Are we nearly there yet? Signs of summer

It's been a tricky year, weather-wise. We asked around the staff team for things - sounds, sights, smells etc - that make them feel that summer has really arrived. For me, it's the arrival of screaming Swifts over Lewes!

A few people mentioned sun cream - the nearest you'll get to that scent in nature is Gorse - which smells of coconut.

Filma Dyer, CEO office

Hearing and seeing Skylarks.

Laura Ross, Rye Harbour

The glimmer of emerald and sapphire as dragonflies dart in and out of the reeds and rushes.

Gemma Pratt, membership

The smell of rain! Let's embrace the wonderful lushness of this country.

Chris Corrigan, CEO

Churring Nightjars on a warm summer evening on one of our Sussex heathlands…..accompanied by hordes of irritating midges!

Amanda Reeves, Communications

Starlings and Blackbirds bringing their recently-fledged brood to bathe and drink in the bird bath in my garden.

Lydia Baxter, Wilder Ouse

Watching the puffs of pollen whoosh into the air like a mini cloud of smoke when the breeze or an animal disturbs the grasses and flower heads. Controversial for those who have hay fever maybe, but I’m a fan.

Louise Colbran, Membership

Bees buzzing on our beautiful-smelling Lavender.

Elizabeth Griffiths, Finance

Hot pavements. Sneezing (from hayfever). Brown grass.

Sarah Ward, marine team

I love the smell of tomato plants. Takes me back to being a child at my grandparents' house, they would always have tomatoes growing in their window.