Reports on Previous Field Meetings

Leader: Alan Perry (HNHS member and Emeritus President of Sussex Ornithological Society)

28 bird species were located by 13 members on this SSSI site (south of Petworth) of 95acres of dry and wet heath, acid grass and woodland. Three notable heathland species were seen: Woodlark frequently singing and tumbling in their display flight, Stonechat males perching on Gorse and Silver Birch and Dartford Warbler, somewhat elusive until one flew over the track.  A Nightingale was positively identified but the song was only in snatches.

Leader: David Bone (Geologist and Chair: Sussex Geodiversity Partnership)

The date and time of 13.45 were chosen as having good probability for finding fossils in the clay sediments during a receding falling tide. 
David, a local expert geologist, gave a short talk to 21 people describing the site and showed examples of what might be found there.
Then everyone moved across the shingle bank and began searching in the newly exposed sandy mud.  Soon discovered were numerous conically-spiralled Turritella gastropod shells and many Nummulites plankton-like foraminifera which look like tiny coins.
Sometimes to be found are small, black Striatolamia shark’s teeth.  To his delight a member’s grandson found one and David dug up one with his long-armed small spade.

Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS member)

Birds seen or heard included: Mistle Thrush, Chaffinch, Stock Dove, Skylark, Sparrowhawk, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Red Kite, Pied Wagtail and Mandarin Duck.
In flower were: Bitter Cress, Common Dog Violet, Dog’s Mercury, Barren Strawberry, Lesser Celandine and Moschatel. Blackthorn bushes were laden with blossom.
Badger latrines were found and in muddy tracks Jon identified footprints of Roe Deer, Muntjac and Badger.
The Lake had been extensively dredged in summer 2023 and three large islands created.

Even before the 25 members went on board, seen was a Black-throated Diver, not often present in Chichester Harbour.
John Arnott and his wife Philippa helped identify species and he gave a most interesting commentary on their feeding habits and history.
Seen were: Little Grebe, Little Egret, Grey Plover, Shelduck, Redshank, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Mute Swan, Heron, Teal, Curlew, Dunlin and a Harbour Seal which surfaced close to the Boat. 
Also seen were: pairs of Great Crested Grebe and Red-breasted Merganser; a second view of the Black-throated Diver, Mediterranean Gulls and Lapwing.  Brent Geese (Dark-bellied Sub-species) were much in evidence having migrated from Arctic Russia to spend the winter in the Harbour.

After flooding in October and January, areas of flood water were still frozen at the shallow edges and grassland was reappearing.  Most of the ducks and waders were feeding a long way from the hides.
There were two exciting sights: White-tailed Eagles and Snipe.  One of the Eagles was first located through a ’scope as a large blob perching in a distant tree.  Late one flew high over treetops, disturbing other birds, followed by a second one; their wings so deep and long made a huge contrast to other birds.  When one landed on open ground and the other flew low the white tail feathers were clear to see.
Close to one of the hides three Snipe probed with their long beaks.  One walked across the ice from one small island to the next.  Their striking plumage of creams and browns blended with the dead grass stems.
Two members, carefully keeping a list, recorded 38 species.

Leader: Jonnie Taylor (HNHS Member)

Jonnie and 10 members were able to identify Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock and a small flock of Lesser Redpoll with a Goldcrest feeding on Alder catkins despite reduced visibility due to freezing fog.
In the copse surrounding the Outlet Pond many Redwing were heard and then seen flying off in droves as they fed on berries on the heavily-laden Holly bushes.  An active Badger sett had footprints at the sandy entrance.
An exciting sight was of a Water Rail click for photo (aided by the Society’s ’scope), running to and fro in the mud and puddles under a holly bush.

*** MEETING CANCELLED ON ACCOUNT OF ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS ***

Leader: Gerald Gresham Cooke

With the exception of a Northern Oak with leaves beginning to change colour to orange and red, the trees on the walk were still green.
Gerald Gresham Cooke pointed out the plaque set in the Park wall “Beelzebub Oak” that marked the boundary between the parishes of Petworth and Tillington and was recorded by name in 1779.
Ascending the gentle gradient to Arbour Hill the oldest oak of all at 940 years old and the oldest Sweet Chestnut of 600 years were much admired.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)

After a very dry early Autumn, 11 members were pleased to see a good range of boletes, including two with bright red stems: Scarletina and Bitter Beech. Also found were several Russula and Cortinarius species and Otidea onotica which has rabbit-ear shaped cups. The species list numbered 48.
The find for the day was a twig with numerous tiny (3mm) white and woolly caps with stems and thought to be unusual. On further investigation later it was almost certainly identified as Entoloma jahnii for which there are only 13 previous records in the UK, two being at Waggoner’s Wells.
Click for species list

