Sussex Bay

Sussex Bay is a regional collaboration working to restore our ocean while supporting thriving coastal communities and sustainable local economies, across 100 miles of coastline for 1.7 million residents.

One of the finest examples of a Victorian pier, Eastbourne's stunning seafront landmark is fully open for business with a brand new walkway since the fire of 2014. Eastbourne Pier has a variety of shops, a chippy, Waterfront cafe/bar, Atlantis nightclub, Victorian Tea Rooms, Coffee Republic, fishing and fantastic views of the English Channel. <a href="https://www.visiteastbourne.com/things-to-do/eastbourne-pier-p1238091" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(77, 76, 76);">Opening Times</a>

Eastbourne Pier

Whether you want a short walk that takes in the sights of the historical town, a hike in the surrounding countryside or an off-road challenge in the South Downs, Arundel is perfect. The town is located between the South Coast and the South Downs National Park, on the banks of the River Arun. This region is one of the sunniest parts of the UK and is famous for its history, rolling hills, verdant hedgerows, beautiful coastline and romantic landscapes. Arundel is the perfect centre for exploring this ancient landscape, and for discovering the region’s history and architecture on foot or by bicycle. Our town is very walking and cycling friendly, with ample car parking in Mill Road, a small amount of bicycle parking in the town centre and a direct train link to London. There is a water fountain at the corner of Arun Street and the High Street, and you will find a warm welcome at the many shops, cafes and pubs displaying a ‘Welcome Walkers and Cyclists’ sticker. <a href="https://www.visitarundel.co.uk/countryside-and-walks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(117, 120, 123);">More info</a>﻿

Arundel

Are you looking for something to do with your friends and family in your local area this spring/summer/autumn? The Sunset Survey (April – October) brings you a perfect opportunity to get together with family/friends and discover bats and other wildlife in your local area. This is ideal for you if you don’t have previous bat surveying experience. Just spend an hour from sunset (or before sunrise) and let us know what you see/hear from your window, balcony, garden or local green space.See how to take part and submit your sightings <a href="https://www.bats.org.uk/our-work/national-bat-monitoring-programme/getting-started/sunset-survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(122, 187, 179);">here</a>.

The Sunset Survey - Bat Conservation Trust

Norfolk Gardens is situated on Littlehampton Seafront, offering 3 all weather tennis courts, 4 compact tennis courts, 9 hole Par 3 links style Golf course, 9 hole Pirate themed Adventure Golf course ‘Buccaneer Bay’ and lawn bowls. A visit to Norfolk Gardens is a great way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors and make memories with family and friends. All activities are open to the public. Our ever popular ‘Buccaneer Bay Adventure Golf’. Buccaneer Bay is a Pirate themed 9-hole adventure golf course which navigates you through gunpowder barrels, treasure chests, cannons. Beware, beware of ‘Deadman’s Corner’ this could be a tricky shot. Adventure golf is great fun for all ages and skills, you just need a bit of luck! <a href="https://isslifestyle.co.uk/sites/norfolk-gardens-littlehampton/#facility-crazy-adventure-golf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(98, 99, 98);">More info </a>﻿

Norfolk Gardens, Littlehampton

Bracklesham Bay is a quiet shingle and sand beach in West Sussex, popular for its safe waters and relaxed coastal vibe. Located on the Manhood Peninsula, it sits about 7 miles south of Chichester and features sweeping views of the Isle of Wight. It is highly regarded for watersports, fossil hunting, and stunning sunsets. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracklesham_Bay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More info </a>

Bracklesham Bay

<h1>Chichester Street Art Trail</h1>As well as being the county capital of West Sussex, home to <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/chichester-city-walls-walk/207491101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Roman ruins</a> and cultural hotspots such as the <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/pallant-house-gallery/207450101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Pallant House Gallery</a> and <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/chichester-festival-theatre/207453101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Chichester Festival Theatre</a>, Chichester also hosts an array of street art by internationally renowned artists.In May 2013, Neil Lawson Baker and Street Art London organised jointly the Chichester Street Art Festival.&nbsp;Curated by Richard Howard-Griffin of Street Art London, some of the leading street artists descended on the city to paint, including Stik, Liqen and Thierry Noir.Most of their artwork is still there and in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the festival, we got the lowdown from local street art hunter Ali Richards, who shared her recommended route to see all the best pieces.Although most Chichester street art can be accessed by walking around the city centre, our first stop is just outside it, on the corner of Spitalfield Lane and St Pancras at Cathedral Garage.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/chichester-street-art-trail/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More Info </a>

