Due to its varied and often unique habitats, comprising a mosaic of rolling downland grassland, lowland heath and some fine examples of semi-ancient oak and elm woodlands, Sussex has an exceptional suite of butterflies.
Its southerly location encompasses the northern tip of several species ranges and its close proximity to continental Europe also means that a few surprises are always possible. Continental swallowtails have bred in Sussex, large tortoiseshell's turn up from time to time and recently a colony of long-tailed blues have sustained their population at some coastal sites.
Of course, as well as seeking the target species we will also be looking out for a variety of other wildlife with orchids, reptiles and mammals to find. We will also run a moth trap one evening in the hope of attracting some of the spectacular hawkmoths that reside in the UK.
The woodland hosts thriving colonies of such magnificent butterflies as purple emperors, white admirals, and silver-washed fritillaries. The presence of the few remaining English elms have also allowed the nationally scarce white-letter hairstreak to survive in reasonable numbers and some of the stunning blues find a home on the warmer micro habitats of the closely grazed downs. Here we find healthy populations of both Adonis and chalkhill blues. On the rare heathland habitat we can find the silver-studded blue with its jewelled hind wing, the carnivorous sundew and a variety of specialist birds such as nightjar and Dartford warbler.
Our success in finding the target species is highly weather dependant and subject to the whim of seasonal variations in emergence times. Irrespective of the weather conditions we encounter we will endeavour to provide you with a comprehensive exploration of the region in the company of an expert naturalist guide.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Arrival & afternoon excursion
We gather in the reception area of the hotel for a 3pm departure to a local wildlife site, returning to the hotel for dinner.
Depending on weather conditions and seasonality, we will undertake a post-dinner moth trap or nocturnal walk either this evening or tomorrow.
Accommodation: The Old Tollgate Hotel, 2-nights
Day2: Full day excursion in search of butterflies & birds
A full day will be spent in the field visiting a number of butterfly sites across Sussex, with the exact itinerary dictated by the latest sightings and the day's weather.
Throughout the summer months from June - September, we can expect to encounter a wide variety of more common butterflies including whites, skippers, small tortoisehell, peacock, painted lady, red admiral, speckled wood, wall brown, comma, gatekeeper, meadow brown, ringlet, marbled white, small blue, holy blue, common blue, brimstone and orange tip.
With the aid of a moth trap, elephant hawk, small elephant hawk, privet hawk, eyed hawk, poplar hawk, iron prominent, swallow prominent, six-spot burnet, burnet companion, mother shipton, cinnabar and garden tiger moth are all possible.
We will also target some of Sussex's more unusual range restricted butterfly species and these will be dependent on the timing of your departure, with the various species highly seasonal. Our blog sets out what you can expect across the summer months.
On all departures there is a chance of reptiles (common lizard, slow worm & wall lizards), as well as mammals such as field & bank vole, common & pygmy shrew and brown hare and fox.
Day3: Morning excursion & departure
The morning will be spent in the field, prior to concluding the trip around midday when we will return to the hotel.
A transfer to Shoreham-by-Sea train station will be provided for those who require it.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 3 daysfrom £450 pp
Single supplement:
From £150
Trip type:
Group Tour
Group size: 7
When to go: Jun-Sep
Group Departures: We are currently finalising future dates for this tour. Please contact us for further details.
Terry has held a lifelong fascination for wildlife and as an ecologist is fascinated in how plants and animals exist and fit together, their behaviour and their impact on each other.
His self-taught knowledge of British wildlife has led him into voluntary survey work for the RSPB, Bat Conservation Trust, Vincent Trust and British Butterfly Conservation, as well as funding raising for many wildlife charities. Alongside this, he organised day trips and weekends away for birdwatchers from local ornithological societies in the south east of the UK. Eventually his interest led him to return to university and study a host of courses including British Cetaceans, Biological Field Studies and finally a degree in Environment and Conservation.
Located in the south-east of England, the historic county of Sussex encompasses a range of habitats including ancient woodland, chalk grasslands and flower-rich meadows. These support a fabulous diversity of birds, butterflies and plants – many unique to the area.
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Where: South-east England
Ideal for viewing: purple emperor, adonis blue, swallowtail, white stork, corn bunting
