SDS News

FACEBOOK

petevarkala@mac.com — 2012-05-02T14:09:47+01:00

We now have a Facebook Group!

CALLING ALL BIRDERS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2012-01-09T21:27:40+00:00

Calling all birders!

Yellow hammers, red kites, cuckoos and much more. Are you able to identify some of the birds that you hear on the Rifle Range and the Horseshoe? The Steyning Downland Scheme is setting up a bird surveying group that will identify and record the birds living on our downs. This will initially require a once a month commitment during the spring and the summer. Would you like to join in, enjoy the birds, and meet some like minded people? Initial briefing meeting will be on the evening of February 27th. Please contact Bryony Webb on 01903 817996, or bryony@wistonestate.co.uk for more details
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SCRUB CLEARING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2012-01-07T17:15:59+00:00

The Ranger Team gathered together for our monthly day on the downs. Today we were assigned the job of continuing with scrub clearing up on the Steyning Coombe. The weather was very kind to us & it was a pleasure to be up there working with such a great bunch of volunteers. It’s a slow job, and will probably be ongoing for a few seasons until we get on top of it. A Red Admiral butterfly was seen flying over the area & buzzards were being mobbed by crows in the distance.

Our team leader, Nigel, hesitantly suggested getting together more often to help move the job on, (we can only do this work during the winter months), and this was unanimously agreed. The unbounded enthusiasm of the team is inspiring!

MORE RANGER WORK

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-12-03T10:55:01+00:00

The intrepid SDS Ranger Team gathered together again this morning and were very pleased to be issued with their new T-shirts & fleeces. We will all now look very smart (at least until the inevitable mud & grunge associated with our labours attach themselves to our clothing!)
The team split into 2 groups, one heading up to the Steyning Coombe in order to attack the scrub which is threatening to swamp the area, and the other to the pond to investigate the plumbing system of the dam.
The first team had the unenviable task of cutting and treating the scrub which is threatening to swamp the valuable grassland on the Coombe. This is slow & back-breaking work involving cutting the scrub down, clearing the brash & then treating the stumps with a biodegradable weedkiller. Although we do not like using chemicals here, the process is very targeted, literally painting each stump with the solution, & the chemical used is harmless to wildlife and biodegrades into harmless compounds

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The second team, Alec, Robin & myself, were charged with investigating the neglected overflow system at the dam by the pond. The whole pond system, originally built to supply Court Mill with plenty of water for it’s milling operations, has been left to its own devices for decades. When the pond fills up after rain it overflows around the back of the dam through a badly eroded channel as the existing system has become blocked.
We started by lifting the concrete lid of the sump to discover it was full of debris. Robin volunteered to get inside and start removing the debris & this was quite difficult due to the small space & depth of the sump.
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We removed large quantities of wood, broken bottles, drinks cans, plastic bottles and other assorted rubbish. Rob even found a hibernating slow worm which we relocated to a safer location. It would surely have drowned once water levels rose.

Eventually we got to the bottom of the sump and found the outlet pipe. Surprisingly the structure was all in very good shape, but, unsurprisingly, the outlet pipe was blocked. We went to find some drain rods and Rob found that he could push them a long way down the pipe before encountering the blockage. This proved to be on the edge of the watercourse downstream, so we started digging.
We had to create a small dam of our own to facilitate daring the area, but eventually found the top of the outlet pipe. After much triumphal back-slapping, we removed enough silt to get the drain rod all the way through.

However, as the watercourse has silted up so much and the outlet is so much lower than the existing water level, we have to devise a solution to getting the pipe to flow again without forever getting blocked….Watch this space!
Once again, many thanks to all our volunteers for giving up their time to help with the Steyning Downland Scheme.

Pete Varkala

POND WORKING WEEKEND

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-11-20T15:04:03+00:00

Over this weekend the Steyning Downland Scheme instigated a scheme of work designed to improve the habitat in & around the Upper Pond. This pond has been neglected for many years & has become overgrown with trees & scrub creating a rather dark environment. This pond, originally made to service the needs of Court Mill on the outskirts of Steyning, is fed by a unique and valuable chalk stream fed by numerous springs upstream. Our plan is leave this habitat untouched and concentrate our efforts on letting more air & light into the area immediately around the pond thus encouraging more vegetation & wildlife generally. This will be done over some time to enable us to monitor the results.(More information about the ponds can be found here)

Our intrepid & eager volunteers gathered together on a beautiful Saturday morning. Our success was dependent on the generosity of Nick Hall who gave up his weekend to perform heroic feats with his chainsaw creating huge amounts of wood & brash for the group to clear away, burn and tidy up. Obviously working around water meant that we all ended up damp & muddy, especially Nick, whose boots soon filled up!