Cathedral Garage

<h4 class="ql-align-center">The Pooh Walk</h4>The Pooh Walks across the 100 Aker Wood are the perfect way to spend a day.The walks will take you to some of the sites of Pooh’s adventure. The shorter walk takes in The Enchanted Place and the Sandy Pit and is suitable for younger children.A longer walk descends to the North Pole and Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place.We sell a £1.50 guide map here at Pooh Corner, so we suggest you pop in before your walk and one of our team can give you some directions.For more information about the area please visit <a href="https://poohcountry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Pooh Country</a> for more detailed information on each of the Pooh sites.

Ashdown Forest

Another great option for a free family day out in nature is <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/rspb-pagham-harbour/207463101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Pagham Harbour</a>, an internationally important nature reserve covering over 600 hectares. Salt marshes, tidal mudflats, shingle, wet grasslands and reed swamps make up this beautifully varied landscape, with a network of birdwatching hides dotted along the trails offering sheltered spots to sit, watch and take in the views across the harbour.It's a wonderfully peaceful setting for a budget friendly family day out, and you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it, just bring a pair of binoculars and see what you can spot. The RSPB Visitor Centre offers fun, free trails for children to enjoy, as well as information on what to see, walking routes, cycling routes and the latest sightings, plus takeaway drinks and snacks, making it easy to build a full, free day of family adventuring. Note that car parking charges apply for non RSPB members. <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/listing/rspb-pagham-harbour/207463101/" rel="noopener noreferrer">For more info </a>

RSPB Pagham Harbour:  Free Family Nature Trail

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve

Crabbing is one of the best free family activities in West Sussex, providing hours of entertainment as you see which different types of crabs you can collect. All you need is a crab line, a bucket of water to keep your catches in before returning them to the sea, and some bait (uncooked bacon works a treat). Be gentle as you look at your specimens, to help prevent little fingers being nipped. Great free spots to try this out are Snowhill Creek at West Wittering beach, as well as the harbourside villages of <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/about-the-area/bosham/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Bosham</a>, <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/about-the-area/itchenor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Itchenor</a> and <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/about-the-area/harbour-villages/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Dell Quay</a>.Snowhill Creek can be found at the westerly end of West Wittering beach (furthest from the car park entrance if you're driving), or if using public transport, follow Coastguard Lane to the end. <a href="https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/greatsussexway/To_the_crabbing_pool_from_West_Wittering_Beach_Car_240326_163311_5a553936-4a00-419b-8151-bb46ffedf77b.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For more info</a>

Snowhill Creek

This is the place to go if you like a big open sky!&nbsp;Waltham Brooks&nbsp;is a grazing marsh&nbsp;which becomes a huge lake after periods of heavy&nbsp;winter&nbsp;rainfall.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;riverbanks&nbsp;of the&nbsp;nearby River&nbsp;Arun have been built up&nbsp;to form a&nbsp;flood defence, creating an&nbsp;elevated&nbsp;walkway&nbsp;from&nbsp;which&nbsp;to view the reserve. Wildfowl,&nbsp;such as Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon and Pintail,&nbsp;take advantage of the sanctuary and feeding opportunities&nbsp;offered by the&nbsp;flood waters. In summer,&nbsp;the lake can almost dry out, leaving muddy margins important for&nbsp;breed­ing&nbsp;waders,&nbsp;such as Lapwing and Redshank.&nbsp;There’s&nbsp;a network of ditches throughout,&nbsp;which&nbsp;support a variety of water plants and insects.&nbsp;The variety of flora varies depending on season and the density of grazing,&nbsp;so the landscape is constantly changing colour, and in some years the reserve turns purple with Purple Loosestrife or yellow with Yellow Iris.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/waltham-brooks/">More info</a>

Waltham Brooks Nature Reserve

<img src="https://shipwreckmuseum.co.uk/images/shipwreck-logo.svg" alt="museum logo"> The Shipwreck Museum is an independent charitable Museum of the Nautical Museums Trust Charity No. 284687 – set in the historic Old Town of Hastings, UK. The Museum has artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel from the Goodwin Sands in Kent to Pevensey Bay in East Sussex including the Amsterdam, a Dutch East Indiaman of 1749 and the Anne of 1690 also the Charles II warship.There are also exhibits of fossils found in the local area. We are a multi-sensory Museum with sound, touch and smell. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Admission is free! <a href="https://shipwreckmuseum.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">find out more </a>

