England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in West Sussex
Explore these places for wildlife in West Sussex. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Pulborough Brooks
Near Pulborough
- Habitat
- Floodplain grazing marsh, pools, hedgerows, woodland and restored heathland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Nightingale (April–June), lapwing, wigeon (winter), peregrine falcon (especially winter), nightjar (summer evenings).
02 / 05
Pagham Harbour
Near Sidlesham and Pagham, near Chichester
- Habitat
- A sheltered tidal harbour with saltmarsh, mudflats, lagoons and shingle beaches.
- Wildlife to look for
- Little tern (spring–summer), Sandwich tern (spring–summer), brent goose (winter), black-tailed godwit (mainly autumn–winter), little egret.
03 / 05
Medmerry
Near Selsey and Earnley
- Habitat
- Coastal saltmarsh, tidal channels, shallow pools and rough grassland behind shingle shores.
- Wildlife to look for
- Avocet (especially spring–summer), linnet, peregrine falcon (especially winter), merlin (winter).
04 / 05
Iping and Stedham Commons
Near Stedham, near Midhurst
- Habitat
- Open lowland heath with heather, gorse, sandy tracks and wooded edges.
- Wildlife to look for
- Nightjar (May–August, at dusk), Dartford warbler, woodlark (especially spring), adder (warmer months), field cricket (late spring–summer).
05 / 05
Woods Mill
Near Henfield
- Habitat
- Woodland, meadows, streams and a lake fringed with wetland vegetation.
- Wildlife to look for
- Nightingale (April–June), beautiful demoiselle (late spring–summer), barn owl (especially at dusk), glow-worm (summer nights), grass snake (warmer months).