Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve

Who are we?

The Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve was formed in April 2007 by members of the Volunteer Rangers, as a means of involving the wider community in the management and enjoyment of the Reserve.

Our aim is to protect, promote and enhance the natural environment of the Reserve, and to encourage others to join us in this work, so that the value of the Reserve and its wildlife is protected for future generations.

To fulfill this objective, we will continue to support the conservation work set out in the management plan, assist in monitoring wildlife, and raise funds for projects within the Reserve that might not otherwise be possible.

To help visitors enjoy the Reserve to the full, we organise a programme of events throughout the year, and aim to enhance and assist with running the Visitor Centre.

View our constitution here. You will need Adobe Reader to access this page. If you need the Adobe Reader, download it here.

The Nature Reserve

Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve stretches eastwards along the clifftop from the East Hill to Fairlight and the Firehills, covering 345 hectares (853 acres). It has a great diversity of valuable habitats, including heathland, acid grassland, farmland, wildflower meadows and the soft-rock maritime cliff which is of international importance.

Ecclesbourne, Fairlight and Warren Glens cut deep into the clifftop. The first two are surrounded by ancient woodland, and provide microclimates for rare mosses and liverworts to flourish. The Reserve is a prime site for heathland and farmland birds, and is on the migration route. Rare and scarce invertebrates are found here, and significant populations of dormice and badgers.

It lies within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is of archaeological and geological importance. Because of its wildlife and geology much of the Reserve has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a European designation. It was declared a Local Nature Reserve in 2006.

To contact us, e-mail: FoHCPNR