Loder Valley Nature Reserve

The driving force behind Wakehurst Place is conservation. Opened in 1980, the focus of the Loder Valley Nature Reserve is on conservation of the plants and animals of the High Weald of Sussex.

In the Reserve's 60 hectares (149 acres), there are three main habitats - woodland, wetland and meadowland. There are also many typical Wealden geographical features - sandstone outcrops, ghylls (small steep-sided valleys), and complex soils. It also includes a 16 ha (40 acre) branch of the Ardingly reservoir. In short, it is an ideal environment for its purpose.

There is a rich diversity of animal and plant life in the Reserve, including:

• over 100 species of birds, 55 of which are recorded as breeding, such as the much-declining marsh tit and willow tit.

• 30 species of butterfly, including the magnificent purple emperor

• over 300 species of wild plants, epitomised by a superb bluebell display in spring.

• mammals, such as badgers, dormice and yellow-necked mice

Visiting the Loder Valley

Visitors on either of the Reserve's two nature trails are rewarded by natural landscape, relatively undisturbed wildlife, and an insight into traditional and more modern techniques of woodland management. The wise take waterproof footwear, binoculars and/or a camera.

In order to prevent excessive disturbance to the plants and animals, access is generally limited to 50 people a day. To obtain access please go to the ticket desk in the Visitor Centre on the day of your visit.  No pre-booking accepted.

There are also public tours of the Reserve every weekend and on Bank Holidays. They leave the Visitor Centre at 2.15 pm and may be booked on the day for £1 a head for garden visitors.

Explore the Loder Valley Nature Reserve

Nature Trails

Woodland

Meadowland

Wetland

Continue the tour

Back up to: Wakehurst Place zones