Our events are a great way to see butterflies, learn about them,
and visit some wonderful places and see many different habitats across Sussex.
Most of our events are free and open to all, although there is a suggested donation of
£2 to help us with our work if you are not a member of Butterfly Conservation. Please check the details carefully as some events are exclusively
for members or require pre-booking. For further information, please contact Penny Green at
events@sussex-butterflies.org.uk
- Events that are suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
- Events that are suitable to bring dogs along to, but they must be on a lead.
APRIL
Butterflies and Bluebells
Sunday 21st April 2:30pm
Blunts Wood & Paiges Meadow LNR TQ319247
Notes: Open to all, this is a joint Sussex Butterfly Conservation walk with Friends of Blunts Wood & Paiges Meadow LNR and Friends of the Millennium Woodland.
Terrain: Moderate
slopes and steep steps on unsurfaced terrain. The paths are well defined, but become muddy
and damp after rain. Unsuitable for wheelchair access.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles).
Target species: Orange-tip, Green veined white, Speckled Wood and if we are lucky, Green Hairstreak and Grizzled Skipper.
Leader: Barbara Woods Tel: 01444 412483
Meeting place: Meet in the Bluntswood Crescent
car park, Haywards Heath: www.midsussex.gov.uk/media/Blunts.pdf
The Pearls of Rewell Wood (part 1)
Saturday 27th April 2:00pm
Rewell Wood SU983076
Notes: Open to all. Those wishing to photograph the butterflies will get the opportunity to linger until they settle down in the early evening. At all other times access to Rewell Wood is restricted to the public rights of way, so please use this opportunity if wishing to visit some restricted areas.
Terrain: Flat and easy going.
Distance: 2km (1.25 mile).
Target species: Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other spring species.
Leader: Neil Hulme. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Park around the woodman's saw mill having taken the concealed, minor turning off the A27 while travelling east between Fontwell and Arundel, and then driven up the track through the open metal gate. The turning off the A27 is difficult, so use the overhead cable crossing the carriageway as a guide to its location when approaching. Please exercise extreme care when leaving and joining the A27.
Spring Social at the Knepp Estate
Sunday 28th April 2:00pm
Knepp Estate, Shipley TQ155217
Notes: Limited spaces available and nearly fully booked, so please get in contact with Penny Green to book up. Details are still being confirmed and will be available upon booking. Please call 01273 497521 or email pennygreen@sussexwt.org.uk
MAY
Springtime Skippers
Saturday 4th May 10:00am
Barnes Wood, Vinehall Forest TQ762203
Terrain: Some hills to climb.
Distance: 1km (0.62 miles).
Target species: Dingy and Grizzled Skippers.
Leader: Jim Barrett Tel: 07851 718289 Email: Jim_bat@yahoo.com
Meeting place: Car park in
Footland Wood opposite (off B2089).
The Pearls of Rewell Wood (part 2)
Sunday 5th May 2:00pm
Rewell Wood SU983076
Notes: Open to all. Those wishing to photograph the butterflies will get the opportunity to linger until they settle down in the early evening. At all other times access to Rewell Wood is restricted to the public rights of way, so please use this opportunity if wishing to visit some restricted areas.
Terrain: Flat and easy going.
Distance: Distance: 2km (1.25 mile).
Target species: Pearl-bordered Fritillary and other spring species.
Leader: Neil Hulme. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Park around the woodman's saw mill having taken the concealed, minor turning off the A27 while travelling east between Fontwell and Arundel, and then driven up the track through the open metal gate. The turning off the A27 is difficult, so use the overhead cable crossing the carriageway as a guide to its location when approaching. Please exercise extreme care when leaving and joining the A27.
Abbots Wood Amble
Saturday 11th May 10:00am
Abbots Wood near Hailsham TQ557073
Notes: Open to all.
Terrain: Mostly undulating gravel road, grassy rides and footpaths but with
some optional off-path detours in to clearings. May be muddy after wet weather.
Distance: 5km (3 miles).
Target species: Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled
Skipper (plus singing Nightingales)
Leader: Mike Mullis. Tel: 07932 683245. Email: mm.wfp@tesco.net
Meeting place: Meet and park at the Abbots Wood public car park, Caneheath Road. Car park charges apply.
Dukes at Heyshott Escarpment
Saturday 18th May 10:30am
Heyshott Escarpment SU900176
Notes: Open to all.
Terrain: Steep ascent & descent, not suitable for those with mobility restrictions. Slow pace for the less agile.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles).
Target species: Duke of
Burgundy, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Small
Heath, orchids.
Leader: Neil Hulme & Mike Edwards (Murray Downland Trust). Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Meet at the southernmost point of Heyshott village,
where a track leads off from a sharp bend in the road. Please park with consideration for local
residents and farm traffic. Parking might be available at the rear of the converted barn complex
immediately north of the meeting place, please watch for website announcements.
Mill Hill Blues
Sunday 19th May 10:30am
Mill Hill, Shoreham-by-Sea TQ212074
Notes: Open to all. No expertise required; knowledge (some at least) will be provided!
Terrain: Path along steep slope.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles) with lots of stopping!
Target species: Adonis Blue, Dingy and Grizzled Skippers.
Leader: Chris and Ellie Corrigan Tel: 07740 097070 Email: chris.corrigan2@ntlworld.com
Meeting place: Meet at the main (upper) car park on the road from Shoreham to Truleigh Hill. This is approximately a 25 minute walk from Shoreham Railway Station.
JUNE
Floral Fringe Fair at Knepp Castle Estate
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd June 12:00pm and 3:00pm
Knepp Castle Estate TQ156216
Notes: Open to all. Please note that there will be an entrance fee to get in to the fair itself.
Terrain: Flat and easy going.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles).
Target species: Woodland and grassland butterflies.
Leader: Neil Hulme. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: The turning circle in front of Knepp Castle.
Tour of our Reserves
Saturday 8th June 10:30am
Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood TQ515147
Notes: Open to all.
Terrain: Flat.
Distance: 1.6km (1 mile).
Target species: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Leader: Michael Blencowe Tel: 07884 484698 Email: sussexgrayling@aol.com
Meeting place: From the A22 between East Hoathly & Whitesmith turn south at the 'Landrover Man' garage
into Park Lane. Take the first lane on your right & park in Rowland Wood. Meet at TQ515147.
The Butterflies of Back and Beyond
Saturday 15th June 12:00pm
Castle Hill NNR, Woodingdean TQ357064
Notes: Open to all.
Terrain: Chalk grassland, rolling hills, gradual slopes with some steeper
banks to explore. Walking shoes or boots advised.
Distance: 5km (3 miles).
Target species: Adonis Blue, Small Blue and Small Heath.
Leader: Paul Gorringe Tel: 07825 387385 Email: Paul.gorringe@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Meeting place: Meet at Woodingdean/Falmer Rd car park, just up the road from corner of Bexhill Rd/Falmer Rd. Bus - 2, 22 (get off at Downs Hotel and walk up the road to car park).
Search for Silver Studs (joint walk with Lynchmere Society)
Saturday 22nd June 10:30am
Lynchmere. Stanley & Marley Commons SU865314
Notes: BC & Lynchmere Society members only.
Special Conditions: Bring a light picnic lunch. The Lynchmere Society has kindly offered to supply some picnic items.
Terrain: Flat & easy going with a couple of gentle slopes.
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles) am and 2km (1.25 miles) pm.
Target species: A search for unrecorded Silver-studded Blue colonies.
Leader: Neil Hulme. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: If travelling from the south, turn left onto Vann Road when in Fernhurst, travel 2Km then take the right turning signposted to Linchmere. Follow this lane northwards for 3Km, before parking on the verge of the minor road running along the western side of Linchmere Common, this spot being 300m short of the junction with the B2131 Liphook Road. In the afternoon we will travel in convoy to the NT car park off Marley Lane, a minor road south of Haselmere, at SU886311.
Seeking out the Silver-studded Blue
Saturday 29th June 10:30am
Iping & Stedham Commons SU852220
Notes: Open to all. Bring a light picnic lunch.
Terrain: Flat and easy going with some gentle slopes.
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles).
Target species: Silver-studded Blue and Common Heath moth.
Leader: Colin Knight Tel: 07704 830104 Email: knightct@yahoo.com
Meeting place: Car park at SU85222200. Directions: 2.7 miles west from Midhurst on A272, turn left (south) on to Elsted Road. Car park is 250m on the right. We will walk both commons, each walk starting from the car park. Additional info about commons: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/page00018.htm
JULY
High Summer in the High Woods
Saturday 6th July 10:00am
Brede High Woods TQ784208
Terrain: Hilly and muddy in places.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles).
Target species: White Admiral and other woodland species.
Leader: Jim Barrett Tel: 07851 718289 Email: Jim_bat@yahoo.com
Meeting place: Brede High Woods are between Battle and Rye. Meet at the New Car Park (TQ784208). Off B2089 the Cripp's Corner to Brede Road.
In search of Marbled Whites and the Elusive Emperor
Sunday 7th July 10:00am
Blunts Wood & Paiges Meadow LNR TQ319247
Notes: Open to all, this is a joint Sussex Butterfly Conservation walk with Friends of Blunts Wood & Paiges Meadow LNR and Friends of the Millennium Woodland.
Terrain: Moderate
slopes and steep steps on unsurfaced terrain. The paths are well defined, but become muddy and damp after rain. Unsuitable for wheelchair access.
Distance: 3.25km (2 miles).
