Cissbury Ring, West Sussex ***

 

Grid ref: TQ140081

3 miles north of Worthing

Typical coastal chalk downland with reasonable access (steep in places) and fine views across to Beachy Head in the east and the Isle of Wight in the west. An excellent site for Dark Green Fritillary and Chalkhill Blue.

 

Access details: National Trust own 24 hectares (60 acres) which is open access downland for the public to enjoy.

 

Key species Dark Green Fritillary, Chalkhill Blue, Green Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Brown Argus

Other common species Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Brimstone, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Small Blue, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Wall, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Ringlet.

Occasional species Clouded Yellow

Site description The plateau at the top of Cissbury Ring is the best place to find Dark Green Fritillary, although they may be seen anywhere around the site at the height of their season (July). The southern slopes are best for Chalkhill Blue, skippers and Green Hairstreak. Colonies of Adonis Blue and Brown Argus are located on the east face of the ring.

Meadow Brown and Small Heath are abundant, as is Common Blue in most years.

Author Peter Atkinson