Ship wreck museum

An extensive,&nbsp;rich,&nbsp;wetland situated next to the River Arun between the rolling hills of&nbsp;West Sussex’s&nbsp;South Downs.&nbsp;&nbsp;This was Sussex Wildlife Trust’s first ever nature reserve – we purchased it in 1963. Take&nbsp;the path beside&nbsp;the ditches&nbsp;that&nbsp;criss-cross&nbsp;the reserve&nbsp;and&nbsp;you’ll be passing&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;diversity of&nbsp;aquatic plants, such as&nbsp;Water-parsnip and beautiful pink Flowering Rush.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;rare&nbsp;invertebrates&nbsp;thrive here&nbsp;and it’s a&nbsp;great place&nbsp;to watch&nbsp;dragonflies&nbsp;and damselflies&nbsp;in summer.Throughout the year this is an exceptional place to find birds of prey. In winter&nbsp;look&nbsp;for Hen Harrier, Short-eared&nbsp;&nbsp;Owl&nbsp;and Merlin, in summer&nbsp;Hobby, and at any time expect to see Marsh Harriers, Red Kites and – with a little luck – White-tailed Eagles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/amberley-wild-brooks/">Find out more</a>

Amberley Wild Brooks

Seaford HeadSeaford Head is the best spot to enjoy the iconic view of the majestic Seven Sisters cliffs. Please be aware if you are walking east from Seaford sea front or west from Hope Gap you should take care as a significant crack has appeared and there has been a major cliff fall. Stay well away from the cliff edge and follow any diversions. Seaford Head is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust in partnership with Seaford Town Council, the site owners.<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/seafordheadwebmap.pdf">&nbsp; Seaford Head map</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/seafordheadleafletmay19web.pdf">&nbsp; Seaford Head Nature Reserve leaflet</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/swtseafordheadwalkleafletwebonly.pdf">&nbsp; Seaford Head Stroll walk leaflet</a></li></ul>Seaford Head is the best place to enjoy spectacular views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley. A short walk from the car park at South Hill Barn takes you to one of the most spectacular views of the Seven Sisters, a wonderful undulating line of chalk cliffs. However the stunning views are not the only reason to visit this nature reserve.Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve (LNR) covers an area from Seaford Head Golf Course eastwards to the Cuckmere Valley and north to Exceat Bridge. Over 50% of the LNR is owned by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.seafordtowncouncil.gov.uk/">Seaford Town Council</a> and has been managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust since 2013. The rest is owned by the National Trust and East Sussex County Council. Lying within the South Downs National Park it is part of the Sussex Heritage Coast and home to many nationally rare and significant species of plants, birds and insects. Due to its outstand­ing biological and geological features it is part of the Seaford Head to Beachy Head Site of Special Scientific Interest and falls within the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/seaford-head">Click for more info</a>

Seaford Head car park

Camber Sands is a beach in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Sussex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">East Sussex</a>, England, in the village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber,_East_Sussex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Camber</a>, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rye,_East_Sussex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Rye</a>. It is the only <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_dune_system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">sand dune system</a> in East Sussex.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camber_Sands#cite_note-council-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">[1]</a> Located east of the estuary of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Rother_(Eastern)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">River Rother</a> at Rye Bay, it stretches 3 miles (4.8 km) to just beyond the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Kent</a> border, where shingle (pebbles) take over again. It is one of three stretches of sand above the high tide mark east of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poole_Bay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Poole Bay</a> on England's south coast, the others being <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Wittering" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">West Wittering</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avon_Beach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(51, 102, 204);">Avon Beach</a>. <a href="https://www.rother.gov.uk/leisure-and-events/beaches-and-coastline/camber-sands/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(32, 33, 34);">More info </a>﻿

