Shoreham District Ornithological Society

SDOS Talk - Birding around the roof of the world
2026-11-12 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A Talk by Roger Smith – Birding around the roof of the world. For more information contact Sue Miles at memsec@sdos.org

SDOS Talk - Conserving Wetlands for birds & people
2026-10-08 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A talk by Alex Hughes – Conserving Wetlands for birds & people. For more information contact Sue Miles memsec@sdos.org

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Henfield Levels, a full circuit
2026-04-25 09:00 - 13:30 | 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.

Hope Gap, Cuckmere & Seaford Head
2026-04-19 08:15 - 14:00 | Hope Gap, Cuckmere & Seaford Head, South Hill Barn, Chyngton Lane, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4JQ, United Kingdom
We walk in search of warblers in the scrub at Hope Gap, chats, pipits and Wheatears on the grassland and Fulmars and seabirds as we approach the Cuckmere Valley.

An optional extra is a short drive to Splashpoint in search of Kittiwakes.

Meet at 08.15 at South Hill Barn, approaching from Chyngton Way. Arrive via Chyngton Road and keep ahead (east) via a square roundabout until the end of the road where turn right up the hill on a concrete road. Beware: Keep to the righthand side of the triangular junction to avoid pot-holes. OS 199/TV505980.

Beginners Session, RSPB Pulborough Brooks
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2EL, United Kingdom
This is our second of two trips to RSPB Pulborough this week. The first is on Friday 10th April
Meet by the ‘welcome hut’, just before the entrance to the cafe and shop.
This walk is particularly suitable for beginners and will focus on a wide range of birds and habitats. We will use sight and sound to identify birds.
The walk is likely to be about three miles in total.
It can be muddy after rain so suitable footwear is strongly recommended. The site benefits from public toilets and a good cafe. Please bring your own food and drink or socialise with others at the end of the walk, making use of the cafe on site.
If you are an RSPB member then you must bring your RSPB membership card with you, otherwise you will have to pay to enter the reserve. Non RSPB members will have to pay an entrance fee and will also have to pay to park.

Beginners Session, RSPB Pulborough Brooks
2026-04-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2EL, United Kingdom
This is our first of two trips to RSPB Pulborough this week. The second is on Saturday 11th April
Meet by the ‘welcome hut’, just before the entrance to the cafe and shop.
This walk is particularly suitable for beginners and will focus on a wide range of birds and habitats. We will use sight and sound to identify birds.
The walk is likely to be about three miles in total.
It can be muddy after rain so suitable footwear is strongly recommended. The site benefits from public toilets and a good cafe. Please bring your own food and drink or socialise with others at the end of the walk, making use of the cafe on site.
If you are an RSPB member then you must bring your RSPB membership card with you, otherwise you will have to pay to enter the reserve. Non RSPB members will have to pay an entrance fee and will also have to pay to park.

AGM followed by a talk by Steve Lawless
2026-04-09 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
AGM followed by Steve Lawless – 3 months birding in Eastern Australia.

SDOS Talk - Birding Falklands, S.Georgia & Antartica
2026-03-12 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A talk by Keith Betton – Birding Falklands, S.Georgia & Antartica. For more information contact Sue Miles at memsec@sdos.org

Warnham Local Nature Reserve
2026-03-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Warnham LNR, Warnham Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2RA, United Kingdom
Following the success of previous visits, and with current reports that Redpoll and Siskin are again present at the reserve, we have decided to repeat our popular minibus outing to Warnham Nature Reserve on Wednesday 11th March 2026.
Details
The minibus for this trip will depart from Shoreham Station car park at 09.30AM. The journey should take around 30 minutes and we aim to arrive for 10AM when the reserve opens. We will stay at the reserve till lunchtime and arrive back in Shoreham early afternoon. Light refreshments are available at the reserve, but we recommend you bring your own lunch. Our driver will be SDOS member Ian Gifford.
The cost for the minibus will be £10, to be paid in advance by bank transfer. In addition, there is a £4.20 admission fee for the reserve. Please note that Shoreham station is close to the number 2 and 700 bus routes. Car parking advice can be given closer to the event.
What to expect
This will be a half day outing. The walk around the reserve is about one to two miles long, with good paths and a boardwalk. It may be muddy or slippery in places if wet. There are several hides to be visited, and we would expect to see a good variety of woodland and water-related birds. There are excellent photographic opportunities from the bird hides. Anyone not wishing to complete the circuit around the reserve will have the option of spending additional time in the hides close to the reserve entrance..
Toilets are available at the reserve. Hot drinks and snacks are also available.
How to apply
If you want to attend then please email Jenny Holter personally – minutes@sdos.org by no later than Wednesday 25th February. There will then be a random selection of participants if this 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. Since the reserve is fairly local, we are happy for members who prefer to make their own way to meet us at the reserve. Please let us know if you are intending to do this.

