Burpham Downs and River Arun

The area around Burpham and the River Arun features flood meadows and chalk grasslands, offering rich biodiversity. The Amberley Wild Brooks nearby is managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, recognized as one of the UK’s richest wetlands.

Flowing through a broad valley between the South Downs, the River Arun meets high chalk grasslands near Burpham in a collision of landscapes and light. From its elevated ridges to its reedy floodplain, this area is a haven for birds, butterflies, and dramatic compositions. FeatherFrame includes Burpham Downs and River Arun for its stunning transitions—where distant views meet intimate wildlife encounters, and river ecology thrives beside timeless countryside.

Raptors, Riverlife, and Vast Landscapes

From the heights of the Downs, scan for red kites and buzzards wheeling above open fields. Down by the Arun, expect herons, little egrets, and swans gliding through mirrored channels. In summer, the hedgerows burst with warblers and butterflies. The long-distance footpath crossing the area offers leading lines for landscape shots, while the patchwork of light over the valley floor lends cinematic contrast. FeatherFrame photographers visit for big skies and tiny dramas.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Warbler arrival, rising grass, and bright skies

  • Summer: Butterfly clouds, bird-rich hedgerows, and golden sunsets

  • Autumn: Misty mornings, stubble fields, and soaring raptors

  • Winter: Stark beauty, flocks of finches, and river stillness

Plan Your Visit

  • Public footpaths accessible from Burpham village (BN18 9RR) and surrounding ridges

  • Steep paths and long walks—good boots essential

  • Best gear: 100–500mm lens for birds and raptors, wide-angle for ridgeline landscapes

  • FeatherFrame tip: arrive before sunrise—catch the mist rolling over the Arun with birds cutting through the light

Did you know?

The River Arun is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in England, making its floodplain wetlands highly dynamic and ecologically rich. These mixed habitats support both farmland birds and rare invertebrates, including several declining butterfly species. FeatherFrame highlights Burpham and the Arun for their blend of grandeur and subtlety—perfect for photographers who want to capture scale and story in one place.