Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve

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Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve Managed by Natural England, a diverse mix of ancient yew trees, chalk grassland, dew ponds and scrub There is no bus link to the reserve.

Directions:

The nearest train station is Chichester, about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away. There are 2 car parks serving this reserve:

- West Stoke car park to the south (SU824088) - this has limited capacity so gets very busy at weekends and in school holidays
- Stoughton car park to the north (SU815126) - this belongs to Forestry England (FE) and is quieter, so more suitable for larger groups

Please do not park on the road. This creates a hazard for emergency vehicles and blocks local residents. Cycle parking is available at West Stoke car park. Leave the A286 at Mid Lavant and continue west along Downs Road until West Stoke. Continue through West Stoke passing the church, take the next right hand turn on the sharp bend and the car park is located just after the turn.

02/11/2026

⚠️ Tree Works Notice - Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve ⚠️

You may see specialist contractors working across the reserve over the next few weeks as we undertake essential tree felling operations.

Unfortunately, as many of you will already be aware, our ash trees have been affected by Ash Dieback, a disease causing widespread decline and tree mortality across the country. To maintain a safe environment for visitors and staff, and to help safeguard the wider ecology and conservation value of the reserve, management work is required on a limited number of affected trees across Kingley Vale.

These works are an important part of managing the reserve, ensuring public safety, and helping to protect and enhance habitats for wildlife in the long term.

Please follow any on-site signage, temporary path closures, and instructions from staff or contractors while works are underway.

For further information, or if you have any concerns, please contact the Kingley Vale NNR team at:

📧 [email protected]

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support while we carry out this important work.

Fungi season is here!
29/10/2026

Fungi season is here!

09/10/2026

Baby adder out and about 🐍

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07/10/2026

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It's the end of the butterfly survey season but that doesn't mean butterflies won't be seen on warm sunny days. Species ...
05/10/2026

It's the end of the butterfly survey season but that doesn't mean butterflies won't be seen on warm sunny days. Species like this red admiral don't fully hibernate, and need to come out to feed during the colder months when weather allows.

This year's hot weather has meant some species have struggled, and there will surely be knock on effects further up the food web. Only time will tell.

Autumn and winter are when the yew's take centre stage, with the dimmer light making them all the more mysterious.Have y...
03/10/2026

Autumn and winter are when the yew's take centre stage, with the dimmer light making them all the more mysterious.

Have you got a favourite tree on the Nature Reserve?

There's just something about autumnal sunshine that hits different. But can you work out where on the Nature Reserve we ...
01/10/2026

There's just something about autumnal sunshine that hits different.

But can you work out where on the Nature Reserve we are?

Name that bird!
29/09/2026

Name that bird!

The chalk grassland is still speckled with dainty white flowers called eyebright. In Greek mythology, the Linnet used th...
27/09/2026

The chalk grassland is still speckled with dainty white flowers called eyebright. In Greek mythology, the Linnet used the flowers to clear the eyes of fledglings, and so has been used in herbal medicines for eyesight ever since!

25/09/2026

A minute of peace watching and listening to the birds at one of our dew ponds

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