New Hailsham Nature Trail Map and Guide to Launch in January 2027

Hailsham Town Council is developing a brand-new Hailsham Nature Trail, which will invite residents and visitors to discover the wealth of wildlife, plants and natural habitats found in and around the town.

The Hailsham Nature Trail Map & Guide is currently being produced and is expected to be available to members of the public from January 2027, priced at just £1. Copies will be available to collect from the Hailsham Town Council Offices in Market Street.

Developed along similar lines to the popular Hailsham Heritage Trail, the new nature trail aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the town’s local flora and fauna, encouraging people to take a closer look at the natural environment on their doorstep.

A number of wildlife habitats and locations across Hailsham have been identified as being of ecological or botanical significance and will feature as part of the trail. These include Hailsham Country Park, Hailsham Parish Church grounds, Orchard Park, the Dennis King Memorial Sensory Garden, Hailsham Common Pond, Coopers Way and the Farne Close pond, together with a number of other sites around the town.

The development of the trail follows several years of collaborative work between the Town Council and local community environmentalists. The Council has joined forces with organisations including the Hailsham U3A Natural History Group and the Hailsham Historical and Natural History Society to undertake a variety of wildlife surveys across the town.

The information gathered through these surveys was subsequently collated and used to help establish and finalise the route for the proposed Nature Trail. Although production of the guide was postponed following the initial development work, the project has now been brought forward again, with the new guide currently in production.

Corporate Services Manager Karen Giddings said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Hailsham Nature Trail to fruition. A great deal of valuable work has taken place over recent years to identify and record the wildlife and natural habitats found across the town, and we are grateful to the local groups and volunteers who have contributed their knowledge and expertise.

“The Nature Trail will provide an enjoyable and accessible way for people to explore Hailsham while learning more about the plants, wildlife and habitats that can be found here. For just £1, it will also provide an affordable activity for families, residents, visitors and anyone with an interest in the natural environment.”

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, said: “The creation of the Hailsham Nature Trail is a really exciting project for the town and one that we hope will encourage people to appreciate the natural environment in a new way.

“Although Hailsham is considerably built-up in many areas, there are still wonderful country views, green spaces and opportunities to see wildlife throughout the town. The Nature Trail will encourage residents and visitors to slow down, look a little closer and discover the fascinating flora and fauna that is all around us.

“The Town Council developed the Hailsham Heritage Trail in 2011, which has provided people with an interesting and educational way to discover the town’s history. We hope the Nature Trail will offer a similarly rewarding experience while highlighting the natural heritage that makes Hailsham such a special place to live and visit.”

The Town Council believes the creation of the Nature Trail will further enrich Hailsham’s appeal as a place to live, work and visit, while promoting greater awareness of the importance of local wildlife and habitats.

The Hailsham Nature Trail Map & Guide is expected to be available from January 2027 and will be priced at £1. Further information about its availability will be announced by Hailsham Town Council nearer to the launch date.