Eastbourne Group, August 2025 update

By David Beer

West Rise Marsh

A disappointingly dull and damp morning led to cancellation of the planned pond dipping exercise. However a brisk walk around the marsh was enjoyed by the more optimistic members who predicted the meteorological conditions would improve. The highlight of the walk was a large group of Sand Martins who were seen busily feeding on the abundant flying insects that were above the lake and ditches. Reed and Cetti's Warblers were in good voice and Hawker and Skimmer Dragonflies put in an appearance when the sunshine arrived. Everyone was impressed with the rich biodiversity found in this wetland ecosystem.

Park Wood, Hellingly

This was a new location for a group walk. It is one of the largest areas of ancient, semi-natural woodland in the Hailsham area. There was plenty of evidence of a long history of woodland management, with many fine examples of coppiced Hornbeam, Sweet Chestnut and Hazel. This activity dates back to mediaeval times when iron smelting was a local industry. At the eastern edge of the wood is a fine example of a ghyll. 

The steep sides of the ravine were covered in Bryophytes and Pteridophytes and surrounded by dense woodland, resulting in a warm and humid microclimate. The stream flowing at the bottom of the ghyll was orange / brown in colour providing strong evidence for the presence of iron deposits. A few birds were active in the canopy with glimpses of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches and Long-Tailed Tits. 

There were some magnificent fungi present on the deadwood and in the leaf litter including a number of red, yellow and blue/green Russula species. A very large Boletus and equally impressive Beefsteak Bracket Fungus were among the many species spotted in the damp habitat close to the stream. A return visit in the autumn was suggested by the keen mycologists in the group!