Landport Bottom, Lewes

Set in 44 hectares of Down land, Landport Bottom encompasses 3 large fields, offering spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. The site is owned jointly by Lewes District Council and Lewes Town Council, and is part of the South downs AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It is also of significant archaeological importance, being the site of the Battle of Lewes in 1264, and contains a Scheduled Ancient Monument (platform burrows and two bowl barrows).

The land was taken out of agricultural production in the last 10 years, and as a consequence the chalk grassland is being recreated. Chalk grassland is one of Britain's most threatened and sensitive habitats, much of which has been lost to development, such as housing and roads. Landport Bottom is rich in floral diversity, and has several rare birds, such as the Sky Lark.

The Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme governs the basic management of the site and Plumpton College graze the fields during the summer, with sheep.

There are numerous footpaths across the site, offering great views over the Downs and the Ouse Valley. There is also a small Dew Pond close to the training gallops, which has been restored, and is slowly returning to ecological diversity.

For the Landport Bottom Site Management Plan, Information board and Barrow and Bones board, please see the relevant documents section to the right of this page.