Sussex spring comes to life

By Bob Eade

Spring is such an exciting time of year when nature seems to come back to life and every visit to the countryside can bring the first sighting of the year of so many plants and creatures.

Highlights for me can be the first Bee-flies. In Sussex we enjoy both the Dark-edged Bee-fly and Dotted Bee-fly. The first Orange-tip butterfly and Speckled Wood shortly followed by Green Hairstreak. In and around the water Frogs and Toads as well as the early dragon and damselflies. Both Large Red Damselfly, Hairy Dragonfly and Broad-bodied Chaser appear during April.

One of our most impressive moths, the Emperor Moth can also be seen if you are lucky on downland and heathland in the county. The male is a day flying insect that can often be confused in flight with a Peacock or Small Tortoiseshell as they search for females. The females are so heavy with all the eggs they carry that they only fly when they have to and even then, only short distances.

On the South Downs the Early Spider Orchids start to flower in a few sites with Green-winged and Early Purple Orchids also springing up across the county.

When walking in the countryside remember to look out for other small creatures such as reptiles. Adders need to warm up during the spring so they can become active enough to mate. It is important therefore not to disturb them when they are basking in the sunshine.

Another really good thing about spring is that it is followed by summer!

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