Bevendean LNR

Nearest town Brighton.

Unimproved species rich chalk grassland on the edge of north east Brighton. Part of the South Downs National Park.

Access details Car parking in Heath Hill Avenue and Norwich Drive. Bus no. 48. Bus stop to alight is opposite entrance to Bevendean Primary School, Heath Hill Avenue. Follow track which is between 115A and 117 Heath Hill Avenue. After going through metal barrier across the track take the small right hand path which goes up through some trees to the open chalk grassland of Hogtrough.

Key species Adonis, grizzled skipper, dingy skipper, small blue, green hairstreak, chalkhill blue, dark green fritillary. Other species Common blue, marbled white, wall, skippers.

Site description A steepish south facing valley of chalk grassland with typical flora of round headed rampion, small scabious, autumn gentian, carline thistle, marjoram, bastard toadflax. The lower south end of the valley has slightly taller growth and species include marbled white. The higher north end of the valley has a large area of horseshoe vetch and this is the best area for chalkhill blues and adonis. This is a great bit of chalk grassland easily accessed right on the edge of the city.

Tessa Pawsey Geoff Stevens