In 2001 and 2002, more than 80 Chinese teachers of English spent their three unforgettable months in Hastings. Some of them still say their big hello to their Brtish friends and teachers by emails at special times.

　　Hastings & St Leonards is located in a very attractive part of East Sussex within the South East region of the UK. It is a lively seaside town with a long history. Handy for London, it combines the benefits of living by the seaside with those of the country.

　　Within the Borough of Hastings is the Hastings Cliffs SAC (Special Area of Conservation), three SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), one Country Park, six Local Nature Reserves, and 30 SNCIs (Sites of Nature Conservation Interest).

　　The three Sites of Special Scientific Interest are the ancient wooded gill valley of Marline Valley Woods, the alluvial floodplain of the Combe Haven and the sea cliffs of Hastings Cliffs to Pett Beach. This latter SSSI form part of Hastings Country Park and includes cliff top acid grassland, ancient wooded gill streams and an array of rare and vulnerable species. The adjacent farmland of Fairlight Place Farm has recently been integrated with the management of the SSSI and Country Park.

　　The six Local Nature Reserves include, Marline Valley Woods, St Helens Woods, Filsham Reedbeds, which are the largest reedbeds in Sussex, Churchwood, Summerfields Woods and Old Roar Gill, an ancient wooded gill stream at the head of Alexandra Park.

　　The Sites of Nature Conservation Importance are local sites which although they do not have a statutory designation, are important areas for wildlife and people. A full list of these can be found under the Nature Conservation Strategy section of the web site.

　　Hastings is fortunate in possessing a relatively high percentage of woodland areas, predominately in valleys running north/south towards the sea. These include woodlands in the Marline valley, Church Wood, Old Roar Gill, St Helen's and the valleys within the Country Park. Of these woodlands two, namely Marline and Church Wood are maintained via adopted management plans. The material coppiced as part of the operations in Church Wood are utilised elsewhere in the Borough for steps, barriers and fencing.

　　Many of the allotment sites, road verges, and public and private gardens around Hastings & St Leonards are also of importance for wildlife.

(Mostly adapted by Sam from http://www.visithastings.com/)