Camber Sands

Filsham Reedbed Nature ReserveA large reedbed with ditches and lagoons, set in a river valley floodplain<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/filshamreedbedwebmapjun22.pdf">&nbsp; Filsham Reedbed Reserve Map</a></li></ul>One of the largest reedbeds in Sussex, Filsham Reedbed sits at the southern end of the Combe Haven Valley, the green space between Bexhill and Hastings. The valley contains a range of wetland habitats and is an important resource for water and flood storage. Much of the valley is grazing marsh, but reed, reed-fen, and swamp communities are all present as well as areas of ancient woodland. This variety of habitats in turn supports a wide range of plant, invertebrate and bird life.Owned by Hastings Borough Council and designated a Local Nature Reserve by them, Filsham Reedbed has been managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust since the mid 1970s. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, along with the rest of the valley, designated for the range of habitats it supports, in particular the alluvial meadows and fen, but also for the dragonfly fauna and bird assemblage. The reedbed would originally have been grazing meadows as is still present further up the valley. However, with the cessation of grazing, reed already present within the ditches was allowed to spread and the reedbed we see today developed quite naturally in just a few decades. Today we maintain this balance of habitats to provide optimum conditions for a wide range of species.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/filsham-reedbed">Find out more </a>

Filsham Reedbeds

Southerham FarmPicturesque rolling downland with chalk grassland flowers and butterflies, set in a working livestock farm as part of the wider Malling Downs area.<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/malling-southerhamwebmapjune23.pdf">&nbsp; Malling Down and Southerham Farm map</a></li></ul>Our Downland nature reserves at Southerham Farm and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/malling-down">Malling Down</a> sit on the fringes of the East Sussex county town of Lewes, with Malling Down dominating the easterly skyline of this historic town.Both sit within the chalk massif of the Lewes Downs and are part of the South Downs National Park. They share their space with Glyndebourne and Glynde estates and the Lewes Golf Course. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/southerham-farm">Click for more info </a>

Southerham Farm Nature Reserve

Dungeness is a headland on the coast of Kent, England, formed largely of a shingle beach in the form of a cuspate foreland. It shelters a large area of low-lying land, Romney Marsh. Dungeness spans Dungeness Nuclear Power Station, the hamlet of Dungeness, and an ecological site at the same location. <a href="https://dungeness.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 31, 31);">More info </a>﻿

Dungeness

Malling DownSuperb chalk grassland and scrub with many typical and rare flowers and butterflies, all within easy walking distance of Lewes town centre<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/Files/malling-southerhamwebmapjune23.pdf">&nbsp; Malling Down and Southerham Farm map</a></li></ul>Our Downland nature reserves at Malling Down and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/southerham">Southerham Farm</a> sit on the fringes of the East Sussex county town of Lewes, with Malling Down dominating the easterly skyline of this historic town.Both sit within the chalk massif of the Lewes Downs and are part of the South Downs National Park. They share their space with Glyndbourne and Glynde estates and the Lewes Golf Course. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/malling-down">Click here for more info</a>

Malling Down 

<h1 class="ql-align-center">Welcome to The Old Lighthouse </h1>Discover the Landmark of DungenessStep into history and experience the unique charm of The Old Lighthouse, an iconic beacon standing proudly on the shingle shores of Dungeness, Kent. As a Grade II listed building, our lighthouse has welcomed generations of visitors and continues to inspire with its breathtaking views, striking industrial architecture, and rich maritime heritage. <a href="https://dungenesslighthouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More info</a>

Eridge RocksA majestic sandstone rock outcrop among mixed woodland<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="swt-icon-rule--mole" href="https://images.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/eridgerockswebmap1.pdf">&nbsp; Eridge Rocks map</a></li></ul>It comes as a surprise to many that there are substantial cliffs tucked away in the woodlands of the High Weald of East Sussex. Giant boulders some ten metres high greet the visitor to Eridge Rocks. These rocks are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the community of plants growing on them, but they have their own 135 million year old interest owing to a variety of weathering effects upon the crust that encloses a soft moist core.Explore a little further and you will find that this stony projection extends for some 600 metres, its shady nooks, deep fissures, and giant bastions are topped with ancient and gnarled Beech, Yew and Holly.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/eridge-rocks">Click for more info </a>

Eridge Rocks 

If you've yet to be dazzled by star gazing in West Sussex, now could be the time to try. There are only 19 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world and the South Downs National Park is one of them. With miles of pristine rolling hills, a collection of Dark Sky Discovery Sites, its own planetarium and an annual <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/event/south-downs-national-park-dark-skies-festival/214533101/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Dark Skies Festival,</a> Sussex offers some of the best star-gazing opportunities around. Here's our tips for out of this world star gazing spots in West Sussex... <a href="https://www.thegreatsussexway.org/ideas-and-inspiration/news-and-blogs/post/stargazing-west-sussex/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(74, 87, 104);">Find out more</a>

