Wednesday 6 May 2026, 10:00

Ebernoe Wildlands is a nature reserve just to the north of Petworth. At its heart is Ebernoe Common National Nature Reserve. Here, one of the densest populations of Nightingales in the country thrive.

A secretive bird, finding a Nightingale out in the open is a rare event. Their numbers are in decline, as is their range; they are only found in small areas of southern and eastern England. Much of their decline can be put down to loss or degradation of habitat, ideally scrub woodland.

Acquired by the Sussex Wildlife Trust in 2001 as a nature restoration project, the team have been creating a diverse habitat at Butcherlands, cutting bramble, coppicing willow, and allowing fresh scrub to grow. Friends of the South Downs are supporting this vital habitat management through a series of contributions over the next few years. This will support the current nightingale population and allow it to expand.

We are offering members the special opportunity to visit the Butcherlands site, guided by Sussex Wildlife Trust ranger Ryan Allison and FSD Trustee David Taylor.

Please note that the exact location of the event will be provided upon confirmation of booking.

There is a limit of of 2 tickets per person.

Please ensure that anyone you are booking for is also a Friends of the South Downs member. Please contact enquiries@friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk for any further detail or queries.

Please ensure you download and read the guidance for walkers document.