Sussex: Early Spider Orchids (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR212

A walk in the Sussex countryside in search of butterflies and wildflowers, including one of the UK's rarest orchids – the Early Spider Orchid.

1 days from
£60
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The chalk downland across the South Downs National Park in Sussex is rich in flora, and in one single location, supports the UK's second largest colony of Early Spider Orchid! This diminutive orchid, which measures an average height of 8cm, can sometimes number into the thousands on this south-facing slope, not too far from the bustling city of Brighton. The hillsides here are also an excellent location to find a range of spring butterflies: Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, Small Coppers and Green Hairstreaks can all be found. Our leader and expert botanist will be keen to show you the abundance of other wildflowers which can be found in these valleys too.

The meeting time will be at 10am and we expect to walk no more than five miles. Once at the orchids, there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the flowers and butterflies. 

  • Early Spider Orchids at one of their prime locations in the UK
  • Chalkland butterflies include Grizzled and Dingy Skipper
  • High probability of Chalk Milkwort
  • Beautiful scenery in the South Downs National Park
  • Led by an expert botanist
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 24th Apr – Fri 24th Apr SPACES £60
Book Tour Show Details
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
Bob Eade 2.jpg

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 29th Apr – Wed 29th Apr SPACES £60
Book Tour Show Details
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
Bob Eade 2.jpg

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.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!