Butterfly Conservation
saving butterflies, moths and our environment
Our events are a great way to see butterflies, learn about them, and visit some wonderful places and see many different habitats across Sussex. >We've got another excellent selection of butterfly field events lined up for you this year, all run by volunteers who are passionate about the wonderful butterflies that Sussex has to offer.
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 Barbara Woods at events@sussex-butterflies.org.uk.
Please wear stout footwear to outdoor events and appropriate clothes for the weather conditions.
- 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.
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!
Wednesday, 17th October 7pm to
Suitable for:
Location: Cobden Hall Heyshott GU29 0DJ
Illustrated talk given by Graeme Lyons, Sussex Wildlife Trust Senior Ecologist
Wednesday, 17th October, 19.30.
Preceded by light refreshments at 19.00.
Saturday, 17th November 13:30 to 17:00
Suitable for: 
Leader: Chair Nigel Symington - Tel: 07808 936900 - Email: nigel.symington@gmail.com
Location: Cyprus Hall, 12 Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 8DX
Grid Reference: TQ 31496 19116
Meeting place: Cyprus Hall in Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill. The hall is about 5 minutes walk from Burgess Hill Station. There is a large pay and display car park behind Cyprus Hall, and other (also paying) car parks around the centre of Burgess Hill. The Hall is about 5 minutes’ walk from Burgess Hill station.
Target species: All Sussex species seen throughout 2018.
Join us for our Annual General Meeting, which will be immediately followed by a Members’ Afternoon, with the following programme:
Paul Waring. ‘A Lifetime of Mothing’
Moth expert Paul Waring began with a schoolboy interest in caterpillars. Since 1987, he has worked full time on moth conservation in Britain, both within government conservation agencies and as a freelancer, as well as mothing throughout the world. He is co-author of the established classic ‘Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland’, a book which many of you no doubt own and which has been described as ‘Brilliant’ and ‘Quite simply the best in the field’. He will take this opportunity to talk about his conservation work in Britain, and also to take the audience on a trip around the world with some very memorable moths.
*Interval for tea, cakes and mingling*
Justin Ingham. ‘Saving the Butterflies of Sussex - return of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary’
This 8-minute video was made by professional videographer Justin Ingham to emphasise to a lay audience why conservation work is important, what it involves and how it helped to return the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary to our reserve at Rowland Wood and Park Corner Heath. Featuring some of the most ruggedly good-looking cast in Sussex, this will also be informative for anyone who is concerned with our work and with conservation in general.
Michael Blencowe. ‘The butterfly year’
Michael’s talks always draw a large audience. Combining erudition, wit and a deep knowledge and love of butterflies, this is an experience not to be missed. Add to this his wonderful set of images which see the world in a way that no one else would even think of, and you’ll see why each talk that he gives is a one-off experience that can never be repeated.
We anticipate that the afternoon will finish at around 4.30 pm
Tuesday, 27th March 9.45am to
Suitable for:
Leader: Bill Downey billdowney@sky.com
Location: Gatwick
A training day in recording butterflies along a fixed transect route in order to gather data for UK BMS. There is no cost for this day, but it is being run with the expectation that people would either like to assist with some of the transects at Gatwick, or set up their own regular transect. There is a maximum number of 12 spaces for this training day Time: 9.45am for a 10am at Tilgate Park meeting room. After an hour or so session in the classroom (tea and coffee provided), we will be driving to Larkin’s Road at Gatwick, Horley to walk the conservation area and practice our transect Please bring along a packed lunch, warm layers and suitable footwear as the ground is very uneven and muddy in places. To book a space, please contact Bill Downey: billdowney@sky.com
Saturday, 14th April 10:00 to 12:45
Suitable for: 
Leader: Michael Blencowe 07884484698 michaelblencowe@sussexwt.org.uk
Location: Woods Mill, nr Henfield
Grid Reference: TQ218137
Distance: 1km
Meeting place: Full directions will be sent to you upon registration.
Terrain: We will be indoors for most of the event. Outdoor session is 1km, flat. Can be muddy after rain.
Target species: We'll be looking at all 45 Sussex butterflies during the indoor session of the event.
This event is aimed at people who would like to start a butterfly transect in Sussex. We're teaming up with Sussex Wildlife Trust for this event as part of the Woods Mill 50th anniversary celebrations. The event is being funded by the ScottishPower Foundation. The first part of the course is an indoor session looking at transect techniques and butterfly identification. On the outdoor session you can put your new skills to the test as we walk a transect around the reserve. Places are limited so booking is essential. Contact Michael to book your place.
