Ditchling Common Country Park
Latest
There have been reports of motorcycles using the Common. This is damaging, potentially dangerous, and against the byelaws. Please call 999 if motorbikes are seen on the Common.
Ditchling Common Country Park is a 74.5-hectare designated Country Park and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), located just east of Burgess Hill.
The Park is divided by the B2112 road running north–south from Ditchling to Wivelsfield, and is used for activities such as walking, fishing, picnicking, education and dog walking.
Respect
Please remember that Ditchling Common is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is legally protected due to its valuable and often rare wildlife, plant life, and natural features.
Everyone has a role to play in helping preserve this important environment for future generations. When visiting the Park, please:
Respect nature
- Stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing sensitive habitats.
- Do not pick plants, flowers, or fungi - many are rare or endangered.
- Keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and grazing animals.
- Don’t feed wild or grazing animals.
Respect other users
- Share the space thoughtfully with other visitors.
- Keep noise to a minimum to help preserve the peaceful atmosphere and reduce stress on wildlife.
Take your litter home
- Litter harms wildlife and spoils the natural beauty of the Common.
- Even biodegradable waste like food scraps or dog waste can be damaging – please take all rubbish with you.
Thank you for helping to protect and preserve Ditchling Common.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Ditchling Common — but please help us protect the wildlife and respect other visitors
Ditchling Common is a sensitive natural environment and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We kindly ask that all dog owners follow a few important guidelines to help preserve this special place.
🐾 Keep Your Dog Under Control at All Times
- Dogs must be kept on a lead or under close control, especially during nesting season and in areas where livestock may be present.
- Please prevent your dog from chasing or disturbing wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.
- The pond area is particularly sensitive, as it provides a vital habitat for nesting birds and other aquatic species. Please keep dogs away from the water’s edge to avoid disturbing them.
💩 Clean Up After Your Dog
- Dog waste can harm wildlife and affect the health of other visitors. It also pollutes the soil and water.
- Please pick up after your dog every time - even in remote areas.
- Use the dog waste bins provided near the car park, or take your waste home with you if the bins are full or unavailable.
By following these simple steps, you're helping to ensure that Ditchling Common remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone — including local wildlife.
Thank you for being a responsible dog owner.
Drones
🚫Drones are not permitted at Ditchling Common. This is to protect both people and wildlife.
How to get there
There is a large car park situated on Folders Lane East at the southern end of the Park. The map reference for the car park is TQ335181. The nearest train stations are Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield.
More information
For visitor information, including a location map and nature trail details please see:
- Ditchling Common Country Park [320.5 KB] [pdf]
Report a problem
The danger posed to wildlife by discarded fishing equipment is made clear to anglers when they are granted a permit to fish. We litter-pick at the site once a week. But if you have concerns, please report them to the Countryside Management Team. Precise location details and photographs are extremely useful in helping us deal quickly with any issues:
- Email: Countryside Management Team
If you find an injured wild animal please contact Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
- Telephone: 0300 123 4999
- Website: RSPCA
East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service
- Emergency line 0781 507 8234
- Website: Wildlife Rescue
