When we first came to live in Whitehawk several years ago, I had some understandable anxieties about what I might find.

Like most people from other parts of Brighton, I knew the place only by reputation.

What we found was a warm and comfortable flat with a pleasant view of Race Hill. On race days we can watch the horses galloping by from our flat.

We have had no trouble and most of our neighbours are nice, ordinary people. Of course there is some crime and vandalism, but this isn't confined to this area.

When we lived in Patcham the house next door to us was burgled twice, there were numerous other burglaries in our area and there was an armed hold-up in a shop at the bottom of our road.

But what I like most about Whitehawk is the lovely countryside all around. A few minutes' walk takes me to the top of Race Hill, with beautiful views in all directions.

Up there you can find all kinds of flowers, insects and birds, both common and rare, and the site of the prehistoric fort. In the late summer I usually pick several pounds of blackberries and make enough bramble jelly to last all the next year.

A short walk in the other direction leads to Sheepcote Valley, another beautiful place where rare birds and flowers can be found.

If you go right down in the middle of the valley, you can hardly see any sign of the houses that are actually quite near.

You can walk by pleasant footpaths to Woodingdean, Ovingdean or Bevendean.

Then, of course, the Marina and the seafront are within easy reach and there is a frequent bus service into town.

Some time ago I was talking to a visitor to the estate and when I pointed out my flat she said: "Oh, you are lucky, living so close to the Downs!" She meant it.

When I've spent a day in the town, surrounded by noise and traffic fumes, it's always a relief to get off the bus and breathe the fresher air.

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