Looking south on the ridge near Firle Beacon to the coast and the channel port of Newhaven.

This chalk grassland provides one of Britain's richest wildlife habitats with up to 40 plant species growing in one square yard of turf together with the butterflies and other insects that these plants attract.

Looking further west along the ridge. The settlement near the right-hand edge of the picture at the foot of the ridge in the distance is the town of Lewes.

The downland supports many wild flowers including orchids such as the Early Purple, Twayblade, Common Spotted, Bee and Pyramidal Orchids. Rarer orchids include the Early Spider, Frog and Fragrant Orchids.

The view north-west across the Weald towards the Glyndebourne Opera House at the foot of Saxon Down (the nearest lump in the distance).

There are public footpaths all over the South Downs through wonderful scenery with the higher ground providing, as you can see, spectacular views.

For those who do not want to walk very far, or for those who can't, there is the free Bo Peep Car Park at the top of Bostal Hill on the South Downs ridge which is about three quarters of a mile from Firle Beacon. The walk from the car park in dry weather is easy, but uphill, although none of it is steep. You can still get good views by going only half way to the beacon.

Bo Peep Lane starts on the A27, about a half-mile from the road into Alciston, and runs for almost a mile to the car park on the ridge.