Due to illness, we have had a last minute cancellation by our speaker for tomorrow’s meeting – it would have been Ella Garrud from Sussex Wildlife Trust on Marine Conservation.
Our speaker will now be Helen Poole (a well known local historian) who will be speaking on “Elizabethan Sussex”, so we hope that you will find this interesting, albeit a change of focus on the subject matter.
On Wednesday 23 April we are doing another Bluebell Walk, led by Graham Tuppen. This time it is in Clapham Woods. We meet in the car park of Clapham Church at 10 am.
On VE Day (Thursday 8 May), the Pillbox will once again be open to visit from 10am to 3pm, with talks by Pete Coe at 11am and 2pm. We will also be joined by a radio enthusiasts group.
Further ahead, on Thursday 15 May, we are making our annual visit to Warnham Nature Reserve, in memory of Tricia Hall. We shall meet in the car park there at 10 am. Admission is £4 and, as with their snack bar, payment is by card not cash.
Then on Tuesday 27 May we have our visit to Crosslands Nursery, Walberton, meeting there at 6.30 pm. for a 2-hour guided tour. Cost is £5 per person, plus flower bunches can be bought for £3 each (all cash only). We’ll be taking names (and the £5 entry) at this Friday’s meeting, plus there will be more details on our website in due course if you can’t make that meeting. The nursery is situated in Barnham Lane, between Barnham and Walberton – post code BN18 0AX
Our Practical Work
We shall be doing some tidying up of the flower beds on the Village Green on Thursday 1 May, at 10 am. With a good turn out of volunteers we can get it done in an hour. Please bring a trowel and/or secateurs.
Finally, our first beach clean of the year will take place on Sunday 18 May at 11am, meeting the east end of the Bluebird Cafe car park as usual. All equipment will be provided.
In advance of our AGM to be held at our main meeting this coming Friday 25th from 2.30pm, please see the Agenda, 2024 AGM minutes and this year’s accounts below for your information.
AGENDA
(The following will be nominated:
Chairman – Pete Coe; Vice-Chairman and Secretary – David Bettiss; Treasurer – Colin Annis. Other Committee members – Jane Hayman, Graham Tuppen, Stephen Abbott, Julie Wallace, Michael Pritchard, Ed Miller).
Other nominations are welcome.
David Bettiss (Secretary)
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 26 APRIL 2024
Committee members: Chris Green, Jane Hayman, Graham Tuppen, Diana Howard.
Ed Miller (Secretary)
Accounts audited week beginning 31.03.2025
FCG Accounts for 1 April 24 – 31 March 25
Income
Subscriptions 1840.00
Talk entry 1311.00
Donations 491.20
Social Tkts. & Sales 719.00
Christmas Card Sales 602.50
Outing – Boat Trip 731.00
—————
£5694.70
Expenses
Speaker Fees 723.80
Tea Provision 236.63
Card Printing 342.00
Hall Hire 454.75
Web Site 104.40
Insurance 134.40
Bank Charges 108.21
Magazine Printing 1554.40
Stationery 38.97
Social 743.40
Outing – Boat Trip 705.00
Various : Wreath 20.00
Equipment 49.39
Water Testing 37.20 £221.68
Plants 100.09
Christmas Tree 15.00
Donations: St Barnabas 250.00
Gifts 25.60 £350.60
Sea Scouts 25.00
CPRE Sussex 50.00
————–
£5718.24 Therefore overspend for year £23.54
Balance @ 1.4.24 £4820.77 @ 31.3.25 £4797.23
Cuckoo: sound of spring May 2025
By Kerry Williams – Communications Officer: Conservation
It’s become a tradition of mine to go camping locally for a few nights in May. Being emersed in nature, spending evenings by firelight, and absorbing the abundant buzz of wildlife; it’s a good-for-the-soul time to be outdoors in Sussex.
Hawthorn, or the May tree, is flowering in fragrant blooms. Bats are flitting enmasse from maternity roosts at dusk to forage. Badgers are on the trundle and Foxes on the trot. And yes, there are loads of lovely baby bunnies. In Sussex, we are lucky to retain a population of visiting Nightingales, and on uninterrupted May nights the males are in full rattling, palpitating symphony. Tawny Owls ke-wik and Barn Owls shriek. Woodlands burst into carpets of indigo as Bluebell scent fills the understory.
Amidst this, an undulating ‘beep-boop’ can be heard, a natural metronome. It is one of our most recognisable bird calls, and the onomatopoeic sound of spring and summer; the Cuckoo.