RSPB Pulborough Brooks
2026-02-28 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Pulborough Brooks, Wiggonholt, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 2EL, United Kingdom
This walk is particularly suitable for beginners and will focus on a wide range of birds and habitats. We will use sight and sound to identify birds.
The walk is likely to be about three miles in total.
It can be muddy after rain so suitable footwear is strongly recommended. The site benefits from public toilets and a good cafe. Please bring your own food and drink or socialise with others at the end of the walk, making use of the cafe on site.
If you are an RSPB member then you must bring your RSPB membership card with you, otherwise you will have to pay to enter the reserve. Non RSPB members will have to pay an entrance fee and will also have to pay to park.
Meeting Point: outside the Visitor Centre.

SDOS Talk - Where Eagles Dare
2026-02-12 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A Talk by Mike Unwin. For more information contact Sue Miles at memsec@sdos.org

Henfield Area
2026-02-07 08:30 - 12:30 | Henfield Area, Downslink Car Park, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9PJ, United Kingdom
It can be muddy, so wear waterproof footwear. The walk will be approx. 4 hours.
There are no toilets on site, but there are public toilets in the High Street by the bus shelter. (park in the Library car park TQ214160 – there is a parking charge, but you may get away with it if you’re just using the toilets!)
The plan is to walk south on the old railway line “Downslink” as far as where the stream from Woods Mill joins it. There may be some early activity at the heronry. We will then go into the fields for a better view across a very wet and muddy section – for which wellies are essential at the moment – but return to the railway line.
There are plenty of Teal, Wigeon, Shoveler and Pintail on this part of the brooks. Also Canada and Greylag Geese. There have been some White-fronted Geese , a Marsh Harrier & Great Egrets..
Lapwings, and occasionally another wader species might join them . So if members have telescopes it is well worth bringing them.
On the return leg we plan to divert down to the Rye Farm track where there have been wintering Chiffchaffs, also Grey Wagtail and occasionally Water Rail & Firecrest
Meeting Point: at the Downslink Car Park, Upper Station Road, Henfield (Just past the Old Railway pub) OS TQ205161

Rye & Dungeness
2026-01-15 | Rye Harbour & Pett Levels, Rye Harbour, Harbour Road, East Sussex, TN31 7TX, United Kingdom
This 2 day trip is designed to kickstart the New Year with a good assortment of wildfowl and waders to be found, plus hopefully some divers or grebes around too. Great White Egret, Glossy Ibis and Marsh Harrier are regularly seen around the Dungeness reserve and Bewick’s Swans are often found on the marshes. Barn Owl, Bittern and Bearded Reedling are all possible. All have been reported in recent days.

14/1 we depart Shoreham at 7am. The plan is to drive initially to Rock-a-nore, Hastings for a toilet stop and hopefully Fulmars. Then we will continue to Pett Level, and spend around 30 mins there scanning the sea and marshes.

From here we will continue to Dungeness, starting at the ARC/Hanson hide, which is opposite the main reserve. We would aim to be there around 10.AM. We will spend the day here exploring the reserve and surrounding area, taking account of local birding news.

Members should bring their own packed lunches as there are limited facilities at the visitor centre.

We plan to make the most of daylight, and will aim to finish at a location with the possibility of seeing birds coming in to roost, before driving to our accommodation at Winchelsea.
The reserve is managed by RSPB and parking fees will be payable for non-members who are driving themselves

15/1 After breakfast we will transfer to Rye Harbour and aim to be at the car park around 9.30AM and will spend the day around the reserve and local area.This reserve is run by SWT and there are no entry fees. Food and drink are available at the visitor centre.The itinerary is subject to change taking account of local weather conditions and bird news.

