This group was formed in January 2023 and now has a healthy membership of fourteen. Our aim is to identify and learn more about the birdlife of East Sussex. By the nature of the group, it could be counterproductive if we grow too quickly. However, not everyone can make each meet up, so it works out well, and we do now have space for new members.

We meet on the second Wednesday morning each month, in small groups outdoors and arrange car sharing if travelling outside of the local area. How much we see can be weather dependent. Depending on the time of year, we may visit coastal estuaries and RSPB or Sussex Wildlife Trust reserves, as well as local woodlands and reservoirs. We often follow up with refreshments at a local cafe etc. We also meet up between trips each month for coffee at Tottingworth Farm cafe, to share any useful information and keep up group interest and momentum. This is important when occasionally we have to postpone field trips, due to inclement weather.

Recent Trips:

2024:

October - Rye Harbour (Sussex Wildlife Trust)

This reserve never disappoints. We arrived just after high tide, which was spectacular for birds. Over 19 species seen with many waders around the pools and scrapes. Lovely to see the Spoonbills, Curlew, Oystercatchers and Bar tailed Godwit.

November - Filsham Reedbeds, St Leonards on sea

A stunning and crisp winters day. Despite the birds hunkering down in the cold, we saw spectacular Marsh Harriers, Water Rail and heard the distinctive sound of Cetti's Warbler.

December - Sevenoaks Reserve (postponed due to refurbishment)

2025

January - The Star at Waldron, New Year Lunch and planning meeting

February - Dungeness RSPB Reserve

Good sightings of many winter visitors followed by fish and chip lunch at the Pilot Inn.

March - cancelled due to group illness

April - Ashdown Forest, Tabell Ghyll

An exceptionally cold morning on a high point in the forest with views to East Grinstead. One to return to in milder weather!

May - Seaford Head

Great views of the Red listed Kittiwake colony and a bracing walk up the cliff top with views over to the Seven Sisters.

June - Pett Level, beach and lagoons

A great place to watch is from the sea wall which affords a clear view of the lagoons and out to sea and Fairlight cliffs. Sixteen species seen or heard.

July - Hampden Park, Eastbourne

Twenty species seen or heard on this lovely summer stroll around the lake and through the oak woodland. Impressive reedbeds and nesting site for the Grey Heron, as well as Little Egret and a family of Mute Swans.

Possible Future Trips Planned:

Dungeness - geese and winter visitors

Cockshut chalk stream and Railways Lands reserve, Lewes

Royal Military Canal and the 1066 footpath.

Sevenoaks - Kent WildlifeTrust Reserve (reopening autumn 2025)

Cuckmere Valley and Castle Hill reserve, Newhaven.

Weirwood reservoir

Rye Harbour/Castle Water - overwintering birds

Further Information:

Members of the group are encouraged in their bird identification skills, with information about useful websites and apps (e.g. Merlin) being shared. We are becoming more familiar with habitats and where to look for particular species. Before each trip members are encouraged to research some facts about a particular species we are likely to see, based on recent sightings in the area. One way to improve our general knowledge as we go along!

If you are interested in joining us, don’t feel you need to be an expert! We are all learning from each other and it’s just great to be outdoors appreciating all of nature with like minded people. While our focus is on the birds, we also enjoy looking at trees, flowers, animals and whatever we might come across. Some of us have become interested in learning more about butterflies, dragonflies and fungi for example.

For further information please contact Val via groupsu3a@outlook.com