High above East Brighton lies a landscape shaped by thousands of years of human life and still part of everyday life for the people who live nearby. Whitehawk’s Hills have long been a place of gathering, storytelling, and shared experience. Today, they remain well used and valued, yet their rich history and natural significance are not always widely recognised or accessible.
The Whitehawk Hills Project aims to change that.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and facilitated by The Trust for Developing Communities, this initiative brings together six community led organisations, alongside residents and partner organisations, to celebrate, care for, and reimagine the area as a welcoming space for everyone.
A landscape with a deep story
Whitehawk Hill is home to one of Europe’s earliest monuments. The Whitehawk Enclosure dates back over 5,500 years, making it older than Stonehenge. For thousands of years, people gathered here for ceremonies and shared experiences.
The chalk grassland that exists today reflects ancient land use and supports rare plants and wildlife. This is not just history in books. It is a living landscape on the doorstep of the community.
Despite its importance, many people are not fully aware of its story or feel able to access and enjoy everything it offers. This project is an opportunity to change that together.
At its heart, this work is about people and place
The project brings people together to explore local heritage, enjoy nature, and help shape how this landscape is cared for in the future. In doing so, it shares knowledge, builds confidence, and strengthens connections between people and the place they live.
Working with six community led organisations, the project builds on existing knowledge and strong local relationships. Together, partners and residents will create a shared vision, including a community led plan for long term management and improved access.
Getting involved
A programme of inclusive and accessible activities will take place for all ages. These include guided walks, heritage sessions, creative workshops, and outdoor gatherings.
Residents will help design and shape these activities, sharing their ideas, experiences, and local knowledge. This is a genuine opportunity to take part and influence what happens next.
Building skills and improving access
The project focuses on skills, confidence, and opportunity. Local people can gain experience in research, storytelling, digital skills, and conservation management through volunteering and training with rangers and other specialists.
Improving access is a key priority. Plans include better walking trails, clearer signage, accessible maps, and creative interpretation to help more people explore and understand the site.
A shared future
The Whitehawk Hills Project is about pride in place and strengthening community identity. By celebrating heritage and nature, it aims to create lasting social, cultural, and environmental benefits for the community.
Running until June 2028, the work will be shaped and guided by local people to ensure community voices remain central throughout.
In future blogs, we will share stories from the people connected to the area, highlight local knowledge, and provide updates on how the landscape is becoming more engaging and accessible for everyone.
Whitehawk’s people are invited!
To hear more and get involved, please contact:
Lucy Hetherington lucyhetherington@trustdevcom.org.uk 07886 270 046
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