| Butterfly Conservation |
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| saving butterflies, moths and their habitats |
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Surveying the Grayling across Sussex in 2008 
Once a widespread butterfly on heaths and chalk downland across the county the Grayling is now restricted to a few sites in Sussex. Last years fieldwork helped us to re-confirm the presence of some long-lost Grayling colonies. The Grayling by Grayling Species Champion Michael Blencowe Well it seems I was at the back of the queue when it came to handing out butterflies to the species champions, by the time I got to pick mine all the pretty orange and purple ones were gone and I ended up with the Grayling.
But the Grayling isn't about being all colourful and flash. Our most camouflaged butterfly is all about not being seen. But the lengths it goes to to not be seen are what help us identify it.
On the wing from mid-July until September, the Grayling is mostly found high on the downs where it favours dry, exposed earth and chalk. It also occurs on a few heathland localities - some in the East and some in the extreme West of the Sussex.
The Grayling can be identified by the cryptic mottled pattern on the underside of the hindwings which helps it blend in well with the bare, chalky ground. There's no point describing the orange/brown upperwings as they are only visible during its distinctive bobbing and gliding flight. Grayling always settles with their wings closed. Then, to complete the vanishing act, the forewings with their eyespots are usually tucked behind the hindwings. And to ensure its shadow doesn't give it away and to aid with heat absorption the grayling will then orientate itself to face the sun. Very clever!
Despite their elusiveness Grayling are often very curious and will circle you at close quarters and often land on you - there's no neck-aching scanning high in the treetops for these butterflies.
Grayling - cryptic, elusive, curious and a bit odd - and what other butterfly can claim that it apparently smells like chocolate! - I'd hate to think what Purple Emperors smell like!
So if you see a butterfly acting suspiciously we'd like to hear from you!
Send date, locality (ideally name and grid reference), abundance and any other observations to sussexgrayling@aol.com Any photos would be great too! Thanks.
The Sussex Grayling Festival 2008 More than just a field trip - join us for a day out at some of the best sites in Sussex searching for the elusive Grayling - learn more about this rare species and and help us increase our knowledge of this butterfly in Sussex - as well as recording any other creatures that flutter, wriggle, crawl or fly past.
Booking essential for these events. Please contact Michael on 01323 423711 or sussexgrayling@aol.com for more details. Children welcome with accompanying adult
Way out West:
Sunday 3 August 10:00am - 4:30pm A full day of fieldwork searching for the Grayling in the corner of NorthWest Sussex.
In the morning we will visit the beautiful sandy heathland of Weavers Down home to Grayling, Silver-studded Blues, Woodlark, Hobby and (possibly) Sand Lizard.
In the afternoon we will boldly seek out some new Grayling territory in W. Sussex with teams heading out to Chapel Common and Black Down near the Surrey border. Later we will reconvene at a pub to review the day's findings.
Picnic and ginger beer included of course - but feel free to bring along your own baked goods!
Long Men & White Horses
Saturday 9 August 10:00am - 4:30pm A full day of Grayling-related fun on the Downlands of East Sussex.
In the morning we'll visit Windover Hill; stronghold of the Grayling in Sussex as well of other rare chalk downland butterflies, moths and wildflowers. Here we'll learn more about the Grayling and survey the entire site to establish the size of the colony.
After lunch we'll split into teams and search other potential sites near Windover Hill; Butts Brow, High & Over and Lullington Heath then reconvene for a drink and a review of the days work.
Note: Windover Hill is quite a steep climb!
Down in the Dean
Windover Hill Sunday 17 August 2008 11:00am
If you want to see the Grayling and learn more about this enigmatic species then join us for a guided walk around it's East Sussex stronghold. We will be joined by the Kent Branch of BC as we head up Windover Hill in search of the Grayling - but also looking for other chalk grassland species such as Small Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper along the way. There will be an illustrated Grayling lecture before the event.
Duration: 2 hours approx. Please note Windover Hill can be quite a climb! Sturdy footwear recommended.
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