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birding...
England Sussex
The Sussex landscape is dominated by the High Weald (maximum height 223 m) in the north-east and the South Downs (maximum height 248 m) which run south-east from the border with Hampshire to Beachy Head near Eastbourne. Four rivers puncture the South Downs (Cuckmere, Ouse, Adur and Arun); but the largest estuary is Chichester Harbour to their west. The wet grasslands - or levels - associated with rivers and the coast, are under severe threat, but notable successes have been achieved at Pevensey Levels by Sussex Wildlife Trust and Pulborough Brooks by RSPB. Over 140 km of south-facing coastline guarantee that spring and autumn are exciting times for migration enthusiasts. The shallow coastal waters are probably the reason for the low numbers of many seabirds, especially in winter. |
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top sites |
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Ashdown Forest
(TQ432324)2,560 ha of heathland and woodland on the High Weald, is home to substantial populations of Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus and Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata.Beachy Head
(TV586956)where the chalk hills of the South Downs meet the sea, is famous for its migrating birds. Nearby sites of interest include the Cuckmere Haven (TV 519995); Lullington Heath (TQ 545018) and Seaford Head (TV 505980).Chichester Harbour
(SU775005)over 3,700 ha of saltmarsh, mudflats and open water, is of critical importance to migrating and wintering wildfowl and waders. These include up to 4% of the world population of Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta b. bernicla. Nearly a third of the site is in Hampshire.Pagham Harbour
(SZ857965)although only a sixth of the area of Chichester Harbour, is deservedly one of the top birdwatching sites in England.Pulborough Brooks
(TQ055160)attracts hordes of humans, but also thousands of wintering wildfowl.Reservoirs worth a visit
Arlington (TQ529077); Bewl Water (TQ678389) and Weir Wood (TQ384342). Chichester gravel pits, to the south-east of the city, are easy to include in visits to Chichester Harbour or Pagham.Rye Harbour
(TQ942187)is part of the bird-rich length of soft coast running from Pett Levels, east of Hastings, to Dungeness in Kent.contributor |
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David Harper
david@sussex.ac.uk
county recorder |
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C W Melgar
36 Victoria Road, Worthing, W Sussex BN11 1XB
01903 200064
cwmelgar@yahoo.com
numbers |
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County Bird - Stonechat Saxicola torquata
useful reading |
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Best Birdwatching Sites in Sussex
Adrian Thomas & Peter Francis (2003). 192 pages, 57 sites, and includes sections on The Sussex Birding Year, Seawatching in Sussex, Best Sites for Wheelchair Users and Public Transport, and the Sussex Bird List. £14.50 from Buckingham Press. buck.press@btinternet.com, 01733 561739.ISBN: 0953384063
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Sussex
Paul James (1996) (Sussex Ornithological Society). Price ?23.50 including p.& p. from Mrs I.M. Simpson, Hardanger, Littleworth, Partridge Green, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 8JE.ISBN: 0952846608
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds of Sussex
Michael Shrubb Hardcover - 366 pages (1979) Phillimore & Co LtdISBN: 0850333261
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Sussex Bird Report
Sussex Bird Reports are published each year by the Sussex Ornithological Society and copies are available from John Trowell, Lorrimer, Main Road, Icklesham, Nr. Winchelsea, Sussex TN36 4BS. Price ?8 inc. p&p. (01424 813722)Where to Watch Birds in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Don Taylor, Jeffrey Wheatley and David Burges - Series: WHERE TO WATCH BIRDS IN BRITAIN AND EUROPE: HELM SERIES 304 pages, 35 line illus, 54 maps. Christopher Helm 2003ISBN: 0713664207
Buy this book from NHBS.com
useful information |
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Proact
Coordinator: none (why not apply?)
see http://www.proact-campaigns.net/coordinators
Members: 3
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
clubs |
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RSPB - Battle Members Group
http://www.battlerspb.org.ukThe Battle Group is a small friendly group with around 100 members of all ages and abilities who live in Battle and the surrounding area of East Sussex...
Sussex Wildlife Trust
http://www.sussexwt.org.uk/Sussex Wildlife Trust was formed in 1961 and now has more than 10,000 members. They manage some of the finest sites in Sussex as nature reserves and have 38 reserves covering some of the finest ancient woodlands in Western Europe, spectacular chalk downland, heathlands, grazing marsh and wild flower meadows.
Sussex Ornithological Society
http://www.sos.org.uk/All enquiries to the Sussex Ornithological Society to be sent to secretary@sos.org.uk
museums |
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Sussex University - Centre for the Study of Evolution
http://www.lifesci.sussex.ac.uk/CSE/members/dharper/dharpercomplete.htmOur contributor David Harper is a leading light...
reserves |
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Chichester Harbour Conservancy
http://www.conservancy.co.uk/Chichester Harbour Conservancy is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty comprising 11 square miles of water and 11 square miles of land with 17 miles of well marked and lighted channels which, with its easy access to the Solent, makes it an ideal water recreation centre. There are many inter-related activities such as sailing, fishing, walking and wildfowling as well as nearly 9,000 vessels over 3 metres in length, 3,200 moorings, 2,000 berths in four marinas and 14 sailing clubs.
