A very rich wooded valley above a gill stream with meadows, ponds and scrub

Close to the town of Hastings lies a deep wooded valley, or gill. At the bottom of this valley runs a stream, babbling over sandstone. Mosses, liverworts and ferns found here are the main reason why this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

What you can see

Hornbeam coppice, wood anemone, primrose, bluebell, wild garlic, mosses, ferns, orchids, adder's-tongue fern, wasp spiders, nightingale and various warblers.

Getting around

Marline Valley is located one mile north-west of Hastings on Queensway (B2092). Access and parking are difficult due to necessary roadside barriers. The simplest way is to park in Napier Road or nearby and cross over the busy Queensway to pick up one of the footpaths. There are many paths in the reserve, but the valley is steep and can be muddy. There is one stile and several gates.

photo Graeme Lyons