Mill Hill (LNR) - Adur & Worthing Councils

Mill Hill Local Nature Reserve is owned by Adur District Council and managed in partnership with South Downs National Park Authority.

Overlooking the Adur Valley, the reserve is known for its spectacular views and its rare chalk grassland habitat, which supports a rich variety of wildlife, including wildflowers, pollinators and butterflies, such as the nationally scarce Adonis blue.

Chalk grassland is one of the UK's most species-rich habitats but requires careful management to prevent scrub and invasive plants from taking over. Without regular grazing, many of the native flowers, insects and other wildlife that depend on this special landscape would be lost.

Photo: Looking towards the River Adur valley from Mill Hill

Mill Hill, Shoreham - Looking towards the River Adur valley from Mill Hill (1)

Restoring its chalk grassland

Working in partnership with South Downs National Park Authority, we've introduced conservation grazing to help restore and protect Mill Hill's chalk grassland.

To support this work, 800 metres of fencing has been installed to create a dedicated grazing area where livestock can safely manage the reserve.

Grazing provides a slower, more natural alternative to mechanical land management, reducing scrub and invasive species while protecting the site's steep slopes and creating better conditions for wildlife to thrive.

Following the successful introduction of 60 Herdwick sheep during last autumn and winter, we're delighted to welcome a herd of 13 Exmoor ponies to the reserve. The ponies will graze throughout the summer before the sheep return for the autumn, winter and early spring, providing year-round habitat management.

The fencing creates a permanent home for grazing animals, helping keep livestock, visitors and dogs safe while allowing larger herbivores to play an important role in nature recovery.

This project reflects the strong partnership between Adur District Council and South Downs National Park Authority, supporting our shared ambition to restore nature and protect this important landscape for wildlife and future generations.

If you're visiting the reserve, please enjoy watching the grazing animals from a respectful distance and keep your dogs under close control.

Photo: Exmoor ponies at Mill Hill in Shoreham

Mill Hill, Shoreham - Exmoor ponies grazing

Photo: Herdwick sheep grazing on Mill Hill (with the River Adur in the distance)

Mill Hill, Shoreham - Herdwick sheep grazing on the hill (with the River Adur in the distance)

Providing access for all

Mill Hill has a 500-metre easy access trail, making it easier for less mobile visitors to enjoy the reserve's beautiful views and wildlife.

The trail has no steps or steep gradients, and benches are provided approximately every 150 metres, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and rest while taking in the surrounding landscape.

Parking

Mill Hill has a free public car park, providing convenient access to the local nature reserve.

Whether you're visiting for a short walk, wildlife spotting or simply to take in the scenery, the car park makes exploring the landscape easy and accessible.