Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve, Chichester

One of the first National Nature Reserves to be established, Kingley Vale contains a real wealth of treasures, the most spectacular being a grove of ancient yews some two to three thousand years old. Walking amongst these gnarled and massive trees feels like being in a pagan cathedral.

There are also some Bronze Age burial mounds high on the downs, with spectacular views back to Chichester and the sea.

We visited in May and the grassland was dotted with flowers like a mediaeval illuminated manuscript.

The reserve is 5km north-west of Chichester. If you’re in a car, park at West Stoke village and take the path about a mile up to the woods. There is a small information centre with a map showing various trails. Or it’s close to the Chichester section of the Sustrans National Cycle Network. The steep climbs and uneven terrain mean this is not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or weak walkers.

I’ve uploaded some pictures by my partner, Michael Hirsh.