Arriving from Africa in March, Cuckoos infamously lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, sneakily replacing an egg of an unsuspecting parent for them to incubate, feed and fledge. The not-so-little Cuckoo nestling shunts other eggs, and even youngsters, out of the nest, outcompeting any remaining for resources, becoming the last chonky chick standing. Regularly hoodwinked are Reed Warblers, Dunnocks and Meadow Pipits.
Mostly insectivorous, with a penchant for Hairy Caterpillars, adult Cuckoos spend their days feeding prior to their homeward migration. Having not had chicks to rear and fledge, they leave around June, with the new generation following later in summer.
Overall, it sounds like Cuckoos are having a pretty easy time of it. However, as is the story of so many of our native species, they are under threat. Cuckoos have declined by 65% since the 1980s and are now on the UK conservation Red List. The usual suspects are at play of habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use resulting in food scarcity. Additionally, these issues have befallen many of their host species, leading to similar population declines, or, at the least, Cuckoo-bewildering behaviour changes such as earlier breeding.
Despite their size and familiarity, these elusive birds are not an easy spot. In a second act of mistaken identity, their barred chest can often resemble that of a Sparrowhawk. Although their calming calls have accompanied many a spring sundowner for me, I’m still yet to see one myself. Perhaps this year could be my year. Maybe.
As a well-respected and passionate conservationist, academic, author, television presenter and explorer, George McGavin’s interest in the natural world and especially insects began at a young age, conducting his own rock pool surveys along the beaches on the east coast of Edinburgh where he grew up. This fascination drove George to overcome a severe stammer and become an academic zoologist for 30 years, taking his degree at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD in entomology at Imperial College, London. He then went on to research and teach at the University of Oxford.
George was also at one time the Assistant Curator of Entomology at Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History. Later becoming a popular and regular contributor to the BBC One Show, delighting viewers with his ecology reports and bug-life presentations. George has also presented and advised on many other television programmes including The Secret Life of Landfill and the multi award-winning documentary After Life: the strange science of decay.
George said that insects have model organisms for research into genetics, physiology, behaviour and ecology but their decline will have a very serious effect on wildflower meadow areas which are now very rare with a 97% decline in 50 years (rarer than a rainforest in fact). Also alarmingly in a province of China, farm workers are having to ‘hand pollinate’ pear trees through the decline of pollinating insects.
George hates the popular term ‘sustainable growth’ as he stressed ‘growth cannot possibly be sustainable’. He is especially proud of the fact that several insect species have actually been named in his honour.
A packed audience thoroughly enjoyed his professional and at times amusing presentation, and the afternoon was well and truly rounded off with the announcement by Stephen Abbott that that very morning news had come through that the Planning Inspector had dismissed the appeal by Persimmon Homes to build a large estate of 475 houses at Chatsmore Farm (north Goring Gap). This excellent news was celebrated by those present and the wider local communities as it would have destroyed a much needed Local Green Gap and affected the setting of the adjacent South Downs National Park, as well as causing all manner of local infrastructure issues.
Yesterday, we delighted to learn that the Planning Inspector had dismissed the appeal by Persimmon Homes against the decision to refuse them planning permission to build a total of 475 new houses at Chatsmore Farm. This is a excellent decision for the local communities of Ferring and Goring on what would have been a very damaging development. So a big thank you to all those people who have submitted their objections, attended demonstrations and fought hard over a number of years. Also well done to Worthing Borough Council who have been forthright in standing up to Persimmon Homes. We now hope that this company give up on the idea of developing this land, and work with local communities to maintain it as a valuable natural habitat.
The decision notice runs to 17 pages, so far too long to replicate here, but below are some relevant short extracts:
Appeal Decision
Inquiry held on 17-18 and 24-26 September 2024 and 1 and 3 October 2024. Site visits made on 16 and 19 September 2024 by Y Wright BSc (Hons) DipTP MSc DMS MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State
Decision date: 28th March 2025
Appeal Ref: APP/M3835/W/21/3281813
Land North West of Goring Station, Goring-By-Sea, Worthing
Decision
Main Issues
I conclude that the appeal proposal would result in substantial harm to the LGG which would conflict with LP Policy SS5. It would also not accord with LP Policy SS1 on the basis that the development would be outside the BUAB, would not protect this remaining area of countryside and would substantially harm an important gap between settlements.
I conclude that the resultant harm from the proposal to the character and appearance of the local landscape would be substantial and would conflict with LP Policy SS1 which requires gaps and landscapes outside the BUAB to be protected, including those between settlements. It would also be contrary to LP Policy SS4 due to the adverse impact to the character of the area.