Sunday morning dawned dull & misty & we did not see the sun all day, depriving us of the sight of sunlight streaming into our newly opened up pond. We did, however, spot a Grey Wagtail bobbing around the pond until it was frightened off by the roar of the saw! The Kelly Kettle was fired up, tea was brewed, cake was eaten and a grand time was had by all. We ended the day, as dusk fell, gathered around the remnants of the fire taking a well-earned rest before packing up and going home.

Many many thanks to Helen, Debbie, Ole, Tim, Rupert, Robin, Sally, Dave, Pete & Nick.

POND WORKS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-11-14T16:13:59+00:00

Over next weekend, Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th, we shall be making a start on our pond management plan.
This will involve felling and removing some of the trees growing in and around the Upper Pond. The objective is to let some more light into the area which should have the result of encouraging more plant & animal life into & around the pond improving the general biodiversity of the area.
For safety reasons we shall have to close the footpath that goes past the pond while we are working there. Please keep your dogs under control if you walk nearby.
Thank you
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RANGERS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-11-05T15:48:47+00:00

In spite of a poor weather forecast, we had a fantastic turnout of willing volunteers for our Ranger Day. Our plan was to make a start on the blackthorn management suggested by Neil Hulme of the Sussex Butterfly Conservation. The objective was to create a broad range of growth stages of the blackthorn & bullace on the Rifle Range and in our Brown Hairstreak Reserve. This will provide plenty of suitable places for these lovely & rare butterflies to lay their eggs.
We started by cutting the proscribed sections down to ground level, cleared the cuttings, and then gave the overgrown scrub a ‘haircut’ to prevent shading of younger growth.
We had a convivial lunch break with our new Kelly Kettles providing boiling water for tea, and plenty of biscuits provided by Nigel.

Thanks to everyone who helped and worked so hard during the day, & to Sarah for the photos. Job done!

Before

After

The Team

GRAZING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-10-11T12:36:02+01:00

If you’ve been to the Rifle Range or up on Pepperscoombe Bank recently you will have noticed that the Sussex Cattle are back onsite. They will be grazing here for the rest of the winter, then some will be moved up to the Steyning Coombe for a few months.
If you want to know more about our reasons for having them here then take a look at the “Livestock & Grazing” page.

FRIENDS SCHEME

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-09-30T12:25:20+01:00

BIG PICNIC

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-09-11T12:33:05+01:00

An unexpectedly beautiful September day greeted us for the 2011 Big Picnic. The tractor rides were back this year, welcomed by all those carrying their picnics out to the Downs. On the foraging walk, we found out about the many delicious foods we can enjoy making from the bushes we walk past - often alcoholic! Nigel's sample of the elderberry wine was a great hit, along with the apple press, giving us fresh apple juice. Craft abounded with pencil making, corn dolly making, and whistle making - and even the chance to learn how to make fire by friction. Our pond experts filled us in on the wonders of eels and caddis, and there was plenty of chance to run around with the parachute and the baleball. The really wild quiz got our heads scratching over what actually does live here, and Andy's antiquarium proved a wonderful little world to ponder over. And we were sustained by the lovely bacon butties and tea and cakes provided by many willing volunteers. So many local people played a part to make a relaxed enjoyable afternoon out on the Steyning Downland Scheme - it always leaves me smiling.

ART DAY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-07-28T14:58:17+01:00

Experiencing the Downs through art

14 people gathered, from beginners to experienced artists, for a day painting on the Downs. This is what they said about the 2011 SDS Art Day:

“Thank you both again for making today such a pleasant experience and what a lovely spot to be at one with nature in todays busy world.” Gloria

“There are so many splendid things happening through your Downlands scheme, you should feel very pleased and proud of the achievements.” Caroline

“I enjoyed the day immensely. You gathered together an interesting group whose company I enjoyed very much exchanging views about more than just art.” Jon

“Sitting amongst the wild flowers, surrounded by the chirruping of crickets, breathing in the heady air and trying to capture the peace and downland shapes on paper was magical. I hope to return many times, bringing friends to enjoy it too.”
Alison

“What a lovely day we had painting the downs. I had no idea the area was so very beautiful. So many wild flowers, so many different greens, wonderful clouds and woodland and glades, we were overwhelmed with the choice. I can't wait until next year to have another go, and will hopefully return soon to set my imagination free. Thanks for the welcome and organisation, and a friendly group of people. “Jackie

If you want to see some more local art, including some pieces from this event, visit the St Nicholas art and craft exhibition from 10am until 5pm on Saturday Sunday and Monday (27th to 29th August). Paintings, prints, ceramic works, wood carved and turned objects, jewellery and other crafts will be on display.

