Well, it is all excitement here for the launch of our new, local South Downs Futurescape Photography Competition!
Not a ‘native’ of the South Downs (I hail from across The Pond!), this landscape never ceases to fill me with wonder and amazement at its beauty, versatility, its place in British history and the countless ways in which we depend on it for our health and well-being (often without realising!).
It is for these reasons that we want to celebrate the South Downs – its landscapes, wildlife, all the urban wildlife to be found, and the variety of ways that we all enjoy this special place.
So in line with celebrating the South Downs, I thought I would share a bit about one of my newest discoveries: Lynchmere Common, and the neighbouring Stanley and Marley Commons! These amazing heathland and woodland commons are well-looked after by the Lynchmere Society, but as with all landscapes, need the participation of all their users to be kept in pristine condition for the enjoyment and benefit of all – people and wildlife.
Having visited heathland for the first time just a couple of years ago, this particular landscape fascinates me. It’s rarer than rainforest, home to the adorable Dartford Warbler (and increasingly so as climate change pushes these sweet, but shy little birds from Spain/Portugal towards the UK), the enduring field cricket (which nearly went extinct a few years back!) and the alluring Nightjar (summer months only)... and is jammed packed with history harkening back to Medieval times (and no doubt farther!).
But then you take a walk. Your eyes are met with a quilted vista of purple-flowering heather, bright yellow blooming gorse, birches dotted here and there, and that distinct scent of pine permeates the air.
Look a bit closer during those autumn months and the amount of fungi to be found on heathland is staggering! A novice (but aspiring!) mycologist, I can’t begin to try and identify them all. My favourite, probably predictably :-), is the Fly agaric. Can’t help but think of moss-coloured fairies or some such thing when I see them – they always make me smile.
So next time you’re planning a little outdoor adventure, why not give a heathland common a try – there are plenty across the South Downs – and see what natural treasures you can find! And better yet, take your camera along and share those treasures with all of us! :-)