Your special wildlife experiences
A few weeks ago, we asked you to share your special wildlife experiences with us . It was wonderful to read through the many ways our supporters connect with nature and wildlife, and to hear about some of the magical moments you’ve had.
Here are just a few of our favourites.
An orchard full of deer
“Back in Spring this year, I visited a friend in a Care Home near Ashdown Forest. The orchard was full of apple trees in full bloom, a glorious sight and we were enjoying looking out for the birds at her feeding station. Suddenly, the garden was full of deer. They were quite oblivious to the watchers so near to them I could reach across my friend and snap away with my camera through the window. They were entirely focussed on harvesting the blossom, reaching up as far as they could and sometimes on tiptoes on hind legs. It was magical, and I used my rough images later on to paint it so we have a permanent record.” - Di Knell
A close encounter with a Kingfisher
“Two years ago I went for an evening's stroll along the local River Brede. I saw a bird flying towards me down the river and, as the sun was low in the sky, I put my hand over my eyes to avoid the glare. The bird landed on my hand, just momentarily, then flew off. It was a Kingfisher! I often see them up close when I am fishing but this was a first.” - David Furness
An orphaned Hedgehog
“I successfully overwintered an autumn orphan Hedgehog last year and she has gone on to have a litter this past summer.” - Kirsty
Face to face with a Fox
“Backpacked up for work walking along frosty streets and meeting almost face to nose a Fox in glorious winter coat. Both of us transfixed for a second. His eyes looking through me, seeing his wildness and a reminder of that which we have lost.” - Luke Middleton
Fallow Deer stags lock antlers
“Having lived in the countryside all my life both here in Sussex and Cornwall, I saw something last week that I’ve only ever seen on tv and that was two Fallow Deer stags locking antlers to see which one had the pick of the hinds! The smaller and younger stag went through the motions but it was never a serious contest, but fascinating to watch nontheless.” - Edlin J. Parks
Unexpected wildlife moments
“The past year has brought me so many memorable wildlife moments - seeing my first Marsh Harrier at Rye Harbour, sitting among clouds of butterflies on the Southerham reserve, watching a Fox watching me on the Downs and spotting a family of Kingfishers on the Ouse just across from Tesco in Lewes! Such sights, usually completely unexpected, make me smile every time I think of them. Absolutely priceless.” - Sue Evans
A Barn Owl to lift the spirits
“I had had a challenging day and on my return home I decided to take a different route and drove slowly around back lanes. The biggest Barn Owl flew into view. His enormous eyes and stunning gold and snowy plumage lifted my heart. The bird of such beauty full of ancient mythology and of mystery. This is always a sign to me, his message was felt to be one of wisdom and foresight.” - Sherry Gewitzke
It’s been wonderful to read so many of your magical moments with wildlife, it’s evident that there are many people in Sussex who care about our rich natural heritage. But wildlife is in real trouble right now. The recent announcements from the UK Government demonstrate one of the worst attacks on our environment in the last 35 years.
One of the best actions people can take is to join Sussex Wildlife Trust as a member. The more members we have, the more we can influence the issues you care deeply about. We’ve been defending wildlife for over 60 years but now we must make our voices even louder.
If you aren't already a member, help protect our precious wildlife by being part of a movement that defends nature. Join us today from just £3.25 a month.