The new WeBS season starts in September and there are sites across Sussex that need new volunteers; now is a really good time to get started with this survey. WeBS is the principal monitoring scheme for non-breeding waterbirds in the UK which aims to provide data for the conservation of their populations and wetland habitats. […]

Members may be aware from local news reports that the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) are running a public consultation with a view to finalising an Action Plan in regard to the former cement works site at Upper Beeding. When published and approved, this document would offer prospective developers a guide as to the […]

The latest guidance from the RSPB is here. This includes further information on the recent outbreaks and their devastating impact on seabirds as well as advice on how you can help, including by reporting dead waterfowl (swans, ducks, geese), any seabirds or birds of prey to Defra.

Tim Squire has organised great Conferences in the past five years. The first three were in-person events at Clair Hall but when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, bringing with it all the safeguarding measures and rules, Tim valiantly arranged two on-line Conference weekends, with talks on both Saturday and Sunday. All were very well attended! Tim […]

Volunteers with Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) squares have the option to survey their squares for butterflies during July and August, as part of the Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey (WCBS) which is a collaboration between the BTO and Butterfly Conservation. Volunteers taking on new squares now can take part in the WCBS and then have the […]

The RSPB update here has helpful information and advice for birdwatchers on Avian Flu, which you may find helpful if you encounter dead birds.

Because of work commitments David Campbell has had to stand down as the SOS Swift Champion. The SOS thanks him for the enthusiasm and effort he has put into this role. Happily, Dave Boddington has agreed to take on the mantle of our Swift Champion.  Dave is a member of the SOS Scientific Committee and […]

The RSPB Operation Turtle Dove project is looking for some help in Sussex. If you see a Turtle Dove please could you record your sighting on BTO Birdtrack and let me know on the contact details below. Any help identifying where in Sussex Turtle Doves are should help the project engage with potential land owners […]

The County Recorder role is becoming vacant soon. If you have a keen interest in the county’s birds, broad experience from Britain and overseas of rare and scarce species and some spare time, do please consider putting your name forward. The Recorder works with a very experienced Assistant Recorder, a team of assessors and the […]

This is a call to help survey the last remaining squares before the 14th of May. There are still some squares left with the Sussex Nightingale survey. The methodology states that 2 visits need to be undertaken but if you are able to just undertake one visit to the available squares this week it would […]