A Day Out In Sussex

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Morning Everyone,

I have just woken up as many of you will have to, to a stunning sunny dawn. Being new to botany I would like to venture out and about and search for new flowers for my list. I live in the Lewes area of Sussex and was wondering if anyone could recommend a place to go for a morning/afternoon or indeed whole day?

Any offers much appriciated. P.S. dont mind a bit of a travel either!!

Cheers Jacob

[ceterach]

Hi Jacob

Although it is getting a bit late for chalk grassland flowers (and butterflies), Mount Caburn NNR near Glynde should still be interesting as also the area around Blackcap (especially the north facing scarp) just south of the B2116 Plumpton road. No distance.

All the best

[jnb]

Originally Posted by ceterach

Hi Jacob

Although it is getting a bit late for chalk grassland flowers (and butterflies), Mount Caburn NNR near Glynde should still be interesting as also the area around Blackcap (especially the north facing scarp) just south of the B2116 Plumpton road. No distance.

All the best

From Lewes you've got large areas of the South Downs accessible to you and if you want to go a little further afield then there's the Ashdown Forest to the North of you and the Seven Sisters country park to the south east.

[clicka15]

Hi Jacob,

I would strongly recommend Poverty Bottom (TQ464026), to the north of Norton/Bishopstone. It's easiest to park up in Denton (e.g. Wellington Road) and walk up. A map would be a good idea. It's at its peak in early-mid July, so you've missed the best of it. Nevertheless, it is a quality example of chalk escarpment. There is Felwort (Autumn Gentian) and Round-headed Rampion in flower at the moment.

There's also Heighton Hill (TQ477042), where there's some Harebell and Grass Vetch growing at the moment.

The area along the top of the Downs between Falmer/Woodingdean and Kingston is really nice, as is Ashcombe Bottom near Plumpton. Falmer Bottom and Castle Hill can be good, but I think you need permission for Castle Hill, Woodingdean.

Deep Dene (access from Wilmington/Litlington road) is well worth the climb for Autumn Lady's Tresses at the moment.

Tidemills beach has some interesting vegetated shingle, where you can expect to find Oraches.

There are so many places to visit in the Lewes area. It's a great idea to buy some maps or walking books for the area (they've got loads in Bredon's Bookshop in School Hill, Lewes) and do some exploring.

Have fun!

Steven.

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Thanks for the info guys, In the end I went to Ashdown Forest first and still could not find a Marsh Gentian! So I accepted the fact I was not going to find one....licked my wounds and went to Blackcap....And I tell you what....if that is out of season then blow me down!

There were flowers everywhere! All three types of Scabious I believe, St Johns Wort, Thistle galore, And my first harebell too....

[ceterach]

Originally Posted by Scarlet Pimpernel

Thanks for the info guys, In the end I went to Ashdown Forest first and still could not find a Marsh Gentian! So I accepted the fact I was not going to find one....licked my wounds and went to Blackcap....And I tell you what....if that is out of season then blow me down!

There were flowers everywhere! All three types of Scabious I believe, St Johns Wort, Thistle galore, And my first harebell too....

Job done, now for tomorrow!! Seriously, the scarp at Blackcap is an excellent from spring through to now for a wide range of chalk flora and butterflies. There is also an arable field at the summit that earlier this year was full of cornfield weeds.

While we are on the subject, I am being very cheeky but I am off to Hants tomorrow. Has anyone got a good site for Marsh Gentian in the New Forest or anywhere else in the area? The only site I know has virtually lost them (too dry). I would be very grateful, as I only have 30 year old slides and I would like some new piccies. Hopefully, as good as GuyF's in his earlier thread.

All the best

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

I got told to speak to Deer Stalker for New Forest info on them....worth a try!

[jnb]

find this about the Ashdown Forest(Ashdown Forest Tourism Association - Local Information, Places to Visit and News & Events from the Heart of the High Weald)

Marsh Gentian, which is becoming increasingly rare although there are still about a dozen colonies to be seen, flowering from June to October.

So given that's a dozen colonies across about 20000 acres (ish) it's not surprising they're a bit difficult to find.

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Yeah it is a huge area for a very small number of flowers! Have you ever seen one JNB?

[jnb]

No, but I'm inspired to slow down and have a closer look at some of the marshier parts that I know. Which part of the forest did you try?