Hastings Country Park

Hasting Country Park Nature Reserve is the largest and most diverse natural green space in Hastings. Owned and managed by Hastings Council, the coastal cliffs and wooded glens provide visitors with some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the south east. The Nature Reserve includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Area of Conservation and sustainably managed farmland.
With partners Groundwork South we have renewed interpretation, map boards and way markers, throughout the site. Some footpaths have been upgraded to allow easy access and others have benefitted from ongoing improvement. Habitats range from ancient woodland to lowland heath, grazed meadows and coastal cliffs.
We work with a range of partners, from volunteers to specialist contractors, to deliver the management of our site. Groundwork South has also secured additional funding from Natural England to engage the community in creating new habitats across the nature reserve for four red-listed bee species; this work will work with a range of community members of all abilities.
Our priority is to provide a high-quality visitor experience, sustainable management of the reserve and on-going community events and activities. A 10-year strategic management plan and our Higher Level Stewardship grant guide all our management work at the Reserve. We have introduced Exmoor ponies and rare breed Belted Galloway cattle to roam large areas of the reserve, helping manage inaccessible areas.
The Bale House, our new sustainable straw bale construction visitor centre is a welcoming facility for visitors which has a café and interpretation about the site. The Bale House is managed by Groundwork South. The centre is the first public building in Sussex made from straw.
With increased investment and partnerships, the reserve continues to go from strength to strength.