Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn) NNR is a chalk hill and valley with south-facing slopes, clothed in flower rich grassland with a scattered scrub. Main habitats: lowland chalk grassland Area: 49 ha Management: Natural England under an agreement with the owners, the Glynde Estate Features of interest Mount Caburn’s ancient, traditionally managed chalk downland has extensive south facing slopes, perfect for sun loving flowers and their associate insects, such as rare butterflies. As an excellent example of orchid-rich chalk grassland, it has been given the European designation of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC); Mount Caburn is also part of the larger Lewes Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) encompassing more downland to the north and west. The ‘Caburn’ itself is the best preserved and most important Bronze Age hill fort in Sussex (English Heritage Monument Number 405932). The site has the largest British population of burnt-tip orchid and pyramidal orchids are typical. Sweet briar is the rarest of wild roses found here. Marjoram, deep-blue round-headed rampion, tiny chalk milkwort and the bright yellow horseshoe vetch thrive on the sunny slopes Adonis, chalkhill blue butterfly, silver-spotted skippers, day-flying moths, such as the metallic green scarce forester and the red and black six-spot burnet can also be spotted. The re-introduction of the wart-biter cricket in the mid-nineties has established a new population of this nationally rare species. Skylarks, meadow pipits, yellowhammers, corn bunting, kestrels and buzzards are amongst the birds that find their homes and food on Mount Caburn. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the speedy peregrine falcon. There is an information leaflet for this reserve. Directions The station in Glynde village is only 1 stop from Lewes on the Brighton to Eastbourne or Hastings route. Buses 25, 38, 124, and 125 connect the village of Glynde to Alfriston, Barcombe, Berwick, Brighton, Cooksbridge, Lewes and Ringmer. See www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk for bus timetables and stops The village of Glynde is just off the A27 between Lewes and Polegate. There is some car parking available in Glynde village, BN8 6SX. The reserve may be reached from Glynde village by the public footpath starting opposite the village shop or along the licensed path which starts opposite the entrance to Glynde Place. Another path over Saxon Down joins the licensed path north of the reserve. School and community groups You are welcome to bring an independently led visit to the reserve - contact us beforehand. Contact For information about the reserve contact 0300 060 6000 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.