Introduction: Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve is a unique 345ha area of maritime cliff with a cliff top area of maritime acid grassland and heath, gill woodland (including some ancient woodland), scrub, neutral grassland, and amenity grassland. The cliffs at Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve constitute the largest area of the High Weald ridge that meets the sea.
Location: About 1 mile east of Hastings
What can I do? Walk the many public footpaths along the cliff top, through the woodland and grassland. Look out for interesting and rare plants in the woodland.
What can I see? Many rare and scarce liverworts, mosses and lichens occur within the gills. A number of interesting birds can be seen breeding on the cliffs such as peregrins and fulmars. In spring and autumn watch for migrant birds including a few rarities such as sardinian warbler, red-rumped swallow, and pallas's warbler which have all occurred in recent years.
What can I hear? Dartford warblers and stonechats calling from the tops of gorse bushes.
Information available: A pdf site map (924 KB) will help you to explore this country park.
Grid reference: TQ857113(OS Map)
OS Map: 124 (Explorer, 1:25,000)
Opening times: Open all year
Prices: Free
Nearest train station: Ore, (mainline) 2 miles
Nearest NCN route: Route 2 passes through the Country Park
Where can I park? Car parking available at the Visitor Centre
Where can I get further information? Visit the Friends of Hastings Country Park website
Information about the Visitor Centre is available on the Hastings Borough Council website