Saturday 20th August 2011- Steyning Rifle Range and South Downs
The forecast for Wales and the South West didn’t look good (with a few deluges in the morning expected), so we had arranged for a long trip to Steyning (West Sussex) and hoped to meet up with Neil (Sussex Kipper) who could hopefully show us where to look for the Brown Hairstreak colony that had thrived since the introduction of the Steyning Downland Scheme and much work done by volunteers led by Neil on the land that was previously the Steyning Rifle Range. After a 3 hour plus journey from Wales we arrived in the pretty village of Steyning just after 10 am – the weather driving across had looked much more positive than the forecast. Neil had done his best to discourage us from coming down (!) due to the fact that the forecast didn’t look brilliant for the Brown Hairstreaks and he was worried about us having a wasted journey, but I wanted to get out and about and it was certainly a better prospect than Wales!
Steyning was covered in light cloud with dull sunlight for the first hour when we made a quick walk round the edges of the reserve. The Rifle Range has become a lovely little reserve – there were plenty of dog-walkers making their way through to the woodlands, and already 3 butterfly enthusiasts at the lowest edge of the reserve (northern edge on the map) looking in rather vain hope at the Blackthorn bushes. On the highest edges of the reserve there were plenty of flowers (Scabious, Marjoram, Teasel, Bindweed) and here there were plenty of Small Heaths, Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues and even the odd lone Marbled White. Neil joined us just after 11:30 – and had predicted that the Brown Hairstreaks would show at 11:45. However, although the reserve was quite warm (20c) the sunlight wasn’t very strong and the conditions were ‘borderline’. The strong sunlight broke through briefly for about half an hour just before mid-day and Neil spotted a single Brown Hairstreak flying low around the Blackthorn. I got a couple of photos and the individual sped into the middle of the main field: Neil followed it briefly but the butterfly gave him the slip
. The weather returned to it’s earlier dull light and we left the reserve about 1pm when we’d seen the distance skies
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Neil then very kindly gave us a guided tour over some of the nearby South Downs were a lot more conservation work had been done. By the time 2pm came round the sun came out fully and within a short time the downs were covered in bright sunlight and completely blue, cloudless skies as we watched an array of Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blues, Silver-Spotted Skippers, Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshells, Common Blues, Meadow Browns, Small Skippers and Gatekeepers took flight. Of course, now the weather was too warm for the butterflies to stop for easy photographic opportunities. Neil must have the ‘Guy Padfield mountain goat’ gene and is quite happy going up and down the steep slopes in his pursuit of the butterflies, I admit I felt a bit out of breath at times! The landscape on the South Downs especially in good light is absolutely breathtaking (though doesn't make good photos in broad sunlight).
About 4pm we said our goodbyes to Neil while Karen and me returned to the Steyning Reserve just to see if we could see any more Brown Hairstreaks. Neil had suggested they wouldn’t show after 3pm, and he was proved correct again!
We started our return journey home at 6pm - though Steyning was still bathed in warm evening light. Although we hadn’t seen more than one BH we had a great day in Sussex - thanks again to Neil who is - of course - great company, and we couldn’t have hoped for a more generous or knowledgeable host (and he’s leading a guided tour of the reserve on Sunday). Our only thought on leaving was that we must return in spring!
Michael
The welcoming sign at the entrance to the Steyning Butterfly Reserve on the old Rifle Range.
Although it was warm in Steyning, the early morning light was dominated by light cloud.
Up the higher side of the Steyning reserve, Small Heaths were abundant even in the dull light.
There were plenty of wild flowers at the Steyning reserve including many Teasel flowers (right).
Almost as soon as Neil arrived he spotted the first Brown Hairstreak, soon after the sun came out fully...
I managed to get a few photos before the only Brown Hairstreak of the morning flew off!
On the South Downs, Small Tortoiseshells were some of the first butterflies to greet us.
Brown Argus and other common butterflies were plentiful.
Neil shows remarkable desterity and determination getting a good photograph...
Chalkhill Blues were abundant, some still in good condition, though not wanting to stay still.
There were many different species of flowers in bloom on the Downs.
In the heat the Silver-Spotted Skippers didn't stop for long.
Walking back over the South Downs, there was nothing but blue sky in contrast to earlier.
Returning briefly to Steyning, the sun was still fully out but the Brown Hairstreaks have gone to bed.
A last look near the entrance to the reserve at Steyning. I hope we'll be back in this area next year.
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Mind you, it's the other side of the 'perfect specimen' shots we're always trying to get... 
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