There are many considerations to be taken into account but the Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve Management Committee manage the area for Conservation, Recreation and Landscape in conjunction with the Sussex Downs Joint Committee.

Conservation

On a Nature Reserve the first concern is conservation. Chalk grassland is a man-made landscape, created since the removal of forests hundreds of years ago. It evolved mainly because of intense grazing which removed vegetation create the poor soils. The Reserve is managed by an annual programme of grazing and scrub removal. This maintains a mosaic of scrub and grassland of different structures and ages, which mimic historical grazing patterns.

Recreation

We want people to enjoy the Reserve, where there is a policy of open access. A number of public and licensed footpaths lead into and across the Reserve and the adjacent National Trust farmland. (Click for Map) A car and cycle park is provided at South Hill Barn, as there is 'No Cycling' policy on the Reserve. Some slopes are steep but there are seats at Intervals around the Reserve.

Please treat the Reserve with respect and keep animals under control so as not to disturb the ground nesting birds and other wildlife! Dog walking is welcome but please use the dog bins provided.

You are reminded that the Reserve is situated on cliff tops which are subject to coastal erosion.  Please exercise care whenever you are using the footpaths close to the cliff edge, especially if you have children or dogs with you.

Landscape

Management helps to keep the undeveloped, rolling Downland as open and unspoilt as possible. Existing buildings are not allowed to intrude into the landscape, and trees and scrub are used as 'screening' where necessary. There is also a policy of unobtrusive signposting.