Please be aware there is currently an outbreak of brown tailed moth caterpillars around Church Norton and on Pagham Harbour Spit.
Although they look very attractive, they are covered in thousands of barbed hairs. These hairs can cause skin irritation, rash and severe itching.
If you come across them, please do not touch them or their silk 'nests' in the vegetation which also contain hairs.
If you do get a rash, it is advisable to wash the area well with soap and water, then apply calamine lotion. The rash should disappear completely within a day or two. If it is more serious seek medical advice.
The caterpillars may be around for up to a month before they pupate into the harmless adult moths.