Pevensey Levels NNR lies in the heart of a large grazing marsh which is home to many species of wetland bird. Main habitats: wet meadows, scrub, willow carr, freshwater fen, pools and managed ditches Area: 4,300 ha Features of interest Pevensey Levels is very popular with bird watchers, using the country lanes and Rights of Way (including the 1066 path) crossing the marsh. The lanes are also very popular with cyclists. The Pevensey Levels lie between Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea. The part of the NNR owned by Natural England is currently closed to the public except for the eastern-most field. This is because the rest of the site is so fragile that unrestricted access would damage the wildlife interest. To the north of the NNR lies a 132 hectare reserve, owned and managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, which was declared a National Nature Reserve in July 1996. Access is by permit only, but the trust organises guided walks in the summer. Species on the NNR include 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly, including black-tailed skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum, and red-eyed damselfly, Erythroma naja. Rare invertebrates include the fen raft spider, Dolomedes plantarius, and several species of water snail and water beetles. Waders and wildfowl include redshank, lapwing and snipe. Smaller birds of wetland habitats include reed bunting, yellow wagtail, reed, sedge and Cetti’s warbler. Wetland plants include the rare sharp-leaved pondweed Potamogeton acutifolius and narrow-leaved water plantain Alisma lanceolatum. There is an information leaflet for this reserve. Directions The nearest railway station is Norman’s Bay on the Eastbourne – Hastings line. The nearest bus service is the Stagecoach 99 stopping at Cooden, 4 kilometres east of the reserve. The reserve is half way along a narrow lane running between the A27(T) – A259(T) roundabout and the junction with the B2182 in Cooden. Roadside parking is limited to 1 or 2 cars. The Sustrans National Cycle Route 2 (Downs and Wealds) passes through the reserve. School and community groups Students and naturalists wishing to access the NNR, for example to study the aquatic plants and invertebrates, need to arrange for permission with the reserves manager. Guided visits for groups can be arranged by request. Volunteering There are many opportunities for people interested in volunteering and learning new skills like habitat management, species protection, construction and surveying. Contact For information about the reserve contact 0300 060 6000 or email enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk.