EXPLORE
Pepperscoombe
The remote highlands of the Steyning Downland.
Worth the Effort
Pepperscoombe is located at the southern end of the Steyning Downland and is the most tricky part to get to. Walkers must either approach via a very steep climb from Newham Lane, or cross over from the Rifle Range, via the Horseshoe woods.
Once there, Peppercoombe is well worth the visit, with panoramic views over Steyning and the Low Weald. The Coombe itself has a remote and rather windswept feel, unique to this part of the Steyning Downland, with a mix of chalk grassland and scrub. Although it has never been ploughed, most of the grassland has naturally acquired soil nutrients through years without grazing. Today it is dominated by a few grassland species, most notably Tor grass, which tends to out-compete most classic chalk grassland wild flowers. There are still some flower-rich areas which we are working to conserve. Pepperscoombe is also a great place for birdwatching, with farmland species such as Siskin, Stonechat, Lesser Whitethroat, Wheatear and Yellowhammer in summer and flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare in winter.
Feeding Jacob Sheep on Pepperscoombe
What You Can See
Pepperscoombe has our best remaining colony of Juniper bushes, which are threatened with extinction across the South Downs. Most of them are growing on a steep bank by the Bostal Road.
Look for chalk grassland wild flowers such as Harebell, particularly either side of the main Public Bridleway, which runs through the site.
The Chalk Pit, which can be accessed via a style from the Bostal Road, contains small patches of south-facing chalk grassland, with low numbers of Small Blue butterfly.
Juniper Growing on a Steep Bank Above The Bostal Road
Sussex Cattle grazing on Tor Grass
Sheep in the Chalk Pit
Primrose planted for Duke of Burgundy butterfly
The Duke of Burgundy butterfly, photographed at Pepperscoombe
What We Have Done
Our main focus has been to try to restore the neglected chalk grassland on Peppercoombe, with a combination of grazing and scrub cutting. The South Downs National Park Authority have been very helpful, employing contractors to help with this.
One small part of Pepperscoombe, known as ‘The Secret Garden’ has been the main focus of our efforts to reintroduce the Duke of Burgundy butterfly to the Steyning Downland. Here we have planted thousands of Cowslip and Primrose plants, grown by volunteers from locally harvested seed. We also carried out habitat management work and in 2020, the Duke was first spotted there. Unfortunately the Covid lockdowns made ongoing habitat management very difficult and the butterfly has since reduced in numbers, but we hold out hope that it will make a recovery.
Our Future Plans
Our aim for Pepperscoombe is to continue with grazing and scrub control, to restore the species-diversity of the chalk grassland.
How You Can Help
As a registered charity, we depend upon the support of our Friends and donors. There are many ways to support us, and help wildlife thrive.
Find Out More
Volunteer With Us
Everyone is welcome to become involved, regardless of skills, age or experience. Discover the many ways you can lend a hand.
Find Out More