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Another wonderful day out with Bob Eade, such a knowledgeable and engaging guide. It's become an annual event, a day when I know I shall get good views of a wide range of butterfly and moth species (the only time I ever get to see green hairstreaks close-up), in the company of a group of like-minded people, in this beautiful Sussex landscape. [Naturetrek] A company that scores highly on providing everything the clientele could wish for - trips very well organised, excellent leaders, great range of tours offered, good communication.
V.Y. London, May 23
Butterflies of Cradle Valley - East Sussex (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR208A day in this picturesque, little-known corner of Sussex to enjoy the many species of butterflies which can be found on the wing in the Cradle Valley.
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
Summary
Cradle Valley, situated to the north of the coastal town of Seaford in East Sussex, is relatively unknown unless you are a keen lepidopterist. This valley, which comprises chalk grassland and hawthorn scrub, is the perfect habitat for an exciting variety of butterflies. In May, Wall butterflies are particularly abundant here, as are Green Hairstreaks, Grizzled Skippers, Brown Argus, Dingy Skippers and Small Coppers, as well as the commoner species. Adonis Blues can also be seen in late May and early June. As the season progresses into mid-July, the likes of Silver-spotted Skippers, Marbled Whites and Chalk-Hill Blues thrive here. The area is also reliable for its abundance of wildflowers; visits in late June and early July will provide sightings of ‘late-form’ Burnt-tip Orchids, as well as many Fragrant and Common Spotted Orchids. Your tour leader, Bob Eade, has been studying and surveying this site for many years and his local knowledge will allow plenty of opportunity to observe, and photograph, the key species of the area.
The meeting time will be at 9.30am and the walk will total no more than four miles. The ground is undulating in places, but walks will be at a slow pace to enjoy the wildlife (and the views).
- May butterflies include Wall, Green Hairstreak, Grizzled Skipper, Brown Argus and Adonis Blue
- In June, the late form of Burnt-tip Orchid can be abundant as well as many butterflies
- Fragrant, Pyramidal and Common Spotted Orchids
- From mid-July, Silver-spotted Skippers, Marbled Whites and Chalk-Hill Blue
- Whitethroats, Chiffchaffs and Bullfinches are common here
- Wonderful views of the Cuckmere Valley and Sussex Downs
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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The weather in the previous few days had been disappointing and our expectations were very low. However it was a bright and sunny day and we were a manageable group of seven plus our leader Bob Eade and a trainee guide Megan. Bob’s knowledge of butterflies, flora and general insects and wildlife was exceptional. Megan too had an enormous wealth of information concerning plants and insects and will be a great asset to Naturetrek in the future. We had a picnic lunch in the sunshine and certainly gained a lot of information about butterflies and found an incredible number of species (14) and also some very special emperor moths lured by a pheromone lure. It was a wonderful day out and thanks goes to the leaders for making it so enjoyable.
M.J. West Sussex, May 23 -
Good planning and communications in advance. The locally-based and personable guide was very knowledgeable and led an appropriately slow-paced walk, drawing attention to the butterflies and other wildlife to be seen.
M.C. Oxfordshire, Jun 21 -
From an unpromising start with rather cold, showery forecast, so we feared butterflies might not venture out, it turned into a brilliant day. Things warmed up, the sun shone and, thanks to our exceptional guide, we ended up seeing far more species of butterfly (and moth), and getting good, repeated views, including several firsts as far as I was concerned, and all this in the most beautiful landscape and with continuous birdsong, exceeding all our expectations. Naturetrek is a great company, with such a good understanding of what would appeal to its target audience, trips so well organised, and with outstanding guides, who are so knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with.
V.Y. London, May 21
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Tue 12th May – Tue 12th May
6
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Bob Eade
Tour Leader: Bob Eade
Bob has been interested in wildlife ever since he was just six years of age when he would watch the wildlife around him whilst he was fishing. When he was 12, he started photographing what he saw and some 50 years later he is still doing much the same, although fishing is a thing of the past now.
The usual break away from this was as he brought up his two sons, one of whom also got the wildlife bug and is now working full time for Naturetrek.
Bob's main wildlife interest now is in Lepidoptera, and he has had many photographs published over the years, mainly in magazines for the Wildlife Trusts and Butterfly Conservation, as well as several books.
Much of his time is spent studying the Wall Brown butterfly and he is the species champion for this species for the Sussex branch of Butterfly Conservation.
He also has a great interest in all other aspects of wildlife, particularly odonata, orchids, birds and Badgers.
Wed 13th May – Wed 13th May
SPACES
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Bob Eade
Tour Leader: Bob Eade
Bob has been interested in wildlife ever since he was just six years of age when he would watch the wildlife around him whilst he was fishing. When he was 12, he started photographing what he saw and some 50 years later he is still doing much the same, although fishing is a thing of the past now.
The usual break away from this was as he brought up his two sons, one of whom also got the wildlife bug and is now working full time for Naturetrek.
Bob's main wildlife interest now is in Lepidoptera, and he has had many photographs published over the years, mainly in magazines for the Wildlife Trusts and Butterfly Conservation, as well as several books.
Much of his time is spent studying the Wall Brown butterfly and he is the species champion for this species for the Sussex branch of Butterfly Conservation.
He also has a great interest in all other aspects of wildlife, particularly odonata, orchids, birds and Badgers.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
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