Seasonal wildlife

Wander through the South Downs and you will discover a rich mosaic of habitats, home to many rare and internationally important species.

The geology of the South Downs underpins so much of what makes up the special qualities of the area.

While most people immediately think of chalk when they think of the South Downs, heathland, ancient woods, river valleys, greensands and clays are home to a whole array of distinctive plant and animal communities.

Wildlife changes from season to season, with many spectacles coming into their own at certain times of the year.

Whether it’s seeing the pollen spew from the ancient yews of Kingley Vale in spring, to the mesmerising murmuration of starlings delighting our coastlines in the winter.

There’s always something to see.