Black Down and various locations

Follow the Seals! In the seaside town of Selsey, follow the trail made up of special seal signposts. Each seal has its very own QR code, which when scanned allows you to discover more about Selsey's heritage and of course its wildlife. Along the way you'll explore each seal, with their unique Selsey-themed designs by art students from <a href="https://www.chichester.ac.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">Chichester College </a>and finish armed with a wealth of knowledge about the town - from its fishing heritage to its famous dark skies. You can discover more things to do in Selsey <a href="https://dev-visit-chichester.pantheonsite.io/things-to-do-in-selsey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">here</a> from enjoying the long stretches of sunny shoreline, and witnessing its abundant wildlife to exploring the quirky railway carriage homes - and of course, you can't visit Selsey without indulging in some world-famous Selsey crab. Find out more about where you can sample the seafood <a href="https://dev-visit-chichester.pantheonsite.io/food-and-drink-shopping-in-selsey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(43, 125, 177);">here</a>. <a href="https://www.destinationselsey.co.uk/selsey-seal-art-trail/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(57, 59, 58);">Follow the trail here</a>

Start the trail at Selsey Pavilion

Selsey Pavilion

Located on the Sussex coast, Bognor Regis is a great seaside resort with it’s safe Seaside Award winning beach and the highest hours of sunshine on the south coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;Protected by Selsey Bill and the Isle of Wight the town has its own micro climate making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sunshine and sea air.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is plenty to keep you busy and you won’t have to look far to find things to do in Bognor Regis and the surrounding areas. From the beautiful coastline, to the shops, restaurants and seaside attractions and for nature lovers there is the South Downs, the Wetlands in Arundel and the Witterings a short drive away, in addition to the wonderful Hotham Park in Bognor Regis. There is plenty to keep you and the whole family entertained and with our new Bognor Regis trails you can explore the rich history of the town and discover the rare and unusual trees planted in Hotham Park by William Fletcher over 100 years ago. <a href="https://bognorregistrails.co.uk/trails/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link to Trails</a>

Bognor Regis Pier

A brand new lifeboat station has been built at Selsey, it houses a Shannon class lifeboat. Selsey lifeboat volunteers have been saving lives at sea since 1861 and crews have received 10 awards for gallantry. <a href="https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/selsey-lifeboat-station" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(41, 50, 56);">To visit: click here</a>﻿

RNLI Selsey

Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature ReserveThursday 24th September from 19:00 – 20:30, starting at the Bale HouseA guided walk: Looking for bats, with Jill Tyson.Join Jill Tyson from Groundwork South in the Bale House Visitor Centre for a short presentation about bats, followed by a red torch walk along the edge of the Country Park to see and hear bats nearby. Participants will be able to use handheld bat detectors which make the bats’ ultrasonic calls and echolocation audible to the human ear. Please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.Refreshments will be provided.Jill is an experienced naturalist and has been working in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve for the last 6 years. As well as managing the Bale House, she delivers activities and events, education sessions and practical conservation sessions in the Nature Reserve, which some of the Friends members participate in.Location&nbsp;The Country ParkFor outdoor events, there is parking available at the Bale House Visitor Centre, Lower Coastguard Lane, Fairlight, East Sussex, TN35 4AD. Details of the meeting place will be provided shortly before the event, and participants may decide that the Bale House is not the most convenient place for them and to use an alternative car park. To find out more about what membership has to offer, visit the Friends’ website at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fhcpnr.org">https://fhcpnr.org</a>

