Pyramidal and Fly. Other colourful finds include Small Scabious and delicate nodding harebells.

Butterflies include Silver-washed Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper and White Admiral. The grassland buzzes with grasshoppers. The anthills in the grassland and decaying branches in the surrounding trees make this a great place to see Green Woodpeckers.

As well as yew and European beech, the woodland features oaks, ash, coppiced hazel and sweet chestnut. A range of impressive fungi thrive on the woodland’s decaying matter. A rare species of flat bark beetle depends on the beech trees and is known from just a handful of sites in the UK.

We have reintroduced traditional cattle grazing to conserve this site's special downland flora and fauna, characteristic of the South Downs National Park.

Be Tick-Aware

When out and about in the countryside, please be Tick-Aware. Find NHS guidelines about Lyme’s disease and tick awareness.

Our local breed of Sussex cattle have completed their winter conservation grazing and were removed from the main chalk grassland at the start of January 2023.

The benefits of the winter grazing will be seen in the spring and summer when this chalk grassland habitat will support a range of specialist wildlife species, including wildflowers and insects.

Please keeps dogs under effective control.

Temporary path closure

Affected route: Arundel/Madehurst Public Footpath No. 385_1 will be closed from its junction with the A29 (SU990096) heading south east to its junction with Public Footpath No. 3060 (TQ006082) for a distance of approximately 2.1kms.
Duration: Closed from 20 March 2023 for 21 days.
Reason: To protect public safety whilst the works are completed.
Map: FP385_1 (PDF, 392KB)

Parking for this site is in lay-bys on the A29. There is a site information board by one of the lower gates onto the grassland, adjacent to the A29.

There are no toilets or other facilities on the site.

Footpaths from Fairmile Bottom continue into Rewell Wood to the south and east and Houghton Forest to the north-east.