Malling Down |
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| Description: | Sussex Wildlife Trust own and manage the coombe at Malling Down. The south-facing slope of the coombe at TQ427107 is reported to be one of the hottest places (temperature-wise) in the South Downs National Park. There you should find Adonis Blue, Chalk Hill Blue, and Silver-spotted Skipper. On the Ringmer side of the reserve, explore Bridgewick Pit at TQ431113 for a variety of grassland species. |
| Species: | Target species include Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Silver-spotted Skipper, Wall, Adonis Blue, and Chalk Hill Blue. |
| Best time to visit: | All-season-long but mid-May for the spring skippers and mid-July until mid-August for the high-summer target species. |
| Additional notes: | The sun-soaked coombe of Malling Down is located on the eastern edge of Lewes. All the usual downland species can be found at this site, but it is especially well-known for its blue butterflies and Silver-spotted Skippers. |
| Getting there: | Access the reserve from Wheatsheaf Gardens off the A26 (the Lewes to Uckfield road), at TQ423106. There is no car park at this entry point but it’s just a five minute walk from several nearby Lewes car parks. Enter the reserve at the rear of Wheatsheaf Gardens and follow the paths past the allotments. The alternative access is a small car park beside the B2192 Ringmer road at TQ433115. |
| Grid ref.: | TQ427107 |
| Post Code: | BN7 2HA |
| Map: |
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| ID: | 19 |