A guided walk: Looking for bats, with Jill Tyson

Bale House Visitor Centre

<h4>Sussex Marine and Coastal Forum</h4>Throughout Sussex Bay, there are several hundred groups, organisations and networks operating across the marine and intertidal areas. Sussex Bay is delighted to be part of the Sussex Marine and Costal Forum, a collaborative gathering, four times a year, of 22 members operating in parts of Sussex Bay. Members are committed to the conservation and enhancement of the marine and coastal environment. The current Chair is <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gray-4b950428/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 92, 53);">Nick Gray</a>. From January 2026, following support from members, the Chair is <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-spears-uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 92, 53);">Dean Spears</a>. We thank Nick for his past three years of service and look forward to welcoming Dean into the role.Members: Adur &amp; Worthing Councils, with Sussex Bay. Brighton University. Chichester District Council. Chichester Harbour Conservancy. The Crown Estate. East Sussex County Council. Environment Agency. Lewes &amp; Eastbourne Councils. Marine Conservation Society. Marine Management Organisation. National Trust. Natural England. RSPB. RS Aqua. Shoreham Port. Southern Water. South Downs National Park Authority. Sussex Dolphin Project. Sussex IFCA. Sussex Wildlife Trust. The Living Coast. United Nations Association (Climate and Oceans) <a href="https://sussexlnp.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find out more</a>

A guided walk: Fungi foray, with Andy OverallContact&nbsp;Find out more about the Friends at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://friendsofhastingscountrypark.org">https://friendsofhastingscountrypark.org</a>Saturday 17th October from 10:30 – 12:00 in the Country ParkA guided walk: Fungi foray, with Andy OverallKingdom Fungi is finally coming into focus in a bigger way, having lagged the study of Animals and Plants by at least a hundred years. &nbsp;Food, drink and medicines have all been influenced by fungi and now we are finding out more about how important they are for our environment. The diversity of fungi is bewildering, from coral-like forms, puffballs, brackets, discs, to trumpets and of course mushrooms.&nbsp;The British woodlands and parklands are home to a vast array of these fungi, in all their forms and colours. &nbsp;A fungi foray is a good way of seeing and learning about some of these wonderful mushrooms and toadstools. &nbsp;Andy is a Field Mycologist with some 25 years’ experience. He is a published author and writer on the subject and has carried out fungi surveys for the Royal Parks since 2008, including all the major parks. Andy has led walks and taken beginners’ workshops for a similar amount time.&nbsp;Location&nbsp;The Country ParkFor outdoor events, there is parking available at the Bale House Visitor Centre, Lower Coastguard Lane, Fairlight, East Sussex, TN35 4AD. Details of the meeting place will be provided shortly before the event, and participants may decide that the Bale House is not the most convenient place for them and to use an alternative car park. To find out more about what membership has to offer, visit the Friends’ website at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fhcpnr.org">https://fhcpnr.org</a>

A guided walk: Fungi foray, with Andy Overall

An illustrated talk: Fossil Folklore, with Ken BrooksSaturday 14th November from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. at the Isabel Blackman Centre&nbsp;In medieval times a fascinating variety of folklore beliefs developed around fossils, mostly about their medicinal and magical properties.&nbsp;Names, such as ‘thunderbolts’, ‘fairy loaves’, ‘snakestones’ and ‘devil’s toenails’ were widely used for different species.&nbsp; It was not until the 19th&nbsp;century and the development of palaeontology that the true origin of fossils was understood.&nbsp;During this illustrated talk we will learn about our ancestors’ ideas regarding fossils, and ‘hands on’ specimens will be featured and discussed.After twenty years as a schoolteacher, Ken moved into adult education as a tutor specialising in history and geology. In 1992 his enthusiasm for earth sciences led to him forming the Hastings and District Geological Society. He has been awarded the Halsted Medal by the Geologists’ Association, presented for work ofoutstanding merit, and published Geology and Fossils of the Hastings Area. He has also appeared on ‘The Sussex Coast with Kate Humble’, contributing a piece on fossils found locally.Location&nbsp;Isabel Blackman CentreParking is available outside the Isabel Blackman Centre, 3 Winding Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3AT but there are only a few bays, and spaces may not be available. However, there is ample parking at the near-by Stade car park off Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3DW. To find out more about what membership has to offer, visit the Friends’ website at: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fhcpnr.org">https://fhcpnr.org</a>

An illustrated talk: Fossil Folklore, with Ken Brooks

Sussex Bay

Visit Eastbourne Pier

Arundel countryside walks and cycling

The Sunset Survey - Bat Conservation Trust

Norfolk Gardens, Littlehampton

Visit Bracklesham Bay

Chichester Street Art Trail

Ashdown Forest & Pooh Sticks

RSPB Pagham Harbour: Free Family Nature Trail

Crabbing at Snowhill Creek

Visit Waltham Brooks

Shipwreck Museum

Visit Amberley Wild Brooks

Seaford Head

Visit Camber Sands

Flisham Reedbed Nature Reserve

Southerham Farm