I conclude overall that the proposed development would result in moderate to modest harm to the SDNP over the lifetime of the development. Accordingly, this would not accord with LP PoliciesSS1 and SS4 and the Framework in this regard. It would also conflict with the duty in s11A of the 1949 Act, as it would not meet the legislative requirement to seek to further the statutory purposes of the National Park.
For the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal proposal conflicts with the development plan when read as a whole. Whilst there would be some benefits to the scheme to which I have afforded weight, these material considerations, when taken together, do not indicate that the appeal should be determined other than in accordance with the development plan. I therefore dismiss the appeal.
Bluebell Hues April 2025
By Kerry Williams: Communications Officer – Conservation
Like many people, Bluebells are a blast of nostalgia for me. I remember woodland days out as a kid; clambering up trees and scrawling thrilling finds like ‘Woodpigeon’ in biro in soggy exercise books. Bluebell season always required a visit. There’s not much like the all-encompassing violet thwack of Bluebells in ancient woodland. Sickly-sweet scent in your nostrils, the hues of the rich indigo carpet somehow also hanging in the air, and the understory buzzing with busy pollinators, who, just like you, are making the most of this abundant explosion.
We love a limited edition, a special experience that we must make the most of. Like one-off characters in your cereal box, like happy hour, like Nightingales. And Bluebell fever is no different. Every April and May, Sussex woodlands erupt with millions of these vivid beauties, announcing that spring truly, finally, fabulously, has sprung. This early flowering provides a welcome bounty for struggling wildlife and allows Bluebells to make the most of the sunlight before the woodland canopy becomes too dense.
Like many of our native wildflowers, the British Bluebell is up against it. At risk from habitat loss of precious ancient woodland, and threatened by a changing climate, the plant is also in competition with an interloper; the Spanish Bluebell. A non-native species, the Spanish Bluebell tends to outcompete its native counterpart for resources such as light and space. It can also hybridise with our native species, diluting the native Bluebell’s characteristics. So how can you tell these two species apart?
The native Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, has narrow leaves and tubular-bell shaped flowers of deep-violet blue which curl back at the edges. The flowers are generally down one side of the stem, which has a distinctive droop to it. The Spanish species, Hyacinthoides hispanica, has broader leaves and a paler blue, conical shaped flower. The stem is upright and covered with flowers on all sides. A big difference between the two is the Spanish has no scent, whilst the native Bluebell smells sweet.
The idea of plants ‘escaping’ your garden invokes notions of under-the-cover-of-darkness creeping, but it’s easier than you think for non-native species to go astray. Uncovered cuttings and garden waste can easily blow into communal areas or can be carried by animals, to proliferate in new, wild areas. If choosing to plant Bluebells in your garden, it’s best to choose the UK species for this reason. In a small way you could be supporting our native species to recolonise our wild woodlands, and to keep them smelling sweet.
Members and visitors welcomed Martin Jarvis, the owner of Culberry Nursery in Angmering which has been in existence for over 75 years. Martin explained that in the beginning it was run by his parents as a market garden with a 99-year lease where they lived in a caravan on the site; this is where Martin’s sister was born. By the time Martin came along his parents had bought a house and had begun to grow mushrooms which they initially grew in old wooden fish boxes but this soon progressed to greenhouses. Good hygiene became crucial to prevent the introduction of bacteria or viruses to the crops – this also applied to the areas around the greenhouses. Interestingly at one time there were around 100 mushroom farms in West Sussex.
These days, Culberry Nursery only supplies bags of highly regarded mushroom compost and also grows and produces a wide variety of plants, including a large selection of herbs. These are all grown without the use of chemicals and instead beneficial bugs are used. The Nursery staff attend many local Farmer’s Markets which produces an additional income and much to the delight of the many keen gardeners among the audience, Martin brought along a good selection of plants and herbs to sell during the break for refreshments.
Following a short break, Pete Coe and David Bettiss delivered February’s Nature Notes by showing some excellent photographs of wildlife along the Rife taken by member and keen wildlife photographer James King. There had been many reported signs of spring being sprung, including Snowdrops in Sea Lane, Crocuses on the Village Green, and Daffodils at the Community Orchard. Brent Geese, Chaffinches, Lapwings, Skylarks and a Song Thrush had all been spotted in and around the vicinity. David also delivered the sad news that the body of a deceased dolphin had been washed up on Ferring Beach.
