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Benfield Valley

27 ha

Plan your visit

WildlifeBirdsForaging
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome27 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • ☀️June — long evenings and clear skies; one of the most rewarding months for a late visit
  • 🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
Parking· Free

Best for

9 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles

Free

Bird watching

Birds — House Sparrow, Blackbird, Carrion Crow +62 more · last seen 2026; Birds — House Sparrow, Blackbird, Carrion Crow +62 more · last seen 2026

Free

Foraging

Plants — Alexanders, White Dead-nettle, Evergreen Oak +19 more foraging species; Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Seasonal nature

Plants — Common Ragwort, Wood Avens, Gorse +147 more · last seen 2026; Plants — Common Ragwort, Wood Avens, Gorse +147 more · last seen 2026

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed with public access

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Field Grasshopper, Eristalis tenax +17 more · last seen 2026; Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Field Grasshopper, Eristalis tenax +17 more · last seen 2026

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

13 signed routes nearby · 3 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Monarch's WayWalking route990 km

approximate route of Charles II's escape

Named routeRef MWLength 990 kmRegional walking route
South Downs WayWalking route160 km
Named routeLength 160 kmNational walking route
King Charles III England Coast Path: East Head to ShorehamWalking route
Named routeRef ECPNational walking route
Ditchling Beacon to Devil's Dyke, South Downs walk, Sussex EastWalking route11.2 km

This walk takes in one of the most stunning sections of the South Downs Way. Spring & Summer bring rich plant life thanks to the chalk soil, forming unique grassland habitat. Great bus links from Brighton. Mostly flat until Pyecombe where it gets steep.

Named routeLength 11.2 kmDuration 03:00Point-to-pointRegional walking route
Rampart Ramble, Sussex EastWalking route1.3 km

Stroll around the old walls of the Iron Age hill fort. Take in views over the Weald & Brighton. Look out for remains of the curious Victorian funfair riders & in summer, walk through a meadow of orchids & butterflies. Suitable for pushchairs when dry

Named routeLength 1.3 kmDuration 00:30Round tripLocal walking route
🚴

Cycling

142 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Route 223Cycling route
Named routeRef 223National Cycle Network
Hove ParkCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Three Cornered Copse bridlewayCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Preston Street contraflow laneCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
Church Road cycle contraflow/cut-throughsCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route
National Cycle Route 20 Pyecombe to BrightonCycling route
Named routeRef 20National Cycle Network
🚵

Mountain biking

1 signed route nearby

Signed route nearby
South Downs WayMountain bike route
Named routeRef 89National Cycle Network
🐴

Horse riding

6 public paths nearby

Public paths

No named routes yet. Public paths are shown on the map.

Wildlife to spot

Photos

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