www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Hi
I have just found out that I will be working in Steyning, West Sussex next Tuesday and Wednesday. Having never seen Brown Hairstreak before, I thought it a good opportunity to have a look at the 'Rifle Range' site. Could somebody let me know if Brown Hairstreaks have been spotted there yet and also provide me with a grid reference/directions. Roughly how far is it away from Steyning Grammar School? My opportunity is likely to be late afternoon/early evening around 5.30-6.00, is this going to be the right sort of time to see Brown Hairstreaks?
Many thanks

Sussex Kipper is the king here.
However,i think it is a but early,late August would be better. And they are most active,and most likely to come to ground, between 11am and 3pm,so it's not ideal.
But see what Neil,Sussex Kipper,says first-don't take my word for it!

Hi Jack,
Brown Hairstreak males will already be out, and females will be out this weekend. As Mark (essexbuzzard) points out, time of day is critical. You won't get them down low at 5.30/6.00 pm; you MUST be there 11.15am - 2.00pm to do well, as >95% of the females seen are out egg-laying in the low blackthorn scrub during this period. The blackthorn immediately south of the sunken spring-fed ponds in the centre of the Rifle Range is the most favoured area. The wire fence around this designated Brown Hairstreak Reserve is to prevent cattle grubbing the regrowth, so feel free to enter the area at the eastern end by the kissing gate. The Prunus is managed specifically for the butterfly around the entire periphery of the site, so you might get lucky anywhere. Numbers will build rapidly during the second and third week of August.
Good luck, Neil

Hi Neil and 'essexbuzzard'

Thanks for the advice re Brown Hairstreak at Steyning. Perhaps I will try and get away at lunchtime if it is not too far away from where I am working. I could do with a bit of guidance on how to find the site or a grid reference. Perhaps PM me if necessary.
Many thanks

PS: Neil, I have sent you a PM.