Nothing sums up a Sussex summer more than watching our beautiful butterflies while they dance over the Downs, wander through our woods or circle us while we sunbathe in our back gardens. We’re very lucky here in Sussex as we are surrounded by some great, diverse countryside and, in this part of England, you don’t have to travel too far to find some fantastic butterfly habitats. The diversity of habitats here – woodlands, fields, heathland and downland - means you could encounter 45 different species of butterfly throughout the year.

The first butterflies you would have seen in the early part of the year will be the ones which have spent the winter as an adult hidden in garden sheds or tucked away under ivy and holly. In the early spring you may have seen Small Tortoiseshells, Commas, Peacocks and Red Admirals which have awoken from their slumbers and visited your gardens to top-up on nectar. Back in that mini-heatwave in April it was great to see the Brimstones emerging from hibernation. These bright yellow butterflies are the granddaddy of them all – they stay in the adult stage of their life cycle for up to ten months (although, admittedly, they spend most of this time hibernating in the undergrowth through the winter). Despite snoozing through months of rain and snow they always look perfect when they make their entrance in the spring – they must be made of Teflon.

As we head into the summer the number of different butterfly species you can see in Sussex increases. Woodlands may not be ideal habitats for butterflies – they’re generally too shady and dark - but along open, sunny woodland paths in June and July you may be lucky enough to encounter the two-tone White Admiral or the Silver-washed Fritillary. The Fritillary is a large orange butterfly which gracefully glides along woodland rides and frequently stops to nectar on brambles. If you’re lucky you’ll see their amazing display flight – the male frantically flying in loops around the female in order to impress his potential partner.

In July I’ll be leading some butterfly walks nearby as part of Natural England’s ‘Wonderful Woodlands’ project. We’ll get out in the sunshine (hopefully) and look for fritillaries, admirals other woodland species. I’ll give you some information on how to identify these species and hopefully it’ll inspire you to record the butterflies you see on a free app you can download on your ‘phone.

I’ll be leading two walks at St Leonards Forest near Horsham on 10th and 22nd July between 10:30-12:30. These are free events but places are limited so if you are interested in coming along drop me an email at wonderfulwoodlands2018@gmail.comand let me know your preferred date.

by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust.


Sussex Wildlife Trust is an independent charity caring for wildlife and habitats throughout Sussex.  Founded in 1961, we have worked with local people for over half a century to make Sussex richer in wildlife.  

We rely on the support of our members to help protect our rich natural heritage.  Please consider supporting our work.  As a member you will be invited to join Michael Blencowe on our regular wildlife walks and also enjoy free events, discounts on wildlife courses, Wildlife magazine and our Sussex guide book, Discovering Wildlife.  It’s easy to join online at www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/join or over the phone on 01273  497532.

www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk