Sussex Branch

Not a butterfly, but an unexpected bee, unless it's something which looks like a bee. Hopefully Martin can I D it. It was rather comatose even after I'd warmed it up a bit. (John Heys , West Worthing) - TQ131025

In my North Lancing garden it was 7°C and very sunny either side of midday. Blow me down, a Peacock basked briefly. (Lindsay Morris, North Lancing)

A Red Admiral flew across Bridgers Mill Road near Sainsbury's in Haywards Heath this lunchtime. It was about 14 degrees so not that surprising. Doubt it will be the last of the year as a mild Christmas is forecast... (Martin Buck, Haywards Heath )

A message I received from a member who lives in East Sussex: "An egging Red Admiral in the garden at midday today. Five days away from the winter solstice and the temperature 14 degrees in the sunshine". (Martin Kalaher, East Sussex)

I walked a loop on the Kingston Ridge today, there was some sunshine and a little heat, enough for two Red Admiral to appear above Breaky Bottom Farm, near Rodmell. (Patrick Moore , Breaky Bottom) - TQ4054

In mostly cloudy conditions with minimal sunshine I was surprised to see a Red Admiral briefly fluttering against my bedroom window at around 2pm this afternoon. (James Arnott, Seaford) (James Arnott, Seaford)

Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers (left to right in Paul Day's image) JC, John, Roy, Two-fires, Richard, Jason, Helen and Gerald, for another productive day on the reserves, and further thanks to all who brought along festive nibbles, which were washed down with Sloe Gin. There will be plenty to do in the New Year, so every hour you can contribute will be greatly appreciated and make a real difference. There's lots of tidying-up to do, following major forestry work to create new rides and coppice clearings, but if we can get all these areas thoroughly cleared, there will be plenty of new habitat for our fritillaries and other butterflies to enjoy. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (Neil Hulme, Rowland Wood)

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS AND THAT MEANS IT WILL SOON BE CHRISTMAS QUIZ TIME! AS MOST OF YOU WILL ALREADY KNOW, THERE ARE 50 QUESTIONS, WITH TWO PARTS TO EACH QUESTION. THE FIRST PART REQUIRES SKILL IN IDENTIFYING BUTTERFLIES AND THE SECOND PART IS A TEST OF KNOWLEDGE. THE FIRST TWENTY QUESTIONS SHOULD PROVE TO BE FAIRLY EASY AND THEN THEY GRADUALLY BECOME A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT. IT'S BOTH FUN AND EDUCATIONAL. I DO HOPE THAT MANY OF YOU WILL GIVE IT A TRY. (Martin Kalaher, Storrington wildlife garden)

A SUMMARY OF THIS YEAR'S SIGHTNGS IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR READING. I APPRECIATE WE HAVE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND I WILL ADD A SENTENCE OR TWO, AS NEEDS BE. ENJOY! ALL THE ANNUAL REPORTS CAN BE FOUND ON THE MENU BAR UNDER ARCHIVES. (Martin Kalaher, Storrington wildlife garden)

No butterflies on a cloudy damp morning yesterday, but 27 volunteers from Warnham Wild Bunch and the Horsham Green Gym were hard at work in the Warnham Butterfly Fields clearing vegetation to create more open grassland habitat for our target species - Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper. All the arisings were used to form a massive 'dead hedge' which creates another useful habitat and avoids the need for bonfires! Some wonderful coffee and walnut cake and an orange and sultana sponge, both made by Val were enjoyed by all! More work parties are planned in 2025 from January to March, and Sussex Branch members of BC will be most welcome to join us. A fantastic morning's work (David Bridges, Warnham Butterfly Fields) - TQ153338