Thank you to local artist Elisabeth Harden for being the leading light behind making the SDS Art Days a success.

BUTTERFLY WALK

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-08-21T10:38:00+01:00

An amazing total of 64 eager butterfly hunters gathered together today for a guided walk led by Neil Hulme from Sussex Butterfly Conservation. Thankfully the weather was reasonably kind to us and there was enough sunshine to tempt out 8 Brown Hairstreaks for all of us to admire & photograph. In spite of the numbers of people, everyone had an opportunity to get a really good look at these small but lovely butterflies as they laid their eggs on the bullace & blackthorn, not only in our designated reserve area, but also around the perimeter of the Rifle Range, showing how important the whole site is for the species.

Photo by Neil Hulme

Many other butterflies were seen, including a beautiful Clouded Yellow, probably an immigrant from Europe.
Many thanks to Neil for, as usual, an extremely entertaining & informative morning. His account of the walk can be found here.

DISCOVERY DAYS 2011

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-07-19T18:07:29+01:00

160 twelve year olds from the Grammar School spent three days answering the question ‘what is special about the Steyning Downland Scheme’. Many local people volunteered their time to show the students the many different special aspects of the area: dog walkers, mountain bikers, archaeologists, pond specialists, SDS rangers, chalk grassland experts and a member of the Partridge Green Home Guard. Sussex Wildlife Trust, the South Downs National Park, A Rocha and the Neighbourhood Wardens all played a part as well. It was a wonderful collaboration of many different people’s expertise.
More information & photos on the Discovery Days page.

FUNDRAISING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-06-09T11:42:02+01:00

Can you spare £5?
The more we find out about this special piece of land, the more we can do to look after it, learn about it, and enjoy it.
SDS will be doing more fundraising in future to support this work. We would like to set up an easy way to for people to donate online, which will also enable sponsored events to have a home page, and gift aid to be easily processed.
We are looking for 36 people who would be willing to donate £5 so we can set up an online giving site.
If you would like to offer this, please send a cheque payable to Steyning Downland Scheme to:
SDS, Wiston Estate Office, Wiston Park, Steyning, BN44 3DD
If you are a tax payer, please also fill in and send the gift aid form attached.
If we are lucky to receive more than £180, we would use the donations for the costs of looking after the SDS site.
If you would like to help us with fundraising, please contact us: bryony@wistonestate.co.uk 01903 812129
Thank you!

EXPLORE!

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-06-09T11:32:40+01:00

Explore!
Explore the Steyning Downland Scheme with a variety of free Sunday afternoon activities and walks
Led by local experts
2nd Sunday of the month 2 – 4pm
Meet at the old NTC hut off Mouse Lane

10th July: Herbs and Folklore
14th August: Bugs and Beasties
All welcome
More Information here

PONDS SURVEY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-05-24T11:02:07+01:00

As part of our ongoing quest to find out as much as we can about the wildlife living on our site we are doing as many surveys as possible. Our chalk stream & ponds are a unique and valuable habitat and we have started an invertebrate survey to discover some of what we have in the beautifully clear water that flows from the springs.

This survey is being done by Sally Clifton, an invertebrate specialist, with the help of SDS volunteers.
Monday was mainly spent surveying the Upper Pond area, which involved much scrambling up & down the very steep slopes down to the stream. Various suitable sites were selected and Sally set to work with her net. Samples were collected and put into various buckets, carefully labelled, for later inspection & identification under the microscope. It was noted that, probably due to the number of overhanging trees preventing much light getting into the area, there was very little marginal or submerged vegetation. This will probably mean a small number of different species present here, and this seemed to be the case from looking at the samples. Proper inspection will reveal more.

We then moved down to the Lower Pond which proved to be very difficult to access due to how overgrown the area has become. This is no bad thing as is provides a fairly large area that is relatively undisturbed and is hence a haven for nesting birds and wildlife generally.

