Has anybody been to Ashdown Forest to see SSB as this is a new species for me. I live in Kent so am trying to find my nearest colony. I have been to Thursley but always a little late.
Marc Heath
Silver Studded Blue
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Posted on behalf of David Brown
Posted on behalf of David Brown:
I have seen them at the following locations,
Drive through Ashdown Forest heading south on the B2026, past Gills Lap car park (minor C road joins from the right). After 300/400 metres a private turning right is on the right leading to the lodge. Just before and after this there are two car parks. The first belongs to the Sussex Wildlife Trust (or one of the Sussex Wildlife Groups) and leads to the Ashdown Forest Nature Reserve. Go through the gate in the bottom right hand corner and then walk across the top of the reserve following the footpath running parallel to the main road. I have seen them around here and searching a few hundreds down the slope around the area of heather. By continuing along the footpath and heading down hill you will also see Black Darter around the new small pools (at the right time of course).
Another site for SS Blue is to continue on the B2026 until you reach the last car park on the right before the B2188 joins on the left. Walk through the gorse into the obvious valley, within 100 metres you come to a large area of heather. Search anywhere here. They are not in large numbers but I have seen a dozen or so.
Dave Brown
I have seen them at the following locations,
Drive through Ashdown Forest heading south on the B2026, past Gills Lap car park (minor C road joins from the right). After 300/400 metres a private turning right is on the right leading to the lodge. Just before and after this there are two car parks. The first belongs to the Sussex Wildlife Trust (or one of the Sussex Wildlife Groups) and leads to the Ashdown Forest Nature Reserve. Go through the gate in the bottom right hand corner and then walk across the top of the reserve following the footpath running parallel to the main road. I have seen them around here and searching a few hundreds down the slope around the area of heather. By continuing along the footpath and heading down hill you will also see Black Darter around the new small pools (at the right time of course).
Another site for SS Blue is to continue on the B2026 until you reach the last car park on the right before the B2188 joins on the left. Walk through the gorse into the obvious valley, within 100 metres you come to a large area of heather. Search anywhere here. They are not in large numbers but I have seen a dozen or so.
Dave Brown