Sunday, 22nd April 13:30 to 16:30
Suitable for: 
Leader: Barbara Woods 01444 412483 b.woods512@btinternet.com
Location: Muster Green, Haywards Heath
Grid Reference: TQ328240
Meeting place: Muster Green, Haywards Heath
Come and talk to us on our stand at the annual Haywards Heath Spring Festival on Muster Green.
Saturday, 5th May tba to tba
Suitable for:
Leader: Katy Sherman, Heathlands Reunited Activities and Engagement Officer 07785425937 katy.Sherman@southdowns.gov.uk
Location: Midhurst
Grid Reference: SU 88659 21858
Meeting place: Heathlands Reunited South Downs Centre North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DH
Butterfly Conservation Sussex is running a Butterfly ID work shop at Midhurst, West Sussex as part of the South Downs National Park’s Heathlands Reunited project. A morning "Classroom" session will be followed by a walk to practice new-found skills under the guidance of Butterfly Conservation members. Please bring a packed lunch and some water.
If you would like to attend, please register and we will contact you with further details nearer the event.
Saturday, 12th May 10:00am to 1:00pm
Suitable for:
Leader: Colin Gibbs 07540 492851 colin.gibbs@yahoo.co.uk
Location: Hargate Forest
Grid Reference: TQ 57131 37611
Distance: 2.5km
Meeting place: Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells. Just off the A26 Eridge Road at the entrance to the forest next to the Woodland Trust sign (about 60m up the road from the A26 junction).
Terrain: Gently undulating woodland, heath and grassland paths. Most tracks are wide and fairly easy going for all.
Target species: Grizzled Skipper & Dingy Skipper
Open to all – beginners welcome. Children and families especially welcome. Dogs on leads. We hope to encounter a good range of springtime species during a leisurely walk through this lovely forest near the Kent border. Hargate Forest is a Woodland Trust reserve and is a strong-hold of the Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper - both high priority species for conservation.
Nearby bus stops for buses 228, 229, 28, 29, 29X, U19, 786 (all within 100m). Nearest train station is Tunbridge Wells (2km away). Parking on roadside on Broadwater Down.
Sunday, 13th May 14:00hrs to 15:00hrs
Suitable for:
Leader: Dr Dan Danahar 0779 111 3918 dan@bignature.co.uk
Location: Liz Williams butterfly haven
Meeting place: Stringer Way, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 6QG
A guided tour. A full history of the site will be given, with opportunities for photography.
Sunday, 13th May 10:30 to 12:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Chris Corrigan 0798 2606661 chriscorrigan3@gmail.com
Location: Mill Hill LNR, Shoreham-by-Sea
Grid Reference: TQ 212 074
Distance: 2km (1.25mile)
Meeting place: Meet at the main (upper) car park on the road from Shoreham to Truleigh Hill. This is an approximately 30 min walk from Shoreham Railway Station
Terrain: Rough path along steep slope
Target species: Adonis Blue, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper and Grizzled Skipper
The Mill Hill May “Big 5” – Going for the first Sussex Adonis blues of the year, wall, green hairstreak and dingy and grizzled skippers! This is a lovely potter around Mill Hill for all abilities, with families and beginners being especially welcome.
Good for public transport. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead.
Saturday, 19th May 8:00pm to 10:pm
Suitable for:
Leader: Bob Foreman 0769 652528 reserve.manager@sussex-butterflies.org.uk
Location: Rowland Wood
Grid Reference: TQ515147
Meeting place: Entrance off Park Lane near the Land Rover Garage – BN8 6RD)
We’ll be moth trapping on Saturday night with an unveiling of the catch at about 9:00am on Sunday. Torch searches and bottle trapping for amphibians in the evening and a reptile survey on Sunday morning. (Members only)
Please wear appropriate clothing footwear, terrain fairly uneven and may be muddy.
Saturday, 19th May 10:30am to 2:00pm
Suitable for:
Leader: Colin Gibbs 07540 492851 colin.gibbs@yahoo.co.uk
Location: Malling Down, Lewes
Grid Reference: TQ 42311 10604
Distance: 3km
Meeting place: Wheatsheaf Gardens, just off Malling ~Street (A26) Lewes. Down from Pets Corner and almost opposite the petrol station
Terrain: Very steep slopes, rough, uneven ground. Not suitable for those with mobility restrictions. Quite a few nettles and brambles – shorts / skirts only for the brave! One big climb and one very steep desc
Target species: Adonis Blue, Wall Brown, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Small Heath
Open to all – beginners welcome. Children and families especially welcome but please note that the terrain is a little tricky in places and it's a reasonably strenuous walk. Dogs on leads due to grazing sheep on the reserve. We are aiming to see the Magnificent Seven but with luck and some enthusiasm we may see a few more!