We found a good spot to sample and the very first net produced what seemed to be many more species, including a fantastic dragonfly nymph.

We decided to leave the rest of the sampling here to the next day.

On Tuesday we approached the Lower Pond from our neighbours land. Many thanks to Jon Hazel for allowing us to do this as access is a bit easier from his side of the pond.

We found three good sampling sites and plenty of life in this pond, including several Stickleback.

The apparent greater diversity of species found here is probably due to the much more open nature of the habitat and the consequent greater abundance of plants living in & around the pond.
It will be fascinating to find out what Sally discovers lurking in the muddy samples she has taken home with her. Many thanks to her for agreeing to do the survey and thanks also to Debbie Nicolls for giving up her time to help.

REPTILE SURVEY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-05-22T10:27:48+01:00

If you’ve been walking around the Rifle Range & Steyning Coombe recently, you may have noticed various pieces of roofing felt scattered around. No, these are not unsightly litter to be cleared up, but refugia under which, hopefully, some of our reptile population will gather to warm up. They have been placed to help with our reptile survey and will be checked regularly to establish reptile presence & populations.
This morning we went around the site and found specimens of all four species likely to be here which was a great result.
Common Lizard

Slow Worm

Grass Snake

Adder

Our thanks to Tom Hall for setting this up and agreeing to do the survey for us.

RANGER DAY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-05-07T11:54:36+01:00

Our newly formed Ranger Group had another outing on 7th May.
Here’s Nigel Bowman’s review of the day:

A great day was had on the 7th with personalities starting to develop.

We took on the task of first clearing the secondary growth around the Elms that were planted in the winter. Amazingly all the saplings have survived and no casualties to report so far. After this we went up to the Flint Barn to block off a desire line the Mountain Bikers had created that was at the top of a very steep bank. It was decided by Dave "the brains" Buckett to build a dead hedge. Not a normal dead hedge but a "Marks and Spencer" dead hedge that was more of a woven fence panel crossed with a laid hedge.

We set too and gathered the necessary stakes for the posts and whips to weave in. Soon Rupert "slasher" Avon soon showed his prowess with a bill hook and was deforesting every Ash sapling in a 200 meters radius. We eventually caught him eyeing an 80 foot Beech but was able to distract him with the offer of a cup of tea.
Here Rupert is trying to get into my waterproof trousers and asking "does my bum look big in this" and finding that he did not fit.

A very civil light lunch was had (very light as I had bought some muffins and sausage rolls for everyone but forgot to bring them) where Sarah and Debbie had the sense to bring some food and the rest of us sat there looking forlorn in the hope that they would feel sorry for us and thank goodness Debbie did.

Finally we went up to Steyning Coombe and laid out another dozen covers for the reptile surveys. This adds to 80+ that Tom has already done!!!!

BUTTERFLY WALK

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-05-15T12:23:13+01:00

There was a very successful butterfly walk today led by Neil Hulme from the Sussex Butterfly Conservation. More than 50 people gathered at our meeting place in Mill Road and Neil took us up to the Rifle Range & then to the Steyning Coombe. Although butterflies were low in numbers, we did see a good range including Small Heath, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Green Hairstreak, Red Admiral, Brimstone, Dingy Skipper, Green-veined White & Wall Brown.

There’s a more detailed write-up here: http://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/sightings.html

CATTLE IN STEYNING COOMBE

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-03-29T12:47:33+01:00

The small herd of Sussex cattle which have done such a good job of grazing the Rifle Range over the winter have now been moved up to the Steyning Coombe SSSI.

Our main problem with getting this area grazed was the lack of a water supply. We have now arranged for a water bowser to be taken there and the cattle will now be grazing for a couple of weeks or so.

SDS INFORMATION EVENING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-02-10T12:47:40+00:00

On the 10th February we had a very successful evening meeting open to the public at the Steyning Centre. There was a really good turnout and some people had to stand at the back or sit on the floor.

The evening started with an introduction from Richard Goring representing the Wiston Estate, the landowners, followed by a slideshow showing how the scheme had progressed since its inception and some of the wonderful wildlife & landscapes of the site. Bryony Webb, the scheme’s co-ordinator, then gave a talk about the aims & ideals of the scheme and how we are looking for more local people to become involved. Neil Hulme, from Sussex Butterfly Conservation, gave a short talk about how butterfly diversity is already being improved by suitable chalk grassland management, & Sue Rogers, a founding member of the Steering Group talked about her involvement as a local resident.There was a question & answer session & everyone was encouraged to put forward their ideas about the future development of the scheme.
It was a really successful evening and many thanks to all those who helped put the event together.

