Enjoy Sussex nature from your sofa
Virtual tour of wildlife haven near Chichester to launch National Nature Reserves Week

Some of the trees at Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, near Chichester, are 500 years old. Photo: Stephen Gledhill, Natural England
皇冠体育app first-ever week to celebrate national nature reserves is underway, with people encouraged to get out and about and explore nature in one of the 9 main NNRs across Sussex.
Nature reserves boast a unique tapestry of flora, fauna and geological wonders and are home to more than 17,000 species, spanning 106,000 hectares of protected habitat across every corner of England 鈥� approximately 0.7% of the country鈥檚 land surface.
National Nature Reserves Week runs from 20-29 May with a series of events aimed at getting residents and visitors to appreciate nature more.
East Sussex has 4 NNRs, at Castle Hill, in Brighton; Lullington Heath, near Hastings; Lewes Downs; and Pevensey Levels.
In West Sussex, 1 of the national nature reserves is looking to people who can鈥檛 get there, but still want to experience the protected-habitat site.
Kingley Vale was 1 of the first NNRs to be designated back in 1952. Coming right up to date, the home of trees said to be some of the oldest living things in Britain at 500 years old has launched a allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the epic views across the south coast over to the Isle of Wight.
People can also get up close and personal with the reserve鈥檚 Iron Age forts. You can, of course, visit Kingley Vale in person, at West Stoke, north-west of Chichester.
If you do, then you might fancy taking part in a reptile walk to mark NNR Week. This free event on Sunday 28 May will explore the inhabitant adders, slow worms and common lizards. You鈥檒l learn how to identify reptiles and discover Kingley Vale off the beaten track.
皇冠体育app second of the 2 national nature reserves in West Sussex is at Ebernoe Common, north of Petworth, managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Ebernoe is a wonderful dense ancient woodland with smaller patches of scrub and grassland, exposing beautiful old oak and beech trees, long stretches of peaceful woodland paths, a classic village pub and a lily-covered lake. 皇冠体育appre is plenty of history and wildlife along the way, too.
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said:
鈥淚 am delighted to come together with our partners to launch National Nature Reserves Week 鈥� a chance for all of us to celebrate England鈥檚 remarkable wildlife and natural habitats.
鈥淣ational nature reserves have, for decades, played a vital role in conserving various species of plants and animals, but also provided an outdoor space for research and education, and opportunities to access, enjoy and engage with our natural heritage.
鈥淲hether you are visiting for the first time, or it鈥檚 a part of your daily walk, I invite everyone to explore one of the 221 national nature reserves nationwide and see what鈥檚 on offer.鈥�
This new annual 10-day celebration will help to raise awareness of the critical role these reserves play in combatting climate change, boosting nature recovery, and preserving endangered species.
It is hoped it will inspire a new generation of nature champions and comes as Natural England celebrates the coronation with a new over the next five years, to support nature recovery and meet the ambitions of the Government鈥檚
皇冠体育app announcement follows Natural England marking 70 years since the first NNRs were declared last year. Since then, England鈥檚 national nature reserves have continued to play a crucial role in protecting nature and are now at the heart of a growing nature recovery network - providing homes for different species of animals, birds, and plants to thrive.
has shown that NNRs managed by Natural England offer huge value for money, with a wide range of economic, environmental and societal benefits totalling 拢36 million.
A full list of national nature reserves in East and West Sussex and the wider South East can be found at: /government/collections/national-nature-reserves-in-england#london-and-the-south-east-nnrs
Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve聽reptile walk with Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group
Hunt for resident reptiles.
This free event will join experts from Sussex Amphibian and Reptile Group as they guide you, on the lookout for adders, slow聽worms聽and common lizard.聽A great opportunity聽to learn how to聽identify聽our native reptiles, as well as explore聽Kingley聽Vale off the beaten track.
Sunday 28 May, from 2pm to 5pm.
Free, booking required through Julian@[email protected].