Forewood
http://www.forewood.co.uk/theforewood.htmThe Forewood is a substantial block of woodland situated in the Parish of Crowhurst, which lies between Hastings and Battle in East Sussex. I was born and brought up in Crowhurst, and for much of my early life lived at the housing estate which backs onto the South-East corner of the wood. It was one vast playground and adventure park combined, and my knowledge and love of natural history comes mostly from my childhood spent there. The purchase of the wood in the early 1970s by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds secured it`s future, and led me to join this excellent organisation...
RSPB Reserve - Fore Wood
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/f/forewood/index.aspA wide range of woodland birds breed including nightingales, spotted flycatchers and great and lesser spotted woodpeckers...
RSPB Reserve - Pulborough Brooks
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/p/pulboroughbrooks/index.aspIn the scenic but easily accessible Arun valley, the RSPB has restored wet grassy meadows, which flood in winter. Controlled flooding gives a refuge to thousands of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. Many breed in the summer, along with songbirds such as nightingales, and many colourful butterflies...
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
http://www.wildRye.infoThe Nature Reserve is in the Rother District in the County of East Sussex, England. It lies on the coast to the south of the Cinque Port town of Rye, to the west of the River Rother. Within the wider area of ROMNEY MARSH the land has several national and international designations of its wildlife interest. There are eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); a candidate Special Protection Area (SPA); a candidate Ramsar wetland site, a potential Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Important Bird Area (IBA). Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has all these designations.
Weir Wood
http://surf.to/weirwoodWeir Wood Reservoir Nature Reserve...
WWT Reserve Arundel
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/arundel/Stroll around our beautiful grounds 60 acres, with six hides overlooking wildlife hotspots. Meander along the boardwalk through our extensive reedbed.
trip reports |
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Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!
tour operators |
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Birding Pal
http://www.birdingpal.org/Unitedkingdom.htmLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Chichester Harbour Water Tours
http://www.chichesterharbourwatertours.co.uk/bird.html2 hours bird watching trips. Visit this area of outstanding beauty on the Sussex coast. A boat trip with CHICHESTER HARBOUR WATER TOURS enables you to see much of this unspoilt area from the water, from the narrow harbour mouth between Sandy Point Hayling Island and East Head to the Dell Quay, Bosham, Thorny Island and Emsworth channels. once afloat you will be able to appreciate that the indented harbour shoreline of which there is 48 miles, includes a wide variety of habitats these are sand dunes, mudflats, shingle banks and woods all valuable refuges for seabirds and other interesting wildlife.
Plovers - Romney Marsh Birdwatching Breaks
http://www.plovers.co.ukThis website is designed to allow you to see the services available at 'Plovers', Lydd-on-Sea. Pat & Paul Trodd, Plovers, 1 Toby Road, Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9PG Phone 01797 366935 & 07920 197535 Email: troddy@plovers.co.uk
Sussex Wildlife Walks
http://www.sussexwildlifewalks.com/Sussex Wildlife Walks is a new venture set up by Paul James. Despite an ever expanding urban area, Sussex is still very much a rural county supporting a wealth of wildlife including spectacular concentrations of wildfowl and waders, brightly coloured orchids and dazzling dragonflies. My aim is to introduce you to this wildlife through a series of guided walks at selected locations in both East and West Sussex. These walks are aimed at beginners and amateur naturalists who want to learn more about the Sussex countryside and identify what they see...
places to stay |
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Duncton Mill
http://www.dunctonmill.co.uk/duncton_mill_accommodation.phpDuncton Mill is a small country estate [70 acres, 25 hectares] nestling at the foot of the South Downs four miles south of Petworth, West Sussex, England. Sheila and Tom Bishop assisted by their nephew Richard offer Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering accommodation and trout fishing for the discerning visitor. There is also a fish farm supplying trout for restocking rivers, lakes and reservoirs. The buildings, grounds and lakes are kept in immaculate condition.
mailing lists |
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Adur Valley wildlife eForum
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adur/To post to list:adur@yahoogroups.com
List contact:adur-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:adur-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Forum for discussion about the Adur Valley, Sussex, England. In the lower valley the geographical area includes all of the Adur District, including Shoreham-by-Sea, Sompting, Lancing, Coombes, and also towns not covered by Adur Council including Botolphs, Upper Beeding, Bramber, Steyning, Small Dole, Shermanbury etc. See also: http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Adur.htm
Rye Bay Wildlife
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Rye_Bay_WildlifeTo post to list:Rye_Bay_Wildlife@yahoogroups.com
List contact:Rye_Bay_Wildlife-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:Rye_Bay_Wildlife-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Mailing List – Discussion Group - A forum for discussing wildlife observations and news in Rye Bay, East Sussex, UK
other links |
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Adur Valley Wildlife
http://www.glaucus.org.uk/Adur2005.htmlFrom the turn of the century the creeping permanent development and re-development of the natural fringing beach at Shoreham has gradually covered the main shingle bank, leaving a narrow strip, squeezed between houses and sea. This flat strip of seemingly lifeless pebbles that has once more held out against a winter sea, is set to surprise and delight us, as seeds and roots of last years flowering respond to longer days, and find nourishment and moisture. In April and early May they burst upon us with a brilliant flowering border adapted to the harsh conditions.