Leader: Mike Edwards (Entomologist) 

Heather and Bell Heather were still in flower and producing nectar for many, very active insects on an extremely hot morning when 11 members met leader Mike Edwards on September 9th. Mike is a professional entomologist, author and an expert on ants, bees and wasps. His identification skills are acute and his knowledge of the complicated, often predatory, life cycles is outstanding.
With Mike’s sweep net and collection tubes members were able to look very closely at tiny insects, many of which only have Latin names. Among those studied were: Spider-hunting Wasp, Bee-wolf Wasp, Slavemaker Ants, sand wasps, digger wasps and solitary bees.
The large, uncommon hoverfly Xanthogramma pedissequum was located. This drops its eggs into the nests of ants where its larvae feed on aphids within the ants’ nest.

Leader: Martyn Phillis (HNHS Member and Member of Surrey & Sussex Bat Groups)

A bright, mild evening after a damp spell brought out the insects to attract our bats. Thirteen members joined Martyn and a Surrey Bat Group volunteer just before sunset.
Bat detectors were distributed amongst the group to enable everyone to hear, and perhaps identify the ultrasound calls of passing bats.
Close to the first of the HNHS funded bat boxes, we picked up our first Soprano Pipistrelles Pipistrellus pygmaeus, which were seen fluttering amongst the Scots Pines. Then the distinctive, but distant call of a Noctule bat Nyctalus noctula was picked up on the detectors.
We were treated to a wonderful display by these large bats to the southwest of the pond, where several were clearly seen, flying high and fast in the fading light. Feeding buzzes from our detectors showed they were catching flying beetles on the wing.
Moving along the south side of the pond, more pipistrelles were hunting over the water’s edge, flying just a few feet in front of us. Then an early emerging Daubenton’s bat Myotis daubentonii skimmed the water a few times, plucking its prey from the surface.
Returning along the east side of the pond, three more species were detected, one or two of them glimpsed by lamp light. Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Brown Long-eared Plecotus auritus and, unusually for this site, another large bat, the Serotine Eptesicus serotinus.
A final highlight was a juvenile Slow-worm spotted on the path by one of the group.
So, a very rewarding evening – two of our largest bat species, two of the smallest, and two medium sized.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)

Three light traps with strong UV output (one Mercury vapour light and two “Backlight” tubes) contained more than 64 species which were identified and then released. The site at Killinghurst has produced many rarities in recent years but on this occasion none was found.
Nationally Scarce were: Mocha and Four-spotted Footman and the infrequent micromoths Orthotaenia undulana and Mompha propinquella.  Distinctive macromoths were: Elephant Hawk-moth, Canary-shouldered Thorn, Black Arches, Rosy Footman and Lesser Swallow Prominent.
Click for species list.
Light trapping is a scientific, non-destructive way of surveying which can be informative of issues affecting insects in general.

Leader: Mike Waite (Living Landscapes Manager Surrey Wildlife Trust)

11 members of our Society visited Hankley Common, hoping to see the Great Fox Spider. Mike had spent two years searching for the spider that was thought to be extinct from the common, his hard work paid off. There were high hopes that one might be seen on the walk. To our delight one was found a very tiny juvenile.
Initially the weather was dull, other heathland insects were hard to find, that is until the sun came out, what a difference, Red-flash bugs, Red-tailed Sand-wasp, Green-eyed Flower Bee and many more were spotted.
The Common is owned by the MOD, and had a bad fire in 2022, but is now slowly recovering. In particular the heather, creating a beautiful pink/purple haze everywhere. Lots of Bilberry, sometimes known as Hurts, there was Wood Sage, bright yellow Dwarf Gorse, Cudweed, some White Bell Heather, Water Pepper, and Gypsywort, a Holly Blue butterfly and a Small Heath, made an appearance.
A morning walk in an area that once the hills had been climbed offered fantastic views.

