Eastbourne Group - January 2026 events

David Beer

Thursday 15 January

Our first evening talk of the year focused on the Changing Chalk Project, with particular reference to the work that has been taking place at Gayles Farm. Our speaker, Thyone Outram, described the rich biodiversity of chalk grassland and how this National Trust-led project is attempting to restore the remaining fragments of this rare habitat that occur between Shoreham and Eastbourne. 

Thyone’s talk was illustrated with numerous photographs and short videos of the plants and invertebrates that inhabit the grassland. She explained how a range of grazing regimes is required to maintain the short tussocky sward, that supports a huge number of wildflower species and invertebrates. I am sure that many members of the audience will join volunteer groups that are helping to remove invasive scrub from the Eastbourne Downland. The evening finished with a game of chalk grassland bingo, which was enjoyed by all.

Thursday 22 January

Our first walk of the year was down the East Side of the Seven Sisters Country Park. Fortunately the rain eased off and the wind dropped for a few hours, allowing 15 members of the group to enjoy good views of many wintering birds. The meanders were populated with Little Grebes, Widgeon, Redshank, Little Egrets and Mute Swans. We all had excellent views of a solitary Avocet, a noisy flock of Oystercatchers and a small group of Curlew. Canada Geese were abundant in the wet meadows and as we approached the salt marsh large numbers of Meadow Pipits and a few Rock Pipits were visible. 

The large pool close to the beach had four colourful Shelduck showing well, with both Grey Herons and Redshank visible on the banks. By the time we returned to the car park our bird list had grown to 35 species and the first drops of rain began to fall!