Target species: Mix of
woodland and high weald meadow species including Silver-washed Fritillary, Ringlet, Marbled White and if we are very, very lucky... Purple Emperor!
Leader: Barbara Woods Tel: 01444 412483
Meeting place: Meet in the Bluntswood Crescent
car park, Haywards Heath: www.midsussex.gov.uk/media/Blunts.pdf
Light Hearted Adventures with the Dark Green Fritillary
Saturday 6th July
10:30am - Horseshoe Plantation TV56189591
12:00pm - Friston Forest TV51899959
2:30pm - Lullington Heath TQ56200129
Notes: Open to all, come for one or more of the locations.
Terrain: Each location gets increasingly difficult to access on foot, with the first being the easiest from which to observe these majestic insects.
Distance: Varies from 0-5 km, there and back.
Target species: Dark Green Fritillary and downland species.
Leader: Dan Danahar Tel: 07791 113918 Email: Dan@bignature.co.uk
Meeting place: All grid references refer to designated car parks, where we will meet.
Borderline Emperors (joint walk with BC Hants & IoW)
Saturday 13th July 10:00am
Havant Thicket SU723102
Notes: BC (all branches) members only. Option to visit Emperor territories at Southleigh Forest and Brickkiln Ponds later in the day.
Terrain: Flat and easy going.
Distance: 3km (2 miles).
Target species: Purple Emperor, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Purple Hairstreak.
Leader: Neil Hulme & Ashley Whitlock. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Meet at the Forestry Commission car park off Manor Lodge Road (B2149), to the west of Rowlands Castle. Postcode PO9 6HE.
Special Conditions: Pay & Display car park charges apply.
Cissbury Ring Circuit
Thursday 18th July 2:00pm
Cissbury Ring, near Findon TQ139085
Terrain: Moderate ascent and steeper descent. Slow pace for the less agile.
Distance: 1.5km (1 mile).
Target species: Summer Butterflies, especially Dark Green Fritillary and Marbled White.
Leader: Peter Atkinson Tel: 07749 245862 Email: Patkinson55@tiscali.co.uk
Meeting place: Meet at the Nepcote car park, reached via the track leading past Nepcote Green, off Nepcote Lane on the east side of Findon Village.
Friston Canter
Saturday 20th July 10:00am
Friston Gallops, Lullington Heath & Friston Forest TQ555994
Notes: Bring a packed lunch and plenty of water to drink, especially if it's hot weather.
Terrain: Downland ascent then several steep ups and downs or vice versa. May be slippery or muddy if
wet. Walking boots/shoes preferable.
Distance: 5-6km+ (3 miles).
Target species: Chalkhill Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled White.
Leader: Mike Mullis. Tel: 07932 683245. Email: mm.wfp@tesco.net
Meeting place: Butchershole Forestry Commission car-park TQ555994 (FC car-park charges apply). This is located just off the Jevington Road approx. 1 mile north of the A259 junction.
Moths and Butterflies of Swanborough
Saturday 27th July 10:00am
Swanborough Hill, near Lewes TQ402077
Notes: Please telephone or email to confirm in advance as parking may be restricted.
Terrain: Steep and rugged.
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles).
Target species: Downland species.
Leader: David Harris and Steve Teale Tel: 01273 515762 Email: d.harris8@btinternet.com
Meeting place: Meet at Swanborough Hill farm, follow arrows.
AUGUST
Grayling Festival 2013
Saturday 3rd August 10:30am
Windover Hill near Wilmington TQ531032
Terrain: Steep slopes.
Distance: 3km (2 miles).
Target species: Grayling, Silver-spotted Skipper.
Leader: Michael Blencowe Tel: 07884 484698 Email: sussexgrayling@aol.com
Meeting place: Meet in the bumpy car park between Wilmington and Litlington where the South Downs Way
crosses the road at the brow of the hill.
Whitehawk on the Wing
Saturday 3rd August 12:00pm
Whitehawk Hill LNR, East Brighton TQ331053
Notes: A flower-rich chalk grassland and site of an important Neolithic camp.
Terrain: Steep slope, but gradient mitigated by diagonal paths.
Distance: 1.5km (1 mile).
Target species: Chalkhill Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Marbled White, Ringlet.
Leader: Paul Gorringe Tel: 07825 387385 Email: Paul.gorringe@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Meeting place: Meet (and park) in car park of Brighton Garden Centre, Warren Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9XX, next to Brighton Race Course. Served by Bus 2 and 22.
Ashcombe Bottom Adventure
Tuesday 6th August 10:30am
Ashcombe Bottom near Lewes TQ367092
Notes: Downland and possibly woodland butterflies in close proximity. Bring a packed lunch and drink.
Terrain: Steep hills, rough ground and please note that it will be a long walk. Returning to Housdean Farm via Balmer Farm at 3.30pm or later.
Distance: 10km (6 miles).
