Explore the grounds at Uppark

For a longer trek, take the path out to Harting Down near Uppark. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a nature reserve. Its importance is down to its rare and fragile chalk grassland. Please note this walk is on minor B roads so take care of oncoming traffic. 

Wildlife watching

Uppark is home to a wide variety of wildlife. There are bats and dormice, buzzards and many other nesting birds. The estate is also home to around a hundred species of lichen. If you are very lucky you might even see a brown hare on the south meadow lying very low and still. Keep your eyes peeled on as you explore and see what you can spot.

If you follow the woodland walk, enjoy the striking beech trees in all seasons whether it’s the bright acid green of new growth or the carpet of cinnamon leaves in the autumn. The piles of wood and dead hedges are great for encouraging small mammals and insects to visit. 

In the tunnels under Uppark shrews and frogs live, and bats hibernate here in the winter. Brown long-eared bats also roost in the roof space of the house during the summer months. Common pipistrelles and other species have been found here too.

Look out for the swallows as they swoop across the meadow in the summer and watch out for the cheeky chaffinches by the restaurant.

Many varieties of butterflies flutter about the meadow in summer from large white to meadow brown and small copper.

As the days grow longer and autumn unravels, pheasants can be seen in the garden and grounds, their calls echoing in the air.