INVERTEBRATE SPECIES LIST
Red-flash bug Alydus calcaratus. Nationally Scarce, and a mimic of the spider-hunting wasps.
Bombus jonellus, the Heather Bumblebee.
Ammophila pubescens Heath Red-tailed Sand-wasp.
Agelena labyrinthica a spider related to our house spider, this was a mating pair.
Bombus terrestris Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Myrmeleotettix maculatus, the Mottled Grasshopper. A small grasshopper which has many colour variations.
Thyridanthrax fenestratus Mottled Bee-fly, a cleptoparasite of the Ammophila.
Dark ground-spider of the Zelotes species, most likely Z. petrensis. Nationally Rare.
Aeshna cyanea Southern Hawker Dragonfly.
Alopecosa fabrilis the Great Fox Spider, a tiny juvenile.
Philanthus triangulum a solitary wasp, cleptoparasitic on honey- and other bees.
Anthophora bimaculatum, the Green-eyed Flower Bee.
A crab-spider of the Xysticus genus, most likely cristatus.

Leader: Margaret Hibbard (HNHS Member)

*** MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER ***

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Butterfly Conservation manage this flower-rich grassland on chalk downland. Of the 34 butterfly species recorded it is possible that over 20 species will be there in July.  Bring lunch if you wish to stay on into afternoon.

Leader: Katy Ayers (HNHS Member)

Although the water level in two ponds was very low an interesting range of species were found.
In the more shaded pond there were many Common Newts, large dragonfly larvae, Ramshorn Snails and Pea Mussels.  Hand lenses were used to observe Water Louse and daphnia which had been transferred to white plastic boxes.
The other pond, more exposed in sunshine had damselflies, Common Pond Skaters, Lesser Water Boatmen, juvenile newts and very lively water beetles.

Leader: Vanessa McClure (HNHS Member and Guildford NHS Member)

In continuous sunshine the flowers were superb, including swathes of bright pink Sainfoin and Yellow Rattle. Among many other species identified were: Bulbous Buttercup, Salad Burnett, Common Milkwort and Pyramidal Orchid.
Vanessa located yellow spikes of Man Orchid, so called because of 4 spurs from each floret resembling arms and legs of a person.
In three wildflower meadows Skylarks were singing and watched flying very high and then plummeting down into the grass.

Leader: Phil Darley (HNHS member)

Thirteen members were not disappointed in the hope of seeing Wood White butterflies, of which at least 15 were flying. Also seen were Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue and many Speckled Yellow Moths.
As part of Butterfly Conservation’s Wood White Project over 1,000 plug plants needed as food plants by Wood White caterpillars had been provided by Wakehurst Place and distributed among local landowners.
Two mature Wild Service Trees were covered in white blossom. Singing were Chiffchaff, Blackcap and a Nightingale in full voice.

Leader: Fiona Haynes (Reserves Officer)

A Red Kite greeted 17 members at the entrance.  This chalk downland site with 50 former small chalk pits and many old ant hills has SSSI status. Widespread and impressive were Cowslips still in flower.  When the sun broke through several adult Duke of Burgundy butterflies were seen.
Also seen or heard were: many flowering Twayblade, Fly Orchid, Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Firecrest, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Dingy Skipper and the larva of a Small Bloody-nosed Beetle.

Leader: Dr. June Chatfield (Vice President British Conchological Society)

Snail species totalled 18 (plus 2 slug species) thereby opening members’ eyes to an often overlooked group of organisms. In grassland were found: Wrinkled, Garden and White-lipped. In the beech hanger living examples were found: Round-mouthed, Discus and door snails.  The highlights were 3 species of glass snails and, by using a hand lens, their beating hearts could be seen through their transparent shells.

Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS Member)

Jon, who has acute hearing, wanted the 17 members to identify species of birds by listening carefully to their song, rather than by through binoculars.
The Chiffchaff and the Cuckoo call their own name; the Song Thrush loudly repeats different phrases over and over; and the Blackbird has a beautiful, relaxed song.  Goldcrest and Firecrest, which were heard and seen, have very high-pitched calls.
Passing alongside fields where crops had been specially planted for wild flowers and winter food for birds and insects, a Woodlark was seen.
Altogether 27 bird species were recorded.  Thanks to Jon’s extensive knowledge it was an excellent and interesting morning.

Leader: Mike Prince (RSPB Volunteer)

14 members were treated to sightings of around 43 different bird species and several Roe Deer. 
These included several flocks of Linnet, Dartford Warbler, Stonechat.
At Stilt Pond, there were sightings of a Grey Heron, many Wigeon and Shoveler, a solitary Avocet, a Greenshank and 2 Common Ringed Plovers, The highlight being a female Marsh Harrier making several passes over the water and flushing out a number of Snipe and sending flocks of the smaller water birds up into the air.  And always a favourite, two sightings of a Kestrel hovering close by.