Rye & Dungeness
2026-01-14 | RSPB Dungeness, Boulderwood Farm, Dungeness Road,, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 9PN, United Kingdom

SDOS Talk - Species that make Sussex special
2026-01-08 19:30 - 22:30 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A talk by Chris Corrigan -Species that make Sussex special. For more information contact Sue Miles at memsec@sdos.org

Seasonal Stroll to the Fort at Shoreham
2025-12-31 09:30 - 12:30 | Shoreham Harbour & Fort, Harbour Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5HZ, United Kingdom
Join Clive Hope & Steve Lawless on this Seasonal Stroll on New Year’s Eve
Outing Information: We will walk to the harbour mouth and Fort. If there’s interest, time and the weather is kind we can relocate to Widewater to finish the morning.
Distance 1 mile
There is usually a mobile coffee bar at the Fort car park.
Target birds will be Black Redstart, Purple Sandpiper & Rock Pipit at the Fort, and possibly the infamous Eider Duck!
Meeting Point: In the lay-by car park (free parking) on the left just before the sailing club by the river, Shoreham Beach. Map Ref: 198/TQ231048

Brooklands Park & Lake
2025-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Brooklands Park, Western Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN15 8SA, United Kingdom
Meet outside the cafe at the northern end of the lake, unless other instructions are issued. Parking is available in a pay and display car park, adjacent to the cafe. Payment is by cash or card. The venue is also good for public transport including the 700 bus service, running between Brighton and Worthing

SDOS Members Evening
2025-12-11 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom

RSPB Medmerry
2025-12-10 09:30 - 13:30 | RSPB Medmerry, Earnley RSPB Car Park, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7JL, United Kingdom
Organisers: Paul Emmerson & Richard Allan
RSPB Medmerry is just along the coast from RSPB Pagham Harbour, and was created through one of Europe’s largest coastal realignment projects. It transformed a floodplain into a thriving wetland habitat. The reserve itself is a mix of saltmarsh, lagoons, and shingle banks, while the surrounding area is rough grassland, hedgerows and scrub.
This mix of habitats gives a very good mix of birds. In early winter we will find wildfowl, waders, raptors, finches and buntings.
Bring mid-walk refreshments. The route is 4 miles and the whole area is exposed, so dress accordingly.
Parking is at the larger of two RSPB car parks (beware if you simply type RSPB Medmerry into Google Maps – you may end up at the wrong one). Meet at the Earnley RSPB Car Park at 09.30 am . Post Code : PO20 7JL

Better as always to use the What3Words below:

Beeding Brooks
2025-11-23 13:30 - 17:00 | Beeding Brooks, Pound Lane, Upper Beeding, West Sussex, United Kingdom
Meet 1:30 pm in Pound Lane, Upper Beeding just before the stables. Some stiles on walk – bring wellies. Map Ref: 198/TQ197111.

Farlington Marshes
2025-11-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Farlington Marshes, Solent Way, Farlington, Portsmouth, PO6 1UN, United Kingdom
Join the two Tonys ( Tony Letchford & Tony Benton) on a trip to Farlington Marshes, the first time SDOS has visited this reserve. (OS Map Reference SU 685 045). Beware on your departure as it can be quite tricky to exit the reserve
Parking: Three car parks are available – height barriers at entrances (6′ 3″)
Outing Information: There is a path that runs around the outer sea wall. We will follow circular route which is approximately 3miles.
This reserve offers wonderful walks all year round, but during the winter it really comes to life, playing host to a staggering number of migratory, overwintering wildfowl.
Dark bellied brent geese, wigeons, teals, avocets, redshanks and dunlins flock to Farlington Marshes in their thousands, creating unrivalled bird watching opportunities. The winter also sees the return of the ever popular short eared owls, which hunt over the Point Field and southern end of the main marsh.
Bring refreshments & some lunch as we will stop part way along the route.
Meeting Point: Meet at 10am at the far (Eastern) car park, which is at the entrance to the seawall & reserve.

Birds in Brazil
2025-11-13 19:30 - 22:00 | St Nicolas and St Mary Primary School, Eastern Avenue, Shoreham-by-Sea, BN43 6PE, United Kingdom
A talk by Jenny Holter.
