Henfield Levels, a full circuit
2026-04-25 09:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Henfield Levels, Hollands Lane, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9QY, United Kingdom
The walk includes fields, hedgerows, scrub, trees and riverbank and is ideal for spotting the full range of songbirds active in early spring. Note that the route is 5 miles although all flat.
Location Henfield. Meet outside Grommets light industrial unit. Park on Hollands Lane or Hollands Road.
Organised by Richard Allan & Paul Emmerson.

Woods Mill
2026-05-08 18:45 - 22:00 | Woods Mill, Shoreham Rd, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9SD, United Kingdom
An evening walk around the reserve and then cross the road and wander down the Mill Stream to hopefully hear Nightingales. Bring a torch as it will be getting dark by the time we return, at around 10pm. Could be one muddy section.
Meet at 6.45pm at the Visitor Centre Car park

Seawatch at Ferring
2026-05-09 08:00 - 11:00 | Sea Watch, Ferring, Sea Lane, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5HD, United Kingdom
It is possible that we would see Sandwich and Common Terns, Whimbrel, Common Scoter, Arctic Skua, Red-throated Diver plus a chance of Velvet Scoter, Bar-tailed Godwit and incoming migrants like Swallows and Wheatears.
Bring a chair, and a ‘scope if you have one.

Amberley Wild Brooks: Nearly Dawn Chorus walk
2026-05-10 07:30 - 11:00 | Amberley Wild Brooks, Hog Lane, Amberley, West Sussex, BN18 9NH, United Kingdom
Note that this is one week later than the official International Dawn Chorus Day.
This will be a 3 mile walk and all on the flat.
Spring migrants and songbirds.
Meeting Point: Hog Lane, Amberley, 200 metres west of the Black Horse pub (BN18 9NH) where Hog Lane makes a turn OS:TQ030132. If there are no parking spaces on Hog Lane, there is a free village car park at ///shatters.relating.clap
Organisers: Paul Emmerson & Richard Allan

Minibus Outing to Knepp
2026-05-20 08:00 - 13:30 | Knepp Estate, Worthing Road, Dial Post, West Sussex, RH13 8NQ, United Kingdom
I’m pleased to announce the next minibus outing, where we will be visiting the Knepp rewilding estate, near Horsham on Wednesday 20th May.
The main target bird is obviously the White Stork, which should be on nests and bill clapping at the time of our visit. However, we should also find plenty of summer migrant species and with luck may also find Turtle Doves.
Details
We will depart by minibus from the front of Shoreham Station at 8AM. The station is close to the number 2 and 700 bus routes. Our driver will be SDOS member Ian Gifford.
We will spend the morning at the reserve and aim to arrive back in Shoreham around 1 – 1.30PM.
The cost for the minibus will be £10, to be paid in advance by bank transfer.
What to expect
This will be a half day outing. There are flat, wide marked routes around the site, but the ground can be uneven and muddy in parts, dependent on weather conditions. There is an option to climb up steps to view the landscape from tree platforms, but this is optional. Grazing cattle and pigs are likely to be encountered.
Refreshments are available near the car park, or you may bring your own refreshments. There is a picnic area near the car park. Toilet facilities are available at the cafe area.

How to Apply
If you want to apply, please email me personally at chair@sdos.org by no later than Thursday 30th April. There will be a random selection of participants if the trip is oversubscribed, and you will hear one way or the other. Payment details will be sent to successful applicants in due course.
We hope that there will be a high level of interest in this outing. Given the reserve’s proximity, some members might prefer meeting us there. Please let us know if you are intending to do this.

Butterfly Outing to Newtimber Hill
2026-06-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Newtimber Hill, Newtimber Hill, BN45 7DE, United Kingdom
Join Terry Goble on a butterfly hunt, the target species being the Dark Green Fritillary.
Parking: Located off the Saddlescombe Road (the Poynings to Brighton Road) opposite NT Saddlescombe Farm.
What3Words: https://w3w.co/amphibian.crew.jumpy
Map Reference: TQ267121
Parking is limited to around 15 cars. Please be aware that one edge of the car park is deeply rutted & must be avoided. Participants should take great care when crossing the road. Cross with care and avoid the blind corner.
Consider car sharing where possible.
Meeting Point: Meet at the Wildflower Cafe, which is just across the road from the car park
Post Code: BN45 7DE
What3Words: https://w3w.co/save.lotteries.pimples
Meet at 10.00 am for a tea or coffee, or at 10.30 am when we will commence the walk. We will visit for approximately 2.5 hours. The cafe also serves light lunches.Toilets are available here.
There are some fairly steep slopes and one stile to negotiate. Stout shoes or walking boots are recommended. Bring drinking water, a hat and sunscreen.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) can give nasty burns to the skin so don’t touch and consider long trousers.
Also please be aware that we could encounter adders.
Birds could include Peregrine, Raven, Skylarks & the usual Downland species.

Nightjars at Lavington Common
2026-06-30 20:15 - 22:15 | Lavington Common, Duncton Common Road, Duncton, West Sussex, GU28 0QL, United Kingdom
Park at the NT Lavington Common Car Park
Advise clothing appropriate for evening conditions. Sturdy footwear is recommended and long trousers are recommended to protect from the risk of ticks and biting insects.
Bring insect repellent (please do not spray near the group) a torch/ mobile phone and a cold drink.

Butterfly Extravaganza Number 2 to Knepp
2026-07-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Knepp Estate, Worthing Road, Dial Post, West Sussex, RH13 8NQ, United Kingdom
We visit the Knepp Estate to search for the Purple Emperor butterfly. Purple Hairstreaks are also possible.
It is also very likely that we will see the White Storks that the estate is famous for. The walk is mostly on flat ground; but uneven in parts. Supportive walking shoes are recommended. Either bring lunch or you can eat at the cafe; which has toilets. There are no other toilets at this site.
If we have time we can go by car to a nearby semi-ancient woodland; part of the Southwater complex to look for White Admiral and Silver-washed Fritillary. On route there is a service station for snacks and facilities.
Please be aware that parking charges were recently introduced at Knepp
£3 for up to 3hours, £5 for 3 to 10 hours.
Please consider car sharing
Meet at 10.00am outside the entrance to the Knepp Wilding Kitchen & Shop
Please be aware that in order to minimise disturbance to birds, only guide dogs or assistance dogs are permitted to attend Outdoor events
