As February nears, we’re preparing for our next three guided nature walks – all free to the public and aimed to showcase some of the amazing landscapes found in and around the South Downs. And whilst we’re encouraging you all to don your walking boots (or wellies!), bring along your cameras too, and capture some of the landscapes and wildlife we’re aiming to explore! Our South Downs Futurescape Photography Competition is entering into its last month, so get those submissions in by the 28th February! :-)
Friday 7th February, 10am: Norfolk Estate Farmland Tour
Graciously hosted by Norfolk Estate, the walk will be led by estate manager, Peter Knight, and Bruce Fowkes of the RSPB. We will be touring the farmland area by foot and tractor/trailer ride, stopping now and then to look at and discuss how the farm is managed and what conservation measures are being implemented for wildlife. Weather permitting there will be ample opportunity to capture some photos of our wintering farmland wildlife—the Norfolk Estate is brimming with it!
The Estate is well known for their coveys of grey partridge, and we’ll also be looking out for flocks of linnets, gold finches, skylarks, yellowhammers, corn buntings and starlings. We have winter visitors including redwing and fieldfare that form pretty large flocks as well, and we often get bramblings—when the weather gets colder—that mix in with other finches and buntings. Other interesting winter visitors include short-eared owls and occasionally hen harriers that come down to get away from the colder weather up North.
We will be meeting at Peppering Farm, BN18 9RW. By kind permission of estate manager, Peter Knight. To book your free spot, please see details below.
Wednesday 12th February, 10am: Knowlands Wood Walk
The walk will be hosted by Nick Lear (owner of Knowlands Wood) and Tim Bullen (The Secret Campsite), and led by Richard Black of the RSPB. It will take about 2 hours in total. We will be winding our way through Knowlands Wood, looking out for flocks of wintering birds. We should have woodpeckers drumming, likely the greater spotted woodpecker, and if we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the shy green woodpecker. Treecreepers, nuthatches and goldcrests are also frequent visitors to Knowlands Wood. In February we’re likely to hear some early territorial singing from resident birds, and we might have some early song from dunnocks, robins, thrushes and tits.
At the end of the walk hot drinks and biscuits will be kindly provided by Tim Bullen, owner of The Secret Campsite, where we will also have the opportunity to hear what Tim is doing for wildlife on his patch.
Please meet at The Secret Campsite, Town Littleworth, Barcombe, East Sussex, BN8 4TD, where we will then carry on our walk to Knowlands Wood. By kind permission of Tim Bullen and Nick and Harriet Lear. To book your free spot, please see details below.
Friday 21st February, 10am: Iping and Stedham Common Heathland Walk
The walk will be led by Richard Black of the RSPB, and will take about 2 hours in total. We will be meandering through Iping Common looking out for wintering flocks of thrushes, finches and tits. Iping and Stedham Commons are well-known for their woodlarks, and stonechats are a frequenter of the area. And if we’re lucky, we might even get the opportunity to catch a rare glimpse of the Dartford Warbler (one of my particular favourites!). These Commons are a fantastic place to see key heathland species. We will also have the opportunity to learn about the important conservation work involved in managing a healthy heathland, and specifically the crucial role that our partners the Sussex Wildlife Trust are playing in the management of Iping and Stedham Common.
We will be meeting at the car park in Iping Common on Elsted Road, Grid Ref SU852219 :: Post Code GU29 0PB. By kind permission of the Sussex Wildlife Trust. To book your free spot, please see details below.
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For all walks:
Please wear suitable winter clothing and footwear. Weather permitting, there will be plenty of opportunities for taking pictures, so bring along your cameras and binoculars if you have them. No dogs please.
Spaces are limited so please RSVP to Kelvin Cooper on 01273 763600 or e-mail kelvin.cooper@rspb.org.uk to book your free place.