Are you a keen birder? Birdwatchers in East Sussex will tell you that improvements in agricultural practices and conservation projects in the county over the last few years have done wonders for the populations of some of England's most iconic birds of prey. Buzzards, kestrels, and even the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons, make their homes in this region's landscape and soar through the skies in search of their next meal. For this reason, paragliding in this part of the country, which was already a fantastic adventure, is now a unique experience. Breathtaking views are combined with high quality air, which you’ll enjoy alongside some very special birds.

If you’re worried that flying in the same skies as these magnificent birds could disturb them, we can reassure you that there’s no chance of that with thiis activity. These aircraft are free from noisy motors, exhaust fumes and even rigid structures so they glide through the air without leaving a trace. And you can take a ride in one of them right here. To revel in the feeling of wind-powered flight and get your fill of aerial, and avian, observation, a tandem flight with an experienced pilot is the right choice for you. If you want to pilot a paraglider yourself, no problem! Flying courses are available. Finally, the popularity of this sport in this county means that there are various providers competing for your custom, and this guarantees that you get the best prices.

Where are the best places to go paragliding in East Sussex?

• Brighton: Although it’s known as London-by-the-Sea, flying over Brighton is a very different experience to what it would be like to take a trip through the smoggy skies of London. Located between the sea and the South Downs National Park, the air is clean and the views are stunning. The city stretches along a wide beach, attempting to reach out to sea along the Palace Pier, while inland, behind the elegant historical buildings and fashionable shopping streets, houses cling to the sides of steep green hills. It’s these hills and the proximity to the English Channel that make Brighton a convenient place for catching the sea breeze and taking to the skies.

• Lewes: Crossing the ridges and valleys of the South Downs, you reach the historic town of Lewes. There are plenty of launch sites in the area that, between them, face in almost all directions, perfect for catching the wind, no matter which point of the compass it’s coming from. Lewes Castle was built on a promontory in the centre of town so that soldiers could survey the surrounding countryside, but you can do one better by flying higher than the tallest towers. The 360º degree views of the area, and the glimpses inside the castle itself, are the reward for daring yourself to go flying here.

• Beachy Head: One of the most striking experiences that you can have as a pilot is taking off from the top of a cliff and soaring over the ocean. And that feeling of wonder is magnified when you do it at the highest chalk cliff in the country. Beachy Head’s white rocky face is over 150 metres high and just out into the English Channel above the seaside resort of Eastbourne. Just around the headland are the famous Seven Sisters, a series of chalk cliffs which, though not as tall as Beachy Head, form a stunning coastal panorama.

• Devil’s Dyke and Ditchling Beacon: These are two of the most dramatic features in the South Downs National Park. Devil’s Dyke is an abrupt valley that cuts through the ridge, supposedly built by the devil, and Ditchling Beacon is a peak that almost reaches 250 metres above sea level. Flying from the hillsides of either of these

What are the best ways to do this experience?

- Isn’t it amazing to think that the power of the wind is enough to give a paragliding wing enough lift to carry a person into the air? Well, it’s even more impressive than that, because are capable of supporting tandem flights, that is, flights with two people in the craft. One of those people will be a trained pilot, who knows how to choose a launch site, prepare the equipment, and get airborne. The other person will be you! A tandem flight will usually last between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the conditions on the day of your flight, and, travelling at an altitude of several hundred metres and speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, you’ll get a complete picture of the area.

- For true adventurers, cross country flights are an option, which could last an hour or more and take you from one side of the county to the other. An extra part of the service if you choose this option is transport that will find you at the end of your journey and take you back to the launch site!

- But however high or far you fly as a passenger, we know that there are some people who won’t be satisfied until they can fly individually. If you’re one of those people, you’ll have to sign up for a course. There are several paragliding schools around that offer training courses, from 1 day tasters to programmes that cover several days and can result in a pilot’s certificate. locations, you can enjoy views of the ocean in one direction and inland across the Sussex countryside to the High Weald in the other. And the best thing is that you don’t have to share the viewpoint with crowds of tourists when you’re suspended in the air!

Requirements to do this activity

Is a flying sport for everyone. You don’t need to be in great physical shape to be a passenger on a tandem flight - if you’re able to walk uphill to the launch site and take a couple of quick steps back down as your pilot catches the wind in the wing, you’re good to go. Each pilot will have their own restrictions on what age groups they’ll take up into the heavens, but in East Sussex you can find experiences for people over the age of 12.

When it comes to weight, the limits are a bit more strict. Due to the physics of flight, the largest paragliding wings can lift a maximum of 250 kilograms. That amount is shared between pilot and passenger so you might be able to fly if you weigh up to 125 kilograms. However, if you weigh over 100 kilograms, you should get in touch with the activity provider before the flight day to make sure that the flight will be possible.

How can you enhance your experience?

To turn a short flight into a memory that you can revisit time and time again, you have to arrange for a camera to be fitted to the artifact and capture the experience. You won’t be able to film yourself, or effectively take photos, during the flight because your hands will be occupied, so this is the best way to get a visual record of the views of the region to show your friends for years to come. You can even request that the footage be edited and put to a soundtrack of your choice to make a souvenir worthy of the silver screen!

The power of flight is in your hands, don’t hesitate to organise your aerial adventure!