ELM PLANTING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2011-01-28T13:35:14+00:00

In association with the Sussex Butterfly Conservation, we are pleased to announce that thirteen Elm trees have been planted in a small area adjacent to the path from Mouse Lane to the Rifle Range.
These Elms are cultivars from a project to find Dutch Elm Disease resistant varieties at Portsmouth University. They have be tested extensively and so far have been found to have excellent resistance and so are likely to develop into full grown trees in due course.
Most of our elms have been wiped out by this disease over the past 40 years or so, & any young trees that emerge die well before reaching maturity.
The main reason we have planted these elms is because they provide the only habitat for the White-letter Hairstreak butterfly which has suffered badly due to DED. We hope that when the trees reach a reasonable size, in eight to ten years time, these lovely butterflies will find them and we will have a breeding colony here. They will also grow into beautiful trees that have been missing from our landscape for too long.
A keen and enthusiastic group of volunteers gathered on friday morning and spent about four hours clearing spaces for the saplings in an area which was covered in the remains of young elms that had not survived.

Our grateful thanks to our volunteers, Tom Ottley & Neil Hulme from Sussex Butterfly Conservation (who also provided the elms), and also to David Buckett & Nigel Bowman.

BOOKSHOP EVENT

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-10-28T12:34:07+01:00

Anyone interested in butterflies should be tempted to attend this event run by the Steyning Bookshop on Wednesday 17th November. Patrick Barkham will be talking about & signing copies of his new book all about his quest to see all the native British butterflies in one year. He saw the Brown Hairstreak on our own Rifle Range. Well worth the £5.00 entrance fee, to include wine & canapés.

CATTLE & GRAZING

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-10-08T14:53:56+01:00

We are pleased to announce that our Chalk Grassland Management Strategy re-commences during the week beginning 11th October. A small herd of Sussex cattle will be allowed into the Rifle Range & Pepperscoombe Bank for most of the winter.Steyning Coombe will also have cattle in it sporadically over this period, for about two weeks at a time.
Cattle are an essential part of our management plan and will greatly improve the biodiversity of the site by keeping under control the coarse invasive grass species which tend to outgrow and swamp other less dominant but more useful plants. We are already seeing some benefits in the butterfly species seen, and hopefully this trend will continue, giving us all a much more diverse site to enjoy. More information here.
Please ensure all dogs are kept under control & do not disturb the cattle, and please continue to enjoy walking in the area over the winter.

GETTING CLOSE

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-09-26T15:40:29+01:00

Read Sherie New’s article about getting close up to the botanical wonders of the Steyning Downland Scheme site.
Article & photos here.

THE BIG PICNIC

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-09-12T15:59:25+01:00

On Sunday 12th September we had a hugely enjoyable afternoon in the Rifle Range together with lots of local residents who came along for some fun & games, bacon butties and tea & cakes.
There was information about the Steyning Downland Scheme’s activities over the year and an exhibition & silent auction of artwork by artists who had attended our Art Day event earlier in the year.
More information & photos here:

"JEWEL IN THE CROWN"

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-09-03T11:48:48+01:00

We are very pleased to announce that it looks as if our recently introduced management policy for the Rifle Range, specifically the introduction of cattle grazing last winter, has already born fruit. The Adonis Blue butterfly, an indicator of prime chalk grassland habitat, has been absent from the site for many years. We now have confirmed sightings of five freshly-emerged males & a single female.
To learn more about this amazing butterfly, Read Neil Hulme’s article here:

BUTTERFLY WALK

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-08-28T22:04:46+01:00

Neil Hulme today led a very successful butterfly walk up on the Rifle Range. Here is his account of the day:

‘The BC Sussex field trip calendar reached a spectacular grand finale at Steyning Rifle Range on Saturday, blessed by initially clear blue skies and warm sunshine. It was difficult to assess the number of attendees as a sizeable group forged ahead for an early start, and helped out by spotting Brown Hairstreaks for us (thanks Colin, Tom, Roger et al.); and quite a few left before midday after seeing the main party amassing on the slopes in a scene straight out of 'Braveheart'! Earlier I had counted 49, but at one point there must have been 55 enthusiasts simultaneously looking at these beautiful butterflies! There was no effort required in spotting this usually elusive species, as there were regular shouts of "two together here", "one here", "another one here". Despite an over-sized group everyone managed to get up close and personal with a Brown Hairstreak, many for the first time. Without trying too hard we notched up 7 during the course of the walk. The species list (including those seen after the official walk) comprised Brown Hairstreak, Wall, Adonis Blue, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Brown Argus, Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White and Brimstone. The Adonis Blue was particularly significant, as this is the first sighting here for many years, and probably reflects the early signs of habitat improvement after just one winter's grazing. I suspect a female Adonis reached the Rifle Range during the spring brood, probably from Mill Hill. All-in-all it was a great way to finish my walks for the year - and great to see so many friendly faces. (Neil Hulme)’

Thanks to Neil for being such an entertaining & informative host for this very popular walk.

BUSHCRAFT DAY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-08-23T10:28:20+01:00

11 children set out to a rather wet flint barn on 23rd August. Despite the damp twigs, a fire got going and the group learnt some new skills. They used bowsaws, learnt lashing techniques to build their shelters, and tested their map reading skills on a treasure hunt. The day rounded off with some very well earned marshmallow 'smores' (they're so nice, that once you've had one, you want s’more!)

BUSHCRAFT DAY

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-07-26T09:50:12+01:00

24 children enjoyed a day out in the woods with the Steyning Downland Scheme. One boy commented that they had been learning about Steyning, but never knew this area existed - it was a day of finding out what is right under our noses. We turned hazel into charcoal, and later cut elder sticks - which have a soft centre. We knocked out the soft centre to make pencils along with our hazel twigs. Several fine shelters were built, one even seemed to get through the waterproofing test! The fire of course made a great place to gather, and the children's firelighting skills were put to the test as they heated water in the storm kettles for hot chocolate. 24 rather dusty, but smiling children headed back to civilisation at 3.00, carrying their goodies from the day.

PONDS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-04-25T15:20:28+01:00

We are fortunate to have some unique & interesting ponds & spring-fed chalk streams on the site. These sorts of watercourses are rare and can support some unique species. During this year these areas will be surveyed and then a management plan created &, in due course, implemented.
Further information about the ponds is available HERE.

CATTLE

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-05-25T15:13:56+01:00

The Sussex Cattle have now been moved off the Rifle Range, but are continuing to graze on Pepperscoombe Bank. Our arrangement with a local farmer will hopefully allow us to have both cattle & sheep grazing at appropriate times over the next few years. This will create a much improved chalk grassland habitat for wild flowers, butterflies etc. Some of the cows are now having calves. Please ensure dogs are kept under control.

GLOW WORMS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-06-25T14:14:53+01:00

When is a worm not a worm? When it’s a Glow Worm! This is, in fact, a beetle and the female has the amazing ability of bioluminescence. When she is ready to mate, she positions herself in grassland and signals her readiness by emitting an eerie green light from the end of her abdomen. Males home in on this, mating occurs, she lays her eggs and then dies!
Last Tuesday evening a group of Steyning wildlife enthusiasts accompnied Simon Jackson over the Rifle Range & Steyning Coombe searching for this elusive glow in the dark. It didn’t take too long for one of the party to announce a discovery and soon many others were found. It’s good to know we have a healthy population of this uncommon but amazing beetle. Sherie New managed to get some good photos:

Learn all about glow worms at http://www.glowworms.org.uk/

STEYNING COUNTRY FAIR

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-05-31T12:55:43+01:00

Did you know that chalk grassland is as diverse as the tropical rainforest - and rarer! The SDS stall at the Steyning Fair gave a practical demonstration of this with two pieces of turf from the project site. One, ungrazed, showed one or two species of tall grasses.The other, grazed, showed an amazing variety of plants in the same area. Lots of people came to visit the stall and found out more about just what a special area Steyning has right on its doorstep.

SURVEYS

petevarkala@mac.com — 2010-06-25T12:54:25+01:00

SDS has seen two botanical surveying days so far, getting down into the detail of the chalk grassland species. Following a day supported by the Sussex Botanical Recording Society, six intrepid local surveyors mapped surveying routes, and grappled with identifying the wild roses. There are three more days over the summer. If you are interested in learning
alongside other interested people, let us know at SDS, and we'll fill
you in on the details. The results of the first survey are HERE, if you
want to know what we found.