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Ditchling Common Country Park

Ditchling Common Country Park

Ditchling Common Country Park covers 76 hectares (188 acres). The site is used for activities including walking, fishing, picnicking, education and dog walking.

Cattle Grazing

Cattle grazing started in March 2021. Please keep an eye out for signs.

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.

Fishing permits

We operate a fishing permit system at Ditchling Common. Applications for 2022 permits are now closed. 

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but they must be kept under control at all times so that they do not disturb others e.g. children, grazing animals, fishermen and nesting birds.

Please use the dog bins located close to the car park.

Drones

Drones are not permitted at Ditchling Common. They cause a nuisance to other visitors and disturbance to the wildlife on the park.

More information

For visitor information, including a location map and nature trail details please see:

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 Maintenance Team. Precise location details and photographs are extremely useful in helping us deal quickly with any issues: 

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

Fishing at Ditchling Common Country Park

You must have a valid permit to fish at Ditchling Common Country Park. 

Applications for new fishing permits are now closed.  

Permits will be issued soon and will be valid for a year from 30th June 2022.

Permit holders are allowed to fish day and night in two ponds on Ditchling Common. There is no closed season.

The Environment Agency kindly surveyed both ponds during 1999 and found both ponds to contain a good variety and range of ages of fish.

Some disturbance from other visitors especially around the main pond is inevitable during busy periods, such as summer weekends and school holidays. An easy access path is available allowing wheelchair access to fishing.

Contact us

If you have any questions please contact the Countryside Management Team.