What the Eastbourne Regional Group got up to in March 2026

David Beer

Thursday 12 March: walk in Friston Forest

A cool and breezy day did not augur well for a wildlife walk in Friston Forest. However, it was good to see some early colour supplied by a number of plant species that were just coming into flower. Sweet Violet, Lesser Celandine, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Alexander’s, Cherry Plum and Goat Willow were all providing nectar and pollen for the various bumblebees and other insects that were braving the icy conditions. We had good views of Blue Tits, Rooks, Wrens, Robins and Woodpigeons as we approached West Dean. There was also a Chaffinch and a small group of Goldfinches in full voice. The second half of the walk provided excellent views down over Charleston Bottom. Here we saw three Buzzards patrolling over a small copse and a couple of Ravens were heard croaking as they flew over the viewing spot. As we moved downhill towards the car park a Long-tailed Tit flew out of a Blackthorn bush, an energetic Goldcrest posed for the photographers near the top of a leafless Hazel tree and a few of us caught a glimpse of a male Sparrowhawk as it expertly manoeuvred through the woodland.

Thursday 19 March: evening talk on the conservation of Barn Owls

We welcomed Terry Hallahan from the Sussex Barn Owl group. His excellent presentation was enriched with superb images of these iconic birds and he provided us with a fascinating account of the anatomical and behavioural adaptations of Barn Owls. He covered their zygodactyl feet which they use to good effect when perching or hunting food; their superb night vision due to their eyes having a retina with a very high density of rods and the specialised feather structure that produces the silent flight that they are famed for. The second half of the talk focused on the challenges these birds face and how the Sussex Barn Owl group are aiding the recovery of the species through providing nest boxes and a comprehensive ringing programme. A wonderfully informative evening that was greatly appreciated by everyone present. For anyone who is interested they can be contacted on [email protected]

Thursday 26th March: walk around the Seaford Head Nature Reserve

We met in bright sunshine at South Hill Barn Car Park and were immediately treated to a pair of Stonechats perched on fence posts. Gorse, Blackthorn and Dog Violets provided a splash of colour as we strolled down the valley to Hope Gap. Plenty of song birds were in full voice including Greenfinches, Chiffchaffs, Chaffinches, Wrens and a particularly tuneful Blackcap. As we reached the cliff edge a single female Wheatear posed on tufts of coarse grass. We all obtained excellent views of this long distance migrant. After enjoying the stunning views of the Seven Sisters, we walked up the western side of the Cuckmere. The wet meadows still contained a large winter gull flock and plenty of Wigeon, Teal and Canada Geese. However it was four stunning Shelduck that provided the most memorable spectacle. The steep climb back to the car park provided more excellent views across to Friston Forest. We had a list of 31 bird species by the end of the walk, together with a sighting of a single Peacock butterfly, a very nimble Stoat, and a couple of Rabbits.