Laughton Common Wood and Lower Vert Wood, East Sussex ***

 

Grid ref:  TQ514 138

Nearest town:    Uckfield

 

Former ancient broadleaf woodland rich in species, now heavily planted in places with conifers. 

 

Access details Turn south off the A22 at the Landrover Man Garage into Park Lane.  After 500 metres park where wide bridleway crosses road.  Alternatively, park in Laughton village and use footpaths. 

 

Key species Silver Washed Fritillary, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, Pearl Bordered Fritillary (low numbers), White Admiral, Grizzled Skipper, Marbled White.

Other common species Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Small Copper, Purple Hairstreak, Holly Blue, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Comma, Red Admiral, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Nightingale.

Occasional species Green Hairstreak, Nightjar, Hobby.

 

Site description  The best place to see butterflies is from the broad bridleway that passes through both woodlands or the many paths in Laughton Common Wood.  There is also some unimproved pasture near Laughton village that has good colonies of Marbled White, Ringlet and Gatekeeper.

 

Author Dave Mitchell