Leader: Mike Edwards (Member of The Lynchmere Society)

In 2012 our Society had given a donation for the purchasing of Hazel saplings. The walk passed the plantation on “Little Common” where, despite the poor acid soil, the trees had reached a good height and were covered in yellow catkins.
Mike gave help to identify trees in winter: Silver and Downy Birch, Rowan, Ash, Oak and self-seeded Amelanchier. He recounted the uses in times past of Gorse, Bracken, Heather, Purple Moor Grass and Soft Rush.

Leader: Paul Matson (Sussex Ornithological Society member).

On a grey morning (not ideal for seeing birds) fourteen species of birds were seen or heard, notably Tree Creeper, Dartford Warbler and Stonechat.  Redwings and Fieldfares had been there previously, but having devoured the berries, most had moved away.  However, a small flock flew over.  Through the ’scopes a Great Spotted Woodpecker was located in a Silver Birch tree.

Leaders: Doug Maughan and Phil Darley (HNHS Members)

The weather conditions were ideal for visiting this National Nature Reserve which has 369 acres of wetland in the Lower Meon Valley alongside the Solent.On the shoreline, with the Black-headed Gulls, were Turnstone busy searching among the pebbles and bathing.For the three hides on the east side seen were:  Canada Geese in small flocks; a pair of Greylag Geese; a circling flock of Lapwing; and single Curlew, Oystercatcher, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Heron.  A large bird was finally identified as a Marsh Harrier.From a hide on the west side seen were: a Cetti’s Warbler, several Shelduck, Shoveler, Ringed Plover and Reed Buntings. More than 10 Snipe were located.
The number of bird species counted was 52.

Leader: Dee Durham (Area Ranger National Trust South Downs West)

Eleven members met with Dee for this walk.
She explained that 12 Longworth traps had been set in various habitats and it was hoped that mice and voles would be caught.
It was good weather for the walk, but unfortunately all the traps were empty. Dee said this was probably due to the heavy rain during the night, which meant the animals were probably less inclined to forage far.
The National Trust rangers do not regularly monitor the small mammals in this area, but are confident that the rodent population is thriving due to the presence of Tawny Owls.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)
Andy produced a list of 57 identified species of largely quite ordinary fungi at this renowned site.
However, there was several attractive and uncommon ones including:  a clump of bright orange Pholiota adiposa (uncommon) on a huge fallen beech tree; several black and white Magpie Inkcap; and a patch of the minute white Fluted Bird’s Nest (Cyathus striatus) which has spores in packages held in the cup-shaped structure, somewhat resembling eggs in a nest.
Death Cap, Horn-of-Plenty, Pink Waxcap and Moss Oysterling were also found. Click here for species list.

Leader: Andy Swan, Margaret Tomsett

The clear skies and cold temperatures (starting at 11°C and dropping to 8°C) spoilt this event.
Three Skinner Moth Traps had been set up in different areas in a large garden.
Very few moths were found at repeated inspections, but at some point during the night there was some activity.
No fewer than 41 Lunar Underwings were found in the traps in the morning. There were only seven moth species, with the highlights being an Autumnal Rustic and the uncommon Deep-brown Dart.

Leader: Andy Swan, HNHS President

The morning’s walk, passing through many different habitats at Burton Mill Pond and Chingford Pond, revealed some very interesting finds.
In the acidic woodland the Blushing Rosette fungus was adjacent to the uncommon Zoned Rosette (Podoscypha multizonal).
The Sweet Chestnut trees, planted in the 1740s, are remarkable for their height, age and twisted bark.
At the edge of Chingford Pond there was a brief glimpse of a Water Vole and Nodding Bur-marigold with button-like yellow flowers was found.
In the alder carr with a boardwalk leading to the acidic peat bog Back Hole, Alder Leaf Beetles were devouring the leaves leaving them full of holes. A damselfly only resident in the UK for the last few years was identified as a Willow Emerald Damselfly.

Leaders: Andy Swan and Mike Lawn (HNHS Members)

Mike led 18 HNHS members through the gate to enter the MoD land on a sunny but not excessively hot morning.
The level of the main pond was very low – it was just a few inches deep. Along the damp margins a Black Darter was found, and the extensive carpets of Marsh St John’s-wort were still fresh. Whilst the dry heathland appeared quite lifeless, some classic heathland insects were found around the pond: the sand wasp Ammophila and the scarce Grayling butterfly.
The site is the only location where all 12 UK native species of reptile and amphibian occur, but these are all quite elusive! We saw some shallow excavations that had been dug for the rare Natterjack Toad. Natterjacks breed in shallow seasonal ponds in otherwise dry habitats, so at this time of year they were (hopefully) secreted amongst vegetation, from which they emerge at night.
Some patches of almost bare boggy peat displayed both Round-leaved and Oblong-leaved Sundew, plus numerous plants of the pale green Marsh Clubmoss. Invertebrate activity included the semi-aquatic Raft Spider and the extraordinary Long-winged Conehead.
Two Green Sandpipers were found at the margins a boggy pond, and the rare Small Red Damselfly and uncommon Emerald Damselfly posed for photographs. During the return walk, the group was treated to a close encounter with a small flock of Woodlark.
We were lucky to have had a guide with such a depth of expertise and local knowledge, without whom we would have overlooked much of the special wildlife in this unique site.

