Newhaven Wildlife: Late August at Castle Hill LNR, Newhaven

Thursday 4 September 2014

Late August at Castle Hill LNR, Newhaven

Newhaven is blessed with open spaces. Looking west from Denton and Mount Pleasant one can see three chalk heathland 'peaks' running roughly north to south: to the north is Bollen's Bush, which includes the last remaining segment of ancient woodland in the town; to the south is Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve, a magnificent site for naturalists, geologists and active types; in between is Meeching Down SNCI - known as the Union field to old timers and the place where, many years ago, I learned to ride a bicycle. The latter, sadly, has been rather neglected over the years, but I'm hoping that will change sometime soon.

Back to the southern-most location: Castle Hill LNR. I share a weekly transect walk with my mate Dave at this beautiful maritime reserve. the purpose is to record butterflies and day-flying moths along with some of the other invertebrates. We sometimes have to share the space with adventure-seekers and beach-goers with BBQs, but it pleases me that so many are attracted to the clifftops. Check out the webcams at the National Coastguard Institution Lookout to see what's going on: http://www.newhavenwebcams.co.uk/.

There is plenty of wildlife to see around the reserve. Here is a list of my sightings made on week 22 of this years transect walks. Some photographs are included below.

Butterflies (14) and moths (10 species)

Clouded Yellow (Colias croceus) 22

Large White (Pieris brassicae) 2

Green-veined White (Pieris napi) 2

Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) 3

Small White (Pieris rapae) 52

Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) 1

Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) 1

Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) 25

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) 24

Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) 1

Comma (Polygonia c-album) 1