Eastbourne Group - trip to Friston Gallops

David Beer

A warm morning with long sunny periods provided ideal conditions for our re-arranged walk along the Friston Gallops. Plenty of grassland flowers were in full bloom including Scabious, Knapweed, Thyme, Clustered Bellflower and Wild Basil. Meadow Brown butterflies were abundant and there were good numbers of Gatekeepers, but, disappointingly, only two Common Blues were seen, and there was a complete lack of Chalkhill Blues. 

Wall Brown, Essex Skipper, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and Small Heath completed our list. A Buzzard was spotted in the distance, a Raven croaked as it flew over our heads and a few Meadow Pipits were active in the long grass. 

In contrast to our rather short lists of butterflies and birds there was a very healthy total of flowering plants. However, the highlight for many was saved for our return to the car park where approximately thirty Hawker Dragonflies were flying in a sunny glade.