Wakehurst
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Become a memberLoder Valley Nature Reserve
Get closer to wildlife in our 150-acre nature reserve, home to 300 plant species as well as dormice, badgers, kingfishers, butterflies and more local species.
Wildlife abounds in this haven of peace and tranquillity where you can settle down in one of our hides and observe nature at its finest.
Dormice, wildflowers, the marsh tit and butterflies flourish in the Loder Valley Nature Reserve. Kingfishers can often be seen beside Westwood Lake.
The reserve consists of a matrix of habitats including wetlands, meadows and Wealden woodland. Bird hides allow you to view a wealth of species including herons, ospreys, hobbies and little egrets.
Nature trails
Red trail
A beautiful walk around part of the Ardingly Reservoir, which passes through woodland and meadowland. There are several bird hides, with one giving excellent views of a specially-built sandy bank that attracts breeding kingfishers.
The Hanging Meadow shimmers with wonderful wildflowers in spring and summer and rich insect life – just as it was before the invention of modern herbicides.
Green trail
A more strenuous walk, almost entirely through woodland. Steep woodland slopes lead to impressive views across the valley. The undergrowth of brambles and hazels provides dense cover and food for the native hazel dormouse. You might spot one of the 300 dormouse nesting boxes in the reserve, monitored by Wakehurst rangers as part of our support for The Dormouse Recovery Programme.
Pick up a trail map from Wakehurst's Visitor Centre to discover Loder Valley for yourself.
Visiting the reserve
A permit is required to visit the reserve and a map is essential – pick up both from Wakehurst's Visitor Centre.
Sensible shoes should be worn – and a pair of binoculars and a camera would be a good addition for your visit. Photography here must be for personal use only.
Please be respectful to all wildlife you encounter. It is an offence to knowingly disturb kingfishers close to their nests during breeding season.
Discover more of Wakehurst
Wakehurst
Daily guided walking tour of Wakehurst
See plants of seasonal interest and discover the fascinating history of Wakehurst on this guided tour.
Daily guided walking tour
Wakehurst
The Mansion Gardens
Over 200 years, the residents of Wakehurst’s Mansion acquired plants from all over the world, surrounding the estate with beautiful intimate gardens across the seasons.
The Mansion Gardens