Leader: Mike Waite (Living Landscapes Manager Surrey Wildlife Trust)

***MEETING CANCELLED ON ACCOUNT OF FIRE AT SITE*** 

Leader: Margaret Hibbard (HNHS Member)

***MEETING CANCELLED ON ACCOUNT OF HEAT AND LACK OF SHADE AT THE SITE*** 

Leader: Veronica Carter (HNHS Member)

As the group left the car park daytime birds were singing. One Nightjar (possibly relieved of nest-sitting duties) was seen and 20 minutes later the first churring was heard at 9.36.
During the next hour at least a dozen were heard and at one point Nightjars were calling on three sides of the group. The route continued towards a Silver Birch with a churring Nightjar, but when this bird decided to move on it provided the best sighting of the evening.
In the dark, on the return walk, attention turned to watching for Glow-worms as two had been spotted there recently. By the time the car park was reached six had been seen.

From the Farnham Heath area where 6 Longhorn Cattle were resting and grazing, the walk entered “Tankersford Common” which is not open to the public.
Seen were:  Fox, Roe Deer, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stonechat, Dartford Warbler and Heath Cudweed. A Whitethroat gave its scratchy song.
In an open, sunny area of tussocky grasses with bare patches of soil the male Field Crickets were stridulating from their burrows.  A female cricket was located crawling through the grass. After crickets were introduced here in 2010 the numbers steadily built up until in 2018 136 males were recorded.  This spring 48 had been heard by the end of May.
In flower-rich acid grassland (soon to be grazed by 8 resident Konik Ponies) finds included: Heath Bedstraw, Heath Speedwell, Sheep’s Sorrel, Bird’s-foot and Heath Grass.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)
Standing near the edge of Selborne Churchyard, Andy explained to 11 members the geology of the area which includes Middle Chalk, Lower Chalk, Upper Greensand and Lower Greensand.  All these have given rise to specific types of flora and fauna.
When Gilbert White wrote “The Natural History of Selborne” the village was an isolated place.  He had only limited ability to travel but corresponded with fellow naturalists.  His interest in wildlife, particularly the behaviour of birds, and the arrival and departures of some species contributed towards knowledge of migration. He is considered the first writer on ecology.
During the walk along the valley of the Oakhanger Stream seen were: Marsh Tit, Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Beautiful Demoiselle, Green Dock Beetle, Blue-tailed Damselflies and Heath Woodruff.
At the end of the morning respects were made in the Churchyard at the grave of Gilbert White with its very simple headstone.

Leader: Alan Perry (HNHS member)
Leading the walk across Lavington Plantation, Alan was soon able to locate the scratchy song of the Whitethroat and 12 members heard Chiffchaffs, a male Yellowhammer, Linnets and a distant Cuckoo.  Two key heathland species were encountered:  Woodlarks were heard then seen in flight and Dartford Warblers made brief appearances.
Stonechat males and females perched on top of Gorse bushes. Alan was delighted to see his first Swallow of the year, followed later by two more.
Two young children in the group spotted two Common Lizards and a Wood Ant highway leading to two nests still under construction.
Alan remarked: “We have seen everything I had hoped we would see but doubted.”

Leader: Alan Perry (HNHS member)
Leading the walk across Lavington Plantation, Alan was soon able to locate the scratchy song of the Whitethroat and 12 members heard Chiffchaffs, a male Yellowhammer, Linnets and a distant Cuckoo.  Two key heathland species were encountered:  Woodlarks were heard then seen in flight and Dartford Warblers made brief appearances.
Stonechat males and females perched on top of Gorse bushes. Alan was delighted to see his first Swallow of the year, followed later by two more.
Two young children in the group spotted two Common Lizards and a Wood Ant highway leading to two nests still under construction.
Alan remarked: “We have seen everything I had hoped we would see but doubted.”

