Park Corner Heath, East Sussex ***

 

Grid ref: TQ516 147 (entrance)

Nearest town Uckfield

Small woodland Reserve, part of large area of ancient woodland, managed by Sussex Branch of Butterfly Conservation in particular as one of last Sussex sites for Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

 

Access details: Turn south off the A22 at the Landrover Man into Park Lane, turn right immediately into small private road, entrance is on the right. Limited Parking.

 

Key species Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper, Silver-washed Fritillary, White Admiral.

Other common species Brimstone, Ringlet, Small Heath, Common Blue. Day-flying Moths: Broad-bordered Bee Hawk, Burnet Companion, Speckled Yellow, Mother Shipton. Adders, Slow Worm, Glow Worm, Nightingale, Buzzard.   

Occasional species Clouded Yellow, Wall Brown, Marbled White, Brown Argus.

Hobby has bred on Reserve.

Site description Eight acres of mixed woodland with an excellent range of native trees.

The main part of the Reserve is managed on a 12-year coppice cycle. The central open area is the best place to see Small Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper and many other species. Brimstones are particularly numerous, as PCH has many Alder Buckthorns, the larval foodplant of this butterfly.

Author Graham Parris