Eastbourne Group - September activities

David Beer

Thursday 19 September. Walk from Birling Gap to Belle Tout and Cornish Farm

Hopes were high as we assembled in the car park at Birling Gap. The sun was shining and although there was a stiff breeze there were plenty of Swallows and a few House Martins flying overhead. We all had good views of Stonechats and a Raven was tumbling, rolling and croaking as if it was enjoying the clement weather. 

As we emerged from Horseshoe Plantation into the bright sunlight, we were treated to a good number Dragonflies, including: Common Darters, Migrant Hawkers and a Broad-bodied Chaser. Despite this being such a poor year for butterflies, three Commas, a Painted Lady and numerous Speckled Woods were sunbathing on the sycamore leaves. 

Further along the path we had excellent views of a stunning Adonis Blue. For the butterfly enthusiasts in the group, best was left to last, and we were treated to three Clouded Yellows in a field approaching Cornish Farm. A splendid Peregrine flew overhead and three Kestrels were spotted hovering over the grassland. A fine walk.

Thursday 26th September - Talk by Clare Blencowe on Waxcaps

Clare Blencowe, who is currently working on the Darwin Tree of Life project at Kew Gardens, described herself as 'a very enthusiastic Field Mycologist' and this was immediately evident as she delivered a very colourful description of this fascinating group of Fungi. 

Fabulous photographs and amusing anecdotes resulted in a very entertaining and informative evening. Even my wife was making notes! There was plenty of sound advice as to when and where to look for these varied and attractive fungi. Like many others in the audience I will be on the lookout in churchyards and the outfields of village cricket pitches. It was a fine start to our autumn series of evening talks.