Warnham Local Nature Reserve, West Sussex **

Grid ref: TQ 170 324 (site centre)

In the north-west corner of Horsham.

Millpond, grassland, woodland managed by Horsham District Council. Diverse and species rich site especially for birds, dragonflies, flora and Lepidoptera.

Access details: Reserve is open everyday except Christmas Day from 10.00am to 6.00pm with a small charge of 50p per adult, children under 16 free. Annual permits are available from the visitor centre, open weekends, Bank Holidays, school holidays and everyday from July to September 11.00am to 4.00pm. Ample car park with coach parking on request. Sorry, NO DOGS OR PICNICS out on the Reserve.

Key species: 33 species of butterfly recorded including White Admiral, Purple Hairstreak and Silver-washed Fritillary. Over 550 species of moth recorded including Red-belted Clearwing, Rush Wainscot, White-banded Carpet, Great Oak Beauty, Webb's Wainscot, Waved Black and seven species of Hawk-moth. Other Species: Purple Emperor, Essex Skipper, Clouded Yellow, Brown Hairstreak, plus other wildlife such as breeding Common Tern, Cetti's Warbler, Glow-worm, Water Vole, Water Rail, seven species of Bat and an extensive invertebrate list.

Occasional species: Grizzled Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Dark Green Fritillary and Small Heath.

Site description: This is a highly diverse 92-acre site including a large Millpond, reedbeds, wet and dry grassland, marsh, ponds, rivers, ancient woodland, wet woodland and conifer plantation. 23 species of dragonfly and 400 species of plant have been recorded here. The Reserve has 2 bird hides, extensive boardwalks and an amazing bird feeding station.

Author: Sam Bayley