Heyshott Common

It is near Heyshott in West Sussex, close to Midhurst, and forms part of the heathland landscape around the South Downs National Park. South Downs mapping places it in the Ambersham and Heyshott heathland area. [South Downs National Park Authority map](https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Higher-Quality-Overarching-Map.pdf)

Its lowland heath includes wet and dry heath, boggy ground, scrub, and open sandy areas that support specialized species. Local site information names bog pimpernel and sand lizard, while South Downs materials highlight heathland birds such as the Dartford warbler and nightjar. [Heyshott nature notes](https://heyshott.org.uk/nature-notes/)

The SSSI designation recognizes the uncommon heathland habitat and its associated plants, breeding birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, not just the scenery. The South Downs Heathlands Reunited program lists Heyshott Common among its conservation sites, where scrub control helps keep open heath from closing over. [South Downs National Park Authority](https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/discover-amazing-heaths-summer/)

Yes, it is used for open-access countryside and has featured in South Downs National Park guided walks, including a nightjar walk. Visitors should stay on paths where possible and keep dogs on leads around livestock and ground-nesting birds. [South Downs National Park Authority](https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/discover-amazing-heaths-summer/)