Sussex Downs & Heaths (Day Trip)

Summary

Our afternoon and evening in the remote corners of West Sussex are set to deliver some of the finest wildlife sightings in the county. We will start the day at Heyshott at 2pm, first searching the north-facing escarpment of the Sussex Downs for a variety of orchids, including the diminutive Musk Orchid, alongside Fragrant, Common Spotted and Greater Butterfly Orchids. This is also an important area for butterflies, and we will hope for a number of blues, amongst other species. If we're lucky, we may even find pairs of Firecrest, Tree Pipit, Yellowhammer and Garden Warbler, all of which breed on the reserve.

After an optional pub dinner, we will drive a short distance to some nearby heathland, where a short circuit of the commons should reveal such heathland specialists as Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit and Woodlark. Common Crossbill and Siskin, too, can be found in the conifer trees here. As dusk approaches, we will listen out for approaching Woodcocks as they 'rode' low across the horizon and quickly out of sight. A short while later, the wonderful churring of Nightjars will commence, and your expert local guide will ensure we are perfectly positioned to get the most out of this incredible experience.

This Day Trip will aim to finish at 10pm, though it could be a little later if the Nightjars are being particularly cooperative.