Good for public transport (buses 122,125,132,143,A5, 29). Nearest parking – Harveys Way, 5 – 10 minutes walk away but crossing a busy road.
Sunday, 20th May 9:00am to 11:00am
Suitable for:
Leader: Bob Foreman 0769 652528 reserve.manager@sussex-butterflies.org.uk
Location: Rowland Wood
Grid Reference: TQ515147
Meeting place: Entrance off Park Lane near the Land Rover Garage – BN8 6RD)
We’ll be moth trapping on Saturday night with an unveiling of the catch at about 9:00am on Sunday. Torch searches and bottle trapping for amphibians in the evening and a reptile survey on Sunday morning. (Members only)
Please wear appropriate clothing footwear, terrain fairly uneven and may be muddy.
Sunday, 20th May 10:30 to 16:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Neil Hulme 07778 306816 nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Location: Heyshott Escarpment, Charlton Forest borders and Graffham Down
Grid Reference: SU900176
Distance: 7km
Meeting place: Meet at the sharp bend in the road at the most southerly point of Heyshott village. Please park with consideration for residents. You may need to walk some distance to the meeting point
Terrain: Long and very steep climb and descent, over uneven and possibly slippery ground.
Target species: Duke of Burgundy, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Drab Looper
This walk is strictly for the very fit and energetic only. Packed lunch, plenty of fluids, a strong walking stick and boots with ankle support are essential. The walk involves a very steep climb and descent and covers a distance of at least 7km. We’ll be out all day.
Sunday, 27th May 10:00 to 13:00
Suitable for:
Leader: Michael Blencowe 07884484698 sussexgrayling@aol.com
Location: Graffham Down nr Petworth
Grid Reference: SU924164
Distance: 5km
Meeting place: Meet by St Giles Church at the south end of Graffham village at the foot of the Downs (nearest postcode GU28 0NJ). Please note if you are using a GPS you cannot 'cut through' Seaford College to get to the meeting point. You must drive through Graffham village.
Terrain: A steep climb at the start (800m) and then a flat walk on the top of the Downs. Steep descent.
Target species: Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Duke of Burgundy, Drab Looper.
Our annual spring visit to the wonderful Graffham Down reserve. We'll look for a variety of spring butterflies and moths including rare species such as Duke of Burgundy and the enigmatic Drab Looper. More information about the site at www.graffhamdowntrust.org.uk
Saturday, 9th June 11:00 to 13:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Neil Hulme 07778 306816 nh@nhulme.eclipse.co.uk
Location: Park Corner Heath & Rowland Wood
Grid Reference: TQ515147
Distance: 1.5km
Meeting place: By the main gate to the reserves
Terrain: Flat but occasionally damp under foot
Target species: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
A very special visit to Butterfly Conservation's reserve in Sussex.
Dogs are welcome on a lead. Please clean-up after your dog!
Tuesday, 26th June 10:30 to 12:15
Suitable for:
Leader: Jamie Burston & Michael Blencowe 07884484698 michaelblencowe@sussexwt.org.uk
Location: Seaford
Grid Reference: TV478995
Distance: 2km
Meeting place: Outside Seaford Baptish Curch Belgrave Rd, Seaford BN25 2EE
Terrain: Flat - walking along pavements.
Target species: White-letter Hairstreaks
Seaford is one of the strongholds for White-letter Hairstreaks in Sussex. This event is aimed at teaching you the skills to locate these butterflies on urban elms. It is hoped that people will then search elms in their local areas to help us map this species in Seaford, Easstbourne, Brighton and other Sussex localities.
Saturday, 30th June 10:30 to 1330
Suitable for:
Leader: Colin Knight 07704 830104 knightct@yahoo.com
Location: Iping and Stedham Commons
Grid Reference: SU85222200
Distance: 4km (2.75 mile)
Meeting place: Meet at the 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. Distance: 4km (2.75 mile) walk.
Terrain: Mostly flat and easy going. Additional info about commons: https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/iping-stedham-commons
Target species: Silver-studded Blue and Common Heath moth
Find out about heathland butterflies and moths on this walk around these two special Sussex lowland heath nature reserve sites. All are welcome and do bring a picnic lunch. https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/iping-stedham-commons
Sunday, 1st July 10.0am to 4.0pm
Suitable for:
Leader: Martin Kalaher 01903740047 martinkalaher@hotmail.com
Location: Cherry House, Kithurst Lane, Storrington. Red-brick house (second on the left in Kithurst Lane, whic
Grid Reference: TQ082140
Distance: 100-200 metres.
