Chailey Common
In the west of the county, Chailey Common is one of the largest commons in the south of England and was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 1966. The common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its heathland plants, and diverse insect and bird communities.
Chailey Common stretches over 450 acres and includes Red House Common, Memorial Common, Romany Ridge Common, Pound Common and Lane End.
Marsh gentian flower at Chailey Common
Visiting Chailey Common
Download the Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve leaflet.
Landmarks include the Meridian Stone, Chailey Windmill and the Garth Christian Memorial Stone. Heather and gorse provide a habitat for birds like the stonechat and butterflies such as the silver studded blue. Unusual plants include the heath spotted orchid and bog asphodel.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control.
Car parking (with a height restriction of 2m) is available at the following locations:
- Lane End Common on Fletchling Common Road
- Red House Common on Warrs Hill Lane
- Memorial Common on the A272
- Pound Common on North Common Road
- Romany Ridge Common on North Common Road.
History and management
Chailey Common was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was used by local peasants for cutting wood and bracken for fuel, and grazing livestock. This made the already poor soil worse and led to the unique heathland habitat that we see today. Since World War Two the decline of communal use has threatened the heathland by allowing bracken, birch and gorse to smother the heather and grass.
The Reserve is managed by Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve Management Committee. The aim is to recreate and conserve the heathland through scrub clearance, mowing and grazing. Sheep were reintroduced in 1991 and the wildlife is carefully monitored and protected.
If you would like to help conserve this valuable habitat why not enrol as a voluntary ranger? Find out how to volunteer in the countryside.
Find out more
Contact the Countryside Management team.
Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve Management Committee
Tel: 01273 482670
Chailey Commons Society
Tel: 01444 413716
Dozens of guided walks are described in our seasonal booklet Exploring East Sussex . For leaflets about other local walks please call us on 01273 481654.
