Two beautiful downland walks - Eastbourne group in June

David Beer

Cradle Valley Wednesday 18 June

On a warm and sunny morning, we met our guides Chris Brewer and Dave Burton at the High and Over car park for our annual trip to Cradle Valley. With fine views over to the sea and Friston Forest, we set off hoping to see orchids, butterflies and downland birds. We were not disappointed. We saw fine specimens of Common Twayblade, Fragrant Orchid, Bee Orchid, Burnt Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid and Pyramidal Orchid. 

As the morning warmed up more butterflies became active. There were excellent views of Marbled Whites, Small Skippers and Common Blues. Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Whitethroats and Song Thrushes were in good voice but the avian highlight for most of us was a fine Yellowhammer singing from the top of a Hawthorn bush. Thanks to Chris and David for sharing their excellent local knowledge and botanical expertise.

Butts Brow Thursday 3 July

Butts Brow provides panoramic views all year round but on a warm, sunny and clear morning Dungeness power station stood crystal clear on the horizon. Hawker Dragonflies and the odd Swallow were flying over the grassland adjacent to the car park as we set off on a short walk to the superb chalk grassland above Tas Combe. Large numbers of Pyramidal Orchids, Knapweed, Scabious and Round-headed Rampions provided vivid colour to the grassland. Old ant hills provided the ideal habitat for Wild Thyme. We enjoyed good sightings of numerous butterflies including: Marbled Whites, Gatekeepers, Small Coppers, Skippers, Meadow Browns, Painted Ladies, Peacocks and Commas. The flowers of the Knapweed and Scabious proved irresistible to Six-spot Burnet Moths. A stunning Forester Moth and a very active Hummingbird Hawkmoth were notable additions to our list of insects. 

It was an excellent morning enjoying the rich biodiversity of chalk grassland.

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