A majestic sandstone rock outcrop among mixed woodland

It comes as a surprise to many that there are substantial cliffs tucked away in the woodlands of the High Weald of East Sussex. Giant boulders some ten metres high greet the visitor to Eridge Rocks. These rocks are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the community of plants growing on them, but they have their own 135 million year old interest owing to a variety of weathering effects upon the crust that encloses a soft moist core. Explore a little further and you will find that this stony projection extends for some 600 metres, its shady nooks, deep fissures, and giant bastions are topped with ancient and gnarled beech, yew and holly.

What you can see

Cretaceous sandstone outcrop, rare mosses, liverworts and ferns, bluebells and woodland birds.

Getting around

Eridge Rocks is located in Eridge Green, four miles south of Tunbridge Wells. From the A26 turn into Warren Farm Lane whose entrance is next to a small church. Continue up the private track to a small car park. There is a bus stop near entrance of lane and there is a car park at the base of the rocks. There is very good access to all 40 hectares of the nature reserve including the rocks, and the going is flat with no stiles or gates.

Climbing on the rocks is dangerous and should only be attempted if you are a properly equipped, experienced climber.

photo Tony Buckwell