Meeting place: The back garden of Cherry House.
Terrain: The driveway is on an incline but the back garden is flat.
Target species: All three meadow Skippers, Marbled White, Ringlet and many others. I have recorded 19 butterfly species as a daily total.
This is a wildlife garden which attempts to be as insect-friendly as possible. Last year 30 butterfly species were recorded with daily counts of 100+ butterflies in early July (when Gatekeeper numbers peak).
Wildflower meadow and herbaceous borders stocked with British Native plants. Children welcome as are dogs if well-controlled.
Saturday, 7th July 10:00 to 13:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Paul Johnson 0752 8861058 paul.johnson.1603@hotmail.co.uk
Location: Hargate Forest
Grid Reference: TQ571376
Distance: Approximately 4-5 km
Meeting place: Please meet at the entrance to Hargate Forest on Broadwater Down on the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells. There is ample free on-street parking on Broadwater Down.
Terrain: Some slopes but the walk will mainly be on good forest rides.
Target species: Woodland species including White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and possibly Purple Emperor.
All welcome on this walk around the Sussex High Weald mature woodland near Tunbridge Wells.
Join us in the afternoon too for an optional walk nearby at Eridge Old Park for grassland and woodland butterflies. Details to be given out on the day. Please bring a packed lunch if staying for both walks.
Sunday, 8th July 10.30am to 12.30 pm
Suitable for:
Leader: Jamie Burston 07858072547 Jamieburstonart@outlook.com
Location: Brighton – the Ridge starts from the top of Dyke Road Avenue, running parallel with Mill Road
Grid Reference: TQ28610805
Distance: Approx. 2 km
Meeting place:
Meet on the green near Hill Top café at top of Dyke Road Avenue
Parking: Green Ridge/Millcroft/Windmill Drive/Mill Rise
Bus No. 27 – direction Westdene - stop Tongdean Lane
Pedestrian access to the Ridge is from
Terrain: Grassland & wood, mainly flat but sloping steeply in parts into and through Coney Wood – kissing gate and field gates into Coney Wood, and ‘100’ steps in wood.
Target species: Marbled White, Common Blue, Small Copper, Skippers and other grassland species.
Date may confirmed as 8th July
Sunday, 8th July 10:00 to 13:00
Suitable for:
Leader: Michael Blencowe 07884484698 sussexgrayling@aol.com
Location: Graffham Down nr Petworth
Grid Reference: SU924164
Distance: 5km
Meeting place: Meet by St Giles Church at the south end of Graffham village at the foot of the Downs (nearest postcode GU28 0NJ). Please note if you are using a GPS you cannot 'cut through' Seaford College to get to the meeting point. You must drive through Graffham village.
Terrain: A steep climb at the start (800m) and then a flat walk on the top of the Downs. Steep descent.
Target species: White Admiral, Purple Emperor, many moth species.
Join us for the annual Graffham Down picnic. We'll walk around the wonderful Graffham Down reserves looking for summer butterflies as well as opening a moth trap from the previous evening. At the end of the walk we'll stop for a picnic and enjoy the view across Sussex (complete with Purple Emperors). Bring packed lunch.
Sunday, 15th July 10:30 to 13:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Geoff Stevens & Tessa Pawsey 07422543872 dbsgms@gmail.com
Location: Bevendean, Brighton
Grid Reference: TQ338065
Distance: 3.25km (2.0 mile)
Meeting place: Meet at the corner of Heath Hill Avenue and Norwich Drive Bevendean Brighton.
Terrain: Some steep slopes.
Target species: Chalkhill Blues, other downland species and day flying moths
All welcome on this downland walk seeking Chalkhill Blues and more.
Dogs welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
Saturday, 25th August 10:00 to 12:30
Suitable for:
Leader: Richard Roebuck 07973 751001 richard@roebuckonline.co.uk
Location: Steyning
Grid Reference: TQ173113
Distance: 1.2 miles to the site up a footpath on a gentle incline and then through a kissing gate to the res
Meeting place: Meet at at the Corner of Mill Road, at the base of the footpath leading up to the Steyning Downland Scheme area adjacent to the Bowls club and allotment.
Terrain: Grassland with varying Gradients but wear stout footwear and clothes for the forecast weather conditions.
Target species: Brown Hairstreak but often other common species associated with Chalk Grassland and the season
All are welcome but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Please wear stout footwear and appropriate clothes for the weather conditions.
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