Target species: Silver-spotted Skipper and White Admiral (maybe even Purple Emperor).
Leader: Crispin Holloway Tel: 07760 237859 Email: crispinholloway@gmail.com
Meeting place: Housdean Farm, Falmer, Old A27, just off east bound carriageway TQ367092. Walking from Housedean Farm to Ashcombe Bottom and to Blackcap.
Turning up the heat: Beckley Woods in August
Saturday 10th August 10:00am
Beckley Woods TQ854214
Terrain: Mostly flat, some gentle hills and gradients.
Distance: 2km (1.25 miles).
Target species: Silver-washed Fritillary and other woodland species.
Leader: Stuart Cooper & Jim Barrett Tel: 07851 718289 Email: Jim_bat@yahoo.com
Meeting place: Main FC Woodland Entrance; Horseshoe Lane (North of Gate Cottage).
Picnicking with Hesperia comma
Monday 12th August 10:30am
Well Bottom TQ433055
Notes: Bring a packed lunch and drink, and be ready to walk through tall vegetation.
Terrain: Steep hills, rough ground and tall vegetation. The walk will end at 2:30 or perhaps later.
Distance: 7km (4.5 miles).
Target species: Silver-spotted Skipper.
Leader: Crispin Holloway Tel: 07760 237859 Email: crispinholloway@gmail.com
Meeting place: Meet at TQ433055, lay-by on A26 at the bottom of Itford Hill. Please be careful when parking up as this is a fast road. Southease train station is only a short walk away. Walking up Itford Hill, past Red Lion Pond to White Lion Pond to Well Bottom.
Worthing Downlanders Butterfly Walk at Cissbury Ring
Saturday 17th August 2:00pm
Cissbury Ring TQ139085
Notes: Worthing Downlanders ONLY. You can join on the day for £5.
Terrain: Gentle ascent and steeper descent. Slow pace for the less agile.
Distance: 1.5km (1 mile).
Target species: A wide variety of summer downland butterflies.
Leader: Neil Hulme & Ashley Whitlock. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Meet at the Nepcote car park, reached via the track leading past Nepcote Green, off Nepcote Lane on the east side of Findon Village.
Aye Aye Skipper!
Sunday 18th August 12:00pm
Sheepcote Valley, East Brighton TQ340038
Notes: Chalk grassland.
Terrain: Gradual slope. Walking shoes or boots advised.
Distance: 2.5km (2 miles).
Target species: Silver spotted skipper, Dark Green Fritillary, 2nd brood
Small blue and Small heath.
Leader: Paul Gorringe Tel: 07825 387385 Email: Paul.gorringe@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Meeting place: Meet (and park) in car park of East Brighton Park (next to cafe), Rebecca Close, Brighton, East Sussex (turn off at bottom of Wilson Avenue). Served by Bus 1 and 7 (500m).
Targeting Hairstreaks at the Rifle Range (joint walk with Kent BC)
Sunday 25th August 10:45am
Steyning Rifle Range TQ173113
Notes: Open to all.
Terrain: Gentle ascent and steeper descent. Slow pace for the less agile.
Distance: 2km (1.25 mile).
Target species: Brown Hairstreak and Wall Brown.
Leader: Neil Hulme. Tel: 07778 306816. Email: nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Meeting place: Meet at the base of the footpath leading up to the Steyning Downland Scheme area, running past the Bowls Club and allotments.
OCTOBER
Wine Tasting Fund Raiser
Friday 25th October 6:30pm-9:30pm
Linklater Pavilion, Lewes Railway Lands TQ419100
Notes: This year's event will feature wines specially selected by Harveys and a talk by Dr Dan Danahar on West African butterflies. Nibbles provided and a raffle with top prizes. Tickets are £16 each, please contact Carole Mortimer to purchase your tickets, call 07523 249510 or email carolemortimer@hotmail.com for more details.
NOVEMBER
BC Autumn AGM
Saturday 9th November 1:30pm
Adastra Hall, Hassocks TQ309154
Come along for an afternoon of talks, tea and the legendary BC raffle...speakers will include Chris Corrigan talking about the Chequered Skipper and Michael Blencowe who will update us on the Sussex Butterfly Atlas progress. Admission free.
Accident or incident Reporting:
If a reportable accident or incident occurs on a BC walk/event in Sussex please contact Jim Barrett.
Telephone 01424 773629
Mobile 07851 718289
click here to see some of the events of 2010
click here to see some of the events of 2009
click here to see some of the events of 2008
Transport: If you need or
can offer a lift to any of our events please email the field trip
organiser who will attempt to put you in touch with each other to
reduce our carbon footprint! Public transport may be available to
some events – try www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk for information.
Future field trips: If
you have any ideas for future trips or would like to lead one to
your favourite site the field trip organiser would like to hear from
you!
Other Wildlife Events and Courses:
