www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi all,
I will be at Firle (near Lewes, Brighton) on the weekend and thought I may be able to sneak an hour butterfly-spotting at either Mill Hill or Mount Cabourn which are both just down the road. Does anyone know either sites? I've looked at the UKB site-guide and via their Grid Reference but it's not obvious how you would park at either one. Can anyone suggest a route or parking spot? Are either worth visiting?

The weather might yet be a complete write-off, so it's still only a vague chance I will stop at one of the spots...

thanks

Michael

Hi Michael

Take the exit from the A27 towards Shoreham by the Sea and when you've left the roundabout complex its the second left (first major road) towards Old Shoreham. Follow this road and take the fourth left turn sign posted to Mill Hill (brown tourist info sign). Head up hill back over the A27 then park just after the bridge on left of the road. Walk from the car park along the hill keeping to the left along the top edge of the hill. When you reach wooden steps head down the hill to the lower slopes of the hill which is the best spot for Blues and Clouded Yellows.

Have a good day if the weather is fine. The higher slopes are also good with Holly Blue in the bushes and Autumn Lady's Tresses orchids on the slopes (tiny white orchid with twisted flower spike).

Watch out for dog sh*t as their is sometimes loads around as many of the locals use the site for dog walking and can't be ars*d to clear up.

Watch out for Adders lower down as well as they are definitely on site.

Hi Michael,
Mill Hill will be loaded with Adonis and as Clouded Yellow are now just beginning to show you might get lucky here. I would suggest Malling Down http://www.sussexwt.org.uk/reserves/page00020.htm rather than Caburn (both at Lewes), where you should pick up Adonis, Silver-spotted Kipper and possibly Clouded Yellow (recently seen nearby). Good luck.
Neil

Sussex Kipper wrote:I would suggest Malling Down...... where you should pick up Adonis, Silver-spotted Kipper and possibly Clouded Yellow (recently seen nearby). Good luck.

Silver-spotted Kipper? . I would love to see one of those but don't think I could eat a whole one

Vince

Well spotted Vince ... Silver-spotted Kipper!

Having spent two sessions at Mill Hill this week I totally agree with the above comments. As Vince has said ... watch out for the dog mess particularly along the upper paths. I'd of been happy to have shown you around but am sadly busy this weekend.

Good hunting.

Kind regards. Mark

Hi Neil / Paul,
thanks very much for the help. If the weather is OK it looks like it'll be Mill Hill or Malling Down then...forecast at the moment is rain in the morning (when we're watching/photographing my Neice eventing) and then maybe sunny spells later. If we're really lucky the weather will be good morning and afternoon, here's hoping!
Michael

Hi Michael

Neil is probably best to advise as I've only been to Malling once but I think its a longer walk there if you're pushed for time. Nicer walk tho and less dogs mess from what I can remember.