Leader: Helen Beal (Reserve Volunteer Worker)
The visit included walking through the groves of the famous Yew forest, climbing uphill to the ancient barrows on top of the South Downs and returning through mixed woodland to look for spring flowers.
The Yews here are some of the oldest living organisms in the UK, with some estimated to be 2,000 years old.
This National Nature Reserve has four dew ponds. Belted Galloway bullocks and Jacob Sheep help to keep down the scrub. Wood Anemone was one of the species in flower and a Brimstone and Comma were on the wing.
The very close, spectacular fly-past given by Red Kite was the highlight of the day for many members.

Leader: Glenn Norris(SWT Ecologist)

On a beautiful, sunny spring morning on March 19th with barely a cloud in the sky, fifteen members were greeted by Glenn Norris, the Ecologist for Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT), at their Reserve in West Dean Woods, near Singleton to see the Wild Daffodils.
The Reserve has been worked as a Hazel coppicing site for hundreds of years. SWT took the area over in 1975. Rotated on a seven year cycle, all wood is sold for use as fencing or poles. Once an area has been coppiced it is fenced off to protect the new growth from deer, and, more surprisingly, hares.
In the cleared rides many butterflies were seen nectaring on the fully-opened flowers of Goat Willow: Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone.
Plant species seen: Butcher’s Broom (an ancient woodland species), Blackthorn, Primrose, Violet and Wood Anemone. Glenn pointed out a pair of Ravens, a Firecrest singing high up in pine tree and a Marsh Tit. Chiffchaffs were heard everywhere, having just return to the UK. Also seen were Red Kite and Buzzard.
The visit to see the Wild Daffodils in flower in this private reserve certainly did not disappoint. They were spectacular ! – in full flower and extensive, a carpet of pale yellow as far as the eye could see. Members were truly impressed to see the thousands of Daffodils; surely a sight to remember.

At mid-day, in glorious sunshine, 30 members boarded the Solar Boat for a two hour trip.  The boat moved silently towards Thorney Island and up the Thorney Channel, passing Cobnor Point on the return journey.
Species seen: Brent Goose, Common Gull, Turnstone, Dunlin, Curlew, Little Egret, Shelduck, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover and Cormorant.
The highlight species: Red-breasted Merganser in small flocks and also a group of 20 or 30 taking flight.

A very successful morning was spent in excellent light conditions enabling easier recognition of bird species. For birds associated with land, 24 species were seen including a male Kestrel, perched on top of a tree very close to members and remaining there for 10 minutes or more.
In the flooded fields more than 16 species of birds associated with water were identified, notably large numbers of Lapwings and among them 3 Ruff, a species not often encountered.

Leader: Sue Bradford (HNHS Member)
The pond area has distinct habitats: fresh water, woodland, alder carr and Cladonia Heath.
On the pond were Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen and Heron.  The putlet pond is surrounded by woodland, predominately Holly, where Redwings were busy stripping the berries. In the alder carr (waterlogged woodland with alder, sallow and birch) Siskins, high in the canopy, fed on alder cones.  A medium-sized, pale-grey bird suddenly appeared flying fast and swerving between the alders  –  probably a Sparrowhawk.  The Cladonia Heath (fenced area between the pond and the main road) is dominated by silvery-grey Cladonia species lichen and green mosses.

Leader: Jon Taylor (HNHS member)
West of Plaistow, the Shillinglee area just in the South Downs National Park has a mixture of habitats.
In a mixed deciduous copse found on different leaves were tiny white “tracks” or mines.  These had been made by leaf miner larvae of a micromoth or flies.
In the Sweet Chestnut woodland a tiny buff-coloured November Moth was seen fluttering and there was a circle of the common large Wood Blewit fungus.
Near the freshwater lake some members caught a brief glimpse of a Kingfisher and on The Lake were Tufted Duck, Mallard, Coot and Great Crested Grebe.
Walking through the rough grazing fields three pellets thought to be from either Little Owl or Kestrel were discovered.  These were taken home by members keen to dissect and identify the contents!  One with tiny remains of beetles and flies but no bones was probably from a Kestrel, but another with several undigested green and brown caterpillars (from two species of moth) was more likely to have been ejected by a Little Owl as these caterpillars will come out to feed on mild nights even in winter.

