25 years of the Wealden Heaths Breeding Bird Survey (Sussex) 1998-2022. An extended report (a short version appeared in the 2022 Sussex Bird Report) to include non-priority species, extra commentary and photographs of the individual heaths.
Alan Perry
WHBBS Organiser
SOS Conservation team, at the invitation of the Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) team at the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre (SxBRC), is drawing up a list of locations that are important for birds in Sussex, but currently have no level of protection. SxBRC is run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust and has lead responsibility in the county for the LWS system. LWS status does not give statutory protection, but is nevertheless of some value in protecting a site from development. The SOS drew up the criteria for applying LWS status for sites good for birds, and these were accepted by SxBRC. The criteria are based mainly on the range of red- and amber-listed breeding species and the number of species recorded in the last decade. If you would see these criteria in full, please email me at the address below.
Most of the places birded regularly in the county already have some form of protection, from Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) like Pagham Harbour down to the lowest designation of LWS, such as at Wisborough Green. These designations help protect sites if they become the subject of planning applications to local councils. We are most keen to highlight those places of value for birds that currently lack protection of any kind with a view to encouraging LWS designation to be secured, and you may visit a little known site that deserves such status. SxBRC is focussing on LWS designation in particular, but the SOS is also keen to identify sites that may already have this designation, but merit stronger, statutory protection. West Rise Marsh is a good example of the latter.
It would assist the Conservation team if members of the Society provided details of sites, preferably with Ordnance Survey co-ordinates, that they are keen to see protected, but fear may have none, or might merit upgrading. The extent of the site is of little consequence. Notification of a site of concern will not guarantee the application of LWS (or better) status, but we will do our best, assuming the criteria are met. Please email details of your candidate locations to conservation@sos.org.uk in the first instance.
Terry Allen
Conservation Team
Sadly for the SOS Martin Orchard-Webb shall be stepping down from the role of Assistant Recorder, a post he has held for the last six years. Martin’s hard work and diligence over this time is much appreciated by all of us and he will be sorely missed!
Consequently we would love to hear from anyone interested in assuming this position. Tasks involve assisting the County Recorder by working in tandem, ensuring that the list of scarce birds reported (those requiring descriptions) is well maintained and up-to-date. Although the Assistant Recorder does not assess records, he or she will liaise directly (usually by email) with those on the Rarities Commitee, preparing batches of records for circulation and following up on them to ensure that they are assessed in a timely and efficient manner.
Interested parties are kindly asked to send an email to the following address : recorder@sos.org.uk
Wealden Heaths Breeding Bird Survey (West Sussex)
Surveyor needed urgently from 2024
This long running survey monitors 21 breeding species with emphasis on heathland specialists by the simple method of detecting males holding territory. The core heaths of West Sussex have been surveyed for twenty-five years and we are now in need of a surveyor for the important site of Weavers Down SU8130.
Nightjar, Woodlark, Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit and Stonechat are the prime targets however this heath also good for Redstart and Linnet.
The Survey starts in mid-February, (to find the Woodlarks taking up their territories) and carries on mid-July. We try to cover the individual sites entirely on at least four occasions, including one early year visit as mentioned, and two visits (more if you have the inclination and the time) about two weeks apart during May when song activity is at its peak. There will be at least one evening visit in May or June to detect Nightjar.
The survey is not particularly demanding but the continuous nature, providing so far, twenty-five years of data has enabled us to assist with management advice and other conservation issues such as planning that might affect the heaths.
If you are interested please contact Alan Perry for more details on 01798 344417 or email aledgehill@outlook.com
Here is the latest newsletter from the Lewes Swift Supporters: LSS Newsletter July 2023
SOS Council member Mya Bambrick is undertaking a project called ‘21 Wildlife Walks.’ She will be going on and vlogging 21 different wildlife walks across the UK before her 21st birthday in September, with the aim to raise £2100 for the BTO, raise awareness of species decline and different conservation issues.
Locations include RSPB Arne, Alladale Wilderness Reserve in Scotland, Stackpole in Wales and of course locations in Sussex such as Pulborough Brooks and Warnham Local Nature Reserve. On some of her walks she will be joined by special guests including David Lindo, Juliet Vickery, and Penny Green.
Leica Sport Optics are supporting Mya in this project.
You can find vlogs of her first two walks at RSPB Weymouth Wetlands and Martin Down Nature Reserve on her Youtube Channel
To find out more and donate to this project, follow this link
SOS is seeking a person to take over from Audrey Wende to co-ordinate SOS’s mid-week walks for members.
The role involves organising one mid-week walk a month, generally 11 walks a year (none in August), find potential walk leaders and liaise with the weekend walks co-ordinator.
These events are attended by approximately 12 people and are a very popular benefit of membership particularly for those who are unable to walk at weekends
We have a good annual cycle of walks and an established list of great leaders, but we are always seeking new people to show us around new places.
If you are interested and want to find out more, please call Audrey on 01444 471358 or email her on mauwende@delta18.plus.com
There is a newly formed Swift group in Uckfield which needs more volunteers to survey and record nesting Swifts in the town.
If you would like to be involved please email swiftsoveruckfield@gmail.com
Chichester’s Peregrine Group are appealing to SOS members to help with their Peregrine Open Days at Chichester Cathedral on Wednesday – Sunday from 10th June – 9th July on the Cathedral Green. Help is sought with the telescope/video feed viewing and interpretation.
These Open Days continue to attract good numbers of people and this is a great way to stimulate an interest in wildlife across wider audiences.
The pair are currently sitting on 3 eggs. The 3rd egg was laid on 30th March so hopefully hatching around 2nd May.
Please contact David & Janet Shaw rockdjshaw@gmail.com if you can assist.