Birds of Sussex
http://www.thebirdsofsussex.co.uk/This site is dedicated to Birds seen in the County of Sussex. It contains information on local sites and Pictures of the birds seen in Sussex. There is also a section for Pictures of some of the National rarities that I have seen. A link is provided to a page that is updated regularly with the sightings from Ovingdean and Roedean which is my Local patch. It will obviously be updated more regularly at times of migration. Ovingdean News...
Birds of Wakehurst Place Gardens and the Loder Valley Reserve
http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ksheets/birdswp.htmlWakehurst Place Gardens and the Loder Valley Reserve occupy nearly 200 hectares (500 acres) and offer a wide range of habitats to breeding and visiting birds...
BLOG -Firle Birds
http://firlebirds.wordpress.com/This blog is devoted to the birds of Firle, a small village on the slopes of the Sussex Downs...
Brent Lodge Bird & Wildlife Trust
http://www.btinternet.com/~brentlodge/Brent Lodge is a bird and wildlife hospital, founded in 1978. It is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of injured wild creatures, specialising in birds and small mammals. The hospital is located near to Chichester in the South of England, on a site of one and three-quarter acres. With its range of indoor and outdoor pens, and attendant medical and surgical facilities, it is one of the best wildlife hospitals in the U.K. Brent Lodge is a registered charity and depends entirely upon voluntary help and donations.
Garry Bagnell's Birding World
http://www.freewebs.com/garrybagnell/Diary, trip reports, photographs & my birding stats...
Jamie Wood - Feeders etc.
http://www.birdbox.co.ukUnlike many mass-produced products, Jamie Wood`s birdtables and feeders are unique in their attention to detail, traditional construction and good looks...
Romney Marsh Countryside Project
http://www.rmcp.co.uk/The Romney Marsh Countryside Project was set up in June 1996, a sister project to the White Cliffs Countryside Project. The project aims to care for the special landscape and wildlife of the Romney Marsh and Dungeness...
RX Wildlife News
http://www.rxwildlife.org.uk/All the latest wildlife news & events from Hastings, Rye Bay, Dungeness & Romney Marsh...
Sussex Falconry Centre
http://www.sussexfalconrycentre.co.uk/Our birds of prey displays feature hawks, owls and falcons from all over the world but our primary aim will always be educating the public about our own British species. What better place to learn all about these fascinating and exciting creatures. Our mission statement is Education through Experience and Sussex Falconry is the perfect place for that hands-on encounter...
Sussex Nature Web
http://www.sussexnatureweb.btinternet.co.uk/The SUSSEX NATURE WEB is designed to bring you the best of natural history in Sussex, especially in West Sussex. On the following pages you will find useful information concerning a wide-ranging number of localities.
Sussex Scrapbook
http://www.totally-cuckoo.com/Nature walks throughout the year...
Whitby`s Imaging Centre
http://www.whitbys-imaging.co.ukPhotographic supplier and processor in Chichester West Sussex.
artists |
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Artist - Basil Ede
http://www.swla.co.uk/SWLAmembers/edeb/EdeB.htmBASIL EDE - MASTER BIRD PAINTER, born in Surrey, England, in 1931, is a classic bird portraitist. Following in the footsteps of MARK CATESBY (1683-1749) and JOHN JAMES AUDUBON (1785-1851) he travelled to Virginia in 1962 to see the birds of the New World. Nevertheless it was the British painter, ARCHIBALD THORBURN whose work influenced the young artist most of all.
Photographer - George McCarthy
http://www.georgemccarthy.com/index.phpGeorge McCarthy is recognised as one of the UK`s leading professional nature photographers. He is also an author, a lecturer, a tour leader and a consultant specialising in British wildlife and the countryside...
Photographer - Liam Pauling - Sussex Bird Photography
http://sussexbirdphotography.blogspot.comPhotos of birds/mammals taken in Sussex by a 17 year old student…
Photographer - Marc Read
http://www.marcs-pix.co.nr/My name is Marc Read and this is my photography and birding site. I`m 17 and based in sussex. Most of my birding is done in Kent but I have been know to twitch. I own a Nikon Coolpix 4500 and a Konica Minolta a2...
Photographer - Roger Wilmhurst
http://www.nature-pictures.co.uk/Wildlife has fascinated me from early childhood. My mother used to say I watched birds from the pram...
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