Leaders: Phil Darley & Douglas Maughan (HNHS Members)
In mizzle with leaden skies, 11 members proceeded to the bird hide overlooking Ferry Pool. There was a wonderful view of Avocets on the water, then in flight. Lapwing, Shoveler and Wigeon were there too.
In the stream exiting the Pool the group was delighted to see a Red-necked Grebe.  A small squadron of Brent Geese flew silently overhead.
Moving to a view-point at the shingle spit alongside Church Norton overlooking Pagham Harbour, in brighter conditions seen were: Pintail, Turnstone, Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, to name just some of the species, and surprising to see a Whimbrel and a Mediterranean Gull. Click for species list

Leader: Paul Matson (Sussex Ornithological Society member).
Report to be posted shortly.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)
The conditions were near-ideal.  Descending to Cooper’s Stream identified were: Chanterelle, Hedgehog Mushroom and large number of “Jellybabies.” In more open areas were: a large Orange Birch Bolete and the Parasitic Bolete which grows from old Common Earthballs, but is found only very sporadically.
Colourful finds were:  Amethyst Deceiver, Fly Agaric, Yellow Stagshorn and Sulphur Knight. Beech Milkcap has intensely hot and acrid-tasting “milk.”   Further discoveries were: Bulbous Honey Fungus, Blue-spot Knoght, Grey Knight, Panther Cap, Lilac Leg Fibrecap and faintly honey-smelling Sweet Poison pie.
The group of 14 enthusiastic forayers did a good job of finding an interesting and diverse range of fungi, numbering a total of 48 species.
Click for species list.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS member)
Three traps were set up, tree trunks had been smeared and wine ropes dipped in a special concoction. 
After a slow start lots of pug moths were found, several different species of thorns and then a Brimstone Moth and a Barred Sallow.  Two Copper Underwing alighted on tree trunks.
The traps remained out overnight and by morning 20 species had collected. 
Member Martyn Phillis bought along his bat detector so Common and Soprano Pipistrelle and a single, distant Noctule were identified. Martyn was able to confirm that social calls were probably being made by a male Soprano trying to attract females into a bat box!

Leader: Paul Stevens (Sussex Amphibian & Reptile Group Committee member)
With more than 20 years’ experience of recording amphibians and reptiles, Paul led members across part of Heyshott Common, which is on the other side of the road from Ambersham Common.
He had carried out a full survey of the site during the previous week and had planned a route to visit the tins (refugia) where Slowworms, Adders, Grass Snakes or the rare Smooth Snake take shelter.
The very first tin that was lifted revealed a fairly small, adult male Smooth Snake. For several members this was an exciting ‘first’.  A second male Smooth Snake was also found beneath another tin.
As the group moved on over the Heath where heather was still in flower, seen were: 6 dark brown, furry Fox Moth caterpillars; a Wasp Spider in her web and an egg pot made by the same species; an unusually dark Slowworm, clearly gravid and near to giving birth; and flowering Dwarf Gorse growing adjacent to Common Gorse.
Under the final tin a third male Smooth Snake was found, with members declaring it had been thrilling to have had the chance to see three examples of this rare and elegant snake.

Leader: Martyn Phillis (HNHS Member)
Weather conditions were very promising at the start of our walk. A warm, still evening with 90% cloud cover was ideal to bring out the insects, and following them, the bats.
Soprano pipistrelles Pipistrellus pygmaeus were the first to emerge, shortly after sunset. High amongst the tall conifers, north-west of the pond, they flitted about, silhouetted against the sky, above the bat boxes funded by HNHS a few years ago.
Near the south-west corner of the pond, the distinctive call of a large noctule bat Nyctalus noctula was picked up faintly on the bat detectors. Shortly afterwards, one appeared above us, hawking for large flying beetles and moths. Its distinctive ‘chip-chop’ call could be heard clearly on our detectors as it swooped about at high speed.
We were soon surrounded by soprano pipistrelles, flashing past very close, just above our heads. Our bat detectors rattled loudly as they gobbled up the midges homing in on our group.
Common pipistrelles Pipistrellus pipistrellus first appeared on the east side of the pond, at one point taking advantage of our midge cloud in the same way that sopranos had earlier.
To finish, we watched a splendid display of Daubenton’s bats Myotis daubentonii skimming the water in front of us at the dam, plucking their insect food from the surface of the pond.
Then a final surprise as we reached the car park – a large serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus passed unseen above us a few times, its calls clear on the detectors. It will have been catching flying beetles emerging from the mature pine trees.

Leader:  Jane Willmott (Reserve Manager)
Sussex Wildlife Trust took over the Common in 2010 and removed many rhododendron plants and pine trees to bring it back to open heathland.  The large pond was probably used for shooting.
The Common is renowned for its spider population.  Found were: a tiny, white-flowered sundew (previously not recorded here) and a bright-orange female of the uncommon Red-brown Longhorn Beetle.  There were several grasshopper species, Bog Bush-Cricket, Common Cudweed, Common Eyebright, Sphagnum Moss, immigrant Silver Y Moth and the large hairy caterpillar of the Fox Moth. At the pond identified were: Large Red Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, several Ruddy Darter and an Emperor Dragonfly flying fast over the water.

Leader: Murray Marr accompanied by Friends of Midhurst Common.
Murray has studied the history of the Common in detail, has made maps going back to 1550 and kindly produced a leaflet for our 12 members.
200 years ago Scots Pine was introduced on the bare heath as ornamental planting and with little grazing and being self-seeded has spread and adapted to the poor soils.
In wet heath areas Purple Moor Grass grows. Cross-leaved Heath and Bell Heather were in flower with heather about to do so.  Deep in the bracken a marker stone (1793) was located.  This was one of four and showed the boundary between Midhurst and Woolbeding Manors.  Commoners had the right of turbary, i.e. cutting of peat and turf as fuel.
Near the Pest House (1741) chalk and lime were brought in to neutralise the acid soil so the inmates could cultivate food.  Now it is deciduous mixed woodland.
The flat, open sandy area with three ponds was the base of a sandpit.  Here grow Common Wintergreen, Blue Fleabane, Smooth Cat’s Ear and Yellow-wort. 
Murray commented: “The Common is really a place of mixed-up habitats.”

Leader: Phil Darley (HNHS Member)
The rare butterfly in the south of England, the Wood White, made its first emergence of the summer brood on the very day of this field meeting.
During the hot, sunny morning many species of butterfly were in high numbers and very active:  Small Heath, Marbled White, Purple Hairstreak, Gatekeeper and Large Skipper were all seen; Silver-washed Fritillary had newly emerged; and numerous Small Skipper, Meadow Brown and Ringlet flew wherever one looked.
For butterflies (and 21 members) it was a perfect morning in a perfect location!

eader: Scotty Dodd (Entomologist)
Myrtle Farm was a new venue for the Society.  The farm owners had requested that numbers be limited but were kind enough to allow an afternoon visit too.
With 16 acres of pasture and 10 acres of woodland the aim is to promote a more natural landscape and increase biodiversity, habitats and carbon capture.  ~
With Scotty’s collapsible white fabric beating tray, a pooter and the Society’s two sweep nets a large number of insects and spiders were collected which Scotty very ably identified. Many were very small and only have Latin names.  Seen were grasshoppers, bush-crickets, weevils, soldier beetles, leaf hoppers, shieldbugs, spider mites, hoverflies, ladybirds and harvestmen.
When the sun appeared butterflies in the meadows were active: Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large and Small Skipper and Marbled White.
Click here for Scotty’s comprehensive species list.  Included are 5 Notable Species and one on the Rare Data Book, namely a false click beetle Microrhagus pygmaeus.

Leader: Andy Swan (HNHS Member)
Andy gave a brief history of the Common, particularly the impact of Canadian Army Camps in WW1 and WW11, whereby mortar from buildings and materials for roads have altered the pH allowing calcareous-loving plants to survive and plants brought in to maintained gardens have spread. Examples of these are Carline Thistle, Mossy Stonecrop, Birdsfoot Clover, Lady’s Mantle, and St. Dabeoc’s Heath, Bloody Cranesbill and Dotted Loosestrife, all of which Andy revealed their precise location as he knows the area well.
Although mainly dull and overcast, there were two occasions when male and female Silver-studded Blue butterflies were seen and photographed.
Click for species list.

Leader: Frances Abraham (Sussex Botanical Recording Society member)
After 15 months with no Field Meeting due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was a great pleasure for 16 members to meet up again. Visitors are not permitted yet.
Ebernoe Common is a National Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Sussex Wildlife Trust,   It is a Low Weald woodland and is an example of old wood pasture with glades, all created when cattle and pigs one grazed and browsed on acorns and beech mast.
Along the main track found were: Wood Millet, Wood-sedge, Dog’s Mercury Wood Mellick, Black Bryony, Agrimony, Wood Sorrel and Butcher’s Broom, to name a few.  In a glade with acid soil were: Sharp-flowered Rush, Tormentil, Broad Buckler Fern, Dwarf Gorse, Crab Apple and Midland Hawthorn. In damp Willand Wood, once coppiced, were: Thin-spike Wood Sedge, Goldilocks, Sanicle and Pignut.
Members had enjoyed Frances’ anecdotes, both botanical and historical and had learnt to recognise plants new to them.