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spring in southern England

This short break will introduce us to the beautiful county of Sussex and the best of its spring wildlife.

Our base for the week will be in the attractive village of Bramber nestling at the foot of the South Downs and centrally located for exploring the wildlife of the county.

During our explorations we will visit the important wetlands at Amberley Wildbrooks home to a huge array of plants, as well as interesting birds and invertebrates.

We will also take in an extensive area of chalk grassland at Castle Hill, home to a strong population of Early Spider-orchids amongst others. Exploration of some of the county’s ancient woodland as well as the important heathland habitat at Ashdown Forest are also included.

Our visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Knepp Wildland, an interesting rewildling project in the heart of the county where we will find out more about the approach being used for conservation here and experience some of the growing number of species that are calling the estate home.

During some early mornings and evenings there will be opportunities for excursions to listen for the diverse repertoire of the Nightingale, as well as searching for foraging Barn Owls and bats, or listening to the dawn(ish) chorus, which is reaching its prime at this time of year.

The holiday has been designed to give us an opportunity to experience the diversity of Sussex’s habitats and look for a good range of wild flowers, birds, butterflies and other wildlife along the way in the spring.

Ophrys sphegodes flower in short grassland, Sussex
Spotted Flycatcher on a twig, Sussex
Grizzled Skipper basking on a leaf, Sussex