Situated in the South Downs National Park, Seven Sisters Country Park comprises
280 hectares of chalk cliffs, meandering river valley and open chalk grassland.
The Seven Sisters cliffs – Made from chalk that formed underneath the sea millions of years ago. Narrow ledges provide nesting sites for breeding populations of kittiwakes and fulmars.
The Country Park is named after the famous Seven Sisters that form part of the chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast, one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines.
Chalk grassland – A very fragile habitat formed through centuries of sheep grazing. Without grazing, coarse grass and scrub is able to encroach and the diversity of plants is lost. Look out for plants such as cowslip, wild thyme and the round headed rampion to name a few.
The Park is a great place to explore and offers spectacular views of the Seven Sisters cliffs, Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Cuckmere Haven and the surrounding rolling downland.
Meanders – In 1846 the Cuckmere River was diverted into a straight, constructed channel to drain the floodplain. The meanders which once formed the main course of the river can still be seen today.
Vegetated shingle – This is a harsh and rare habitat where many special plants and animals live. The waxy leaved Sea Kale with its white flowers and the Yellow Horned Poppy (right) with its bright yellow flowers are most easy to spot in the summer months.
Salt marsh – Is found at the river mouth where the sea covers the ground at high tide. Salt marsh provides an ideal habitat for salt tolerant plants such as glasswort, sea aster and sea wormwood.
Rock pools – At low tide rock pools on the beach are exposed. Creatures such as crabs and sea anemones may be found hiding amongst the seaweed.
Historical features of the park include the original site of the medieval Exceat Church. There are also pill boxes and anti-tank defences. These were built to protect the area from invasion during World War Two.
Saline lagoons (left) – Are located
behind the beach and were created
in 1975 to provide a habitat for wading birds such as the redshank and oystercatchers.
Cyclists can use the valley floor to cycle to the beach. For those wanting a longer or more challenging ride the nearby Friston Forest offers marked mountain bike trails.
Country Park
Canoeists may use the slip way behind the riverside car park to enter and exit the meanders.
There are two pay and display car parks – closing times are displayed at the entrances. Regular bus services from Eastbourne and Brighton stop at the park entrance.
Car parking, toilets, refreshments and bike hire are all available on site
Please note that the Country Park is a working farm with grazing sheep and cattle. Please ensure that all dogs are kept under close control and do not worry livestock whilst visiting the Park
