Sussex is blessed with some fine examples of increasingly rare habitats that are still thankfully intact. These include semi-ancient woodland, downland grass meadows and lowland heaths. These important habitats hold a host of nationally scarce species and the southernly maritime climate in Sussex also allows species at the edge of their range to thrive.

Sussex has also been at the centre of rewilding projects with Knepp being the standout example. We will be visiting this site to watch the magnificent spectacle of white storks soaring over the oak woodland and viewing their ungainly chicks before they fledge. Another reintroduction success has been the white tailed eagle, although still rare it is now seen regularly over the downs and weald.

As a Greenwings tour there will of course be a focus on butterflies and there are some rare and beautiful species to be seen. The Dark Green Fritillary alighting on a pyramidal orchid is an iconic sight, but in June there will be a nice selection, from the jewelled Silver-studded Blue to the more sombre but subtly beautiful Black Hairstreak. Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary is also possible, but this very rare species can be tricky so there are no guarantees.  We will also run an overnight moth trap, to open each morning.

We believe that any wildlife enthusiast will find something of interest on this short but action-packed tour, as it is sure to be full of wildlife experiences. We’ll even add in some optional nocturnal activities for Nightjar, bats and glowworms…so there should be something for everyone!

A selection of some of the things we’ll be looking for…

Butterflies: Black Hairstreak, Silver-studded Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (rare), plus lots of other more common species possible.

Birds: White Stork, White-tailed Eagle, Grey Partridge, Nightjar, Dartford Warbler and various owl species.

Reptiles: Adders, Grass Snake, Slow-worm, Wall Lizard (Smooth Snake and if we’re lucky, Sand Lizard.

Plants: Bee Orchid, Fly Orchid, Butterfly Orchid, Man Orchid (very rare, but possible).

Other taxa: Tiger Beetle, Golden-ringed Dragonfly, Glow Worm.