To conclude the meeting Stephen Abbott advised the audience of recent planning news. There is still no decision by the High Court regarding Persimmon’s Appeal on Chatsmore Farm. The planning application for 3 houses at the back of Ferring Nursery remains undecided together with the Pool House proposed at ‘Mayfield’ Florida Road. Stephen also advised the Group of a new application to convert a garage into a self-contained annex at 8A South Drive in Ferring.
Flying Colours
By Kerry Williams: Communications Officer – Conservation March 2025
Let’s get the smug bit out of the way. This January I visited an incredible bird watching and conservation organisation in the Western Ghats, India, run by highly skilled and welcoming environmentalists, spotting 75 remarkable bird species, many endemic to this region. #sorrynotsorry.
A notable feature of these tropical species is their astonishing colour palette; vivid reds, brilliant pinks, and intense greens. There are a few reasons behind plumage colour. Bold colours can be flaunted as a display tactic in males to impress females and shame rivals in competition for a mate or territory. Colour can be used as a camouflage and survival technique, whether blending into surroundings, or by confusing predators with reflective iridescence.
A fellow Brit commented on how our birds don’t really compare when it comes to colour, but there’s some spectacular species to prove them wrong. Back in Sussex, spring is just starting to peep in; the season where we finally experience those explosions of colour after such a long wait. Aside from an excuse to show off about my grey-escape holiday, I thought a celebration of our most colourful birds was due.
Firstly, Kingfishers. They also reside in India, but they’re too bright and beautiful to not make the cut. A wetland and reedbed regular, these fabulous fishers take blue to another level. There’s no mistaking their tiny turquoise shimmer as they dart down a watercourse, or perch stock still on a branch, ripple-peering.
A regular on feeders, Blue Tits can be overlooked. Take a moment to appreciate that lemon and azure plumage, merging with navy and tinged with green. Once another common garden staple, Bullfinches are sadly now a rare treat to see. If you spot a male, peachy-coral chest set against muted hues of grey and black, it can’t be anything else.
Although wowing crowds with their aerial acrobatics in murmuration, you could be forgiven for thinking Starlings individually are somewhat ordinary. Think again. Up close, and in the right light, Starlings are a mass of beautiful iridescent purples, greens and golden yellows.
Corvids are considered a little plain, but what about an emerald Magpie tail or the sapphire flash of a Jay feather? A Jackdaw’s pale iris can seem blue against dark feathers, and sometimes, in low summer sun, jet-black Rook plumage can look purple.
Who needs a Malabar Trogon or a Flame-throated Bulbul? Not me! Well… not for 11 months of the year anyway.
Kevin, the head falconer from ‘Hawking About’ based in Arundel, gave over 100 members and visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy getting close and personal to several of his beautiful Birds of Prey, including a Barn Owl, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon and and two Harris Hawks.
Not only were the audience enthralled by the precision indoor flying displays of these magnificent birds but were also educated along the way by Kevin imparting his extensive knowledge and passion that he had gained over many years. This initially started as a hobby for Kevin and he gradually developed the skills to enable him to train a collection of Birds of Prey and he now attends some of the top tourist attractions in the South of England including Arundel Castle, Parham House, Petworth Park and Natural Trust sites giving talks and flying displays.
Busby the Barn Owl was the first bird to show off his flying skills and headed straight for the ceiling bars looking down on the audience. With encouragement from Kevin tempting him with a piece of fresh mouse, he swiftly returned straight to his perch to greedily claim his reward. These birds have an average lifespan of 18 months in the wild and are the most widely distributed group of owls in the UK and they enjoy a variety of habitats, including open countryside, wetlands and roadside verges.
The next bird to show off its flying skills was a pretty Kestrel named Mo whose hunting skills are so well developed and with such razor-sharp vision, he is able to detect mouse urine in ultra-violet from the air but sadly 75% of Kestrels do not survive the winter in the wild.
Kevin then showed the audience the Peregrine Falcon, and these birds are the largest falcons in the UK with the male around a third smaller than the female. Their lifespan in the wild is only around 10 years but in captivity they can live for 25 years. Its distinctive feature is the black ‘moustache’ which contrasts with its white head.
A female Harris Hawk gave the last flying display of the day, which was shown alongside a male, and this formidable hunter is the only bird to hunt in a pack and will share out any food caught. They primarily hunt for rabbits, lizards, birds and occasionally carrion.
At the end of each flying session the birds were given the command of ‘Box’ by Kevin and amazingly each bird flew with great skill into its individual box – an astounding feat and could only be achieved by many hours of intense training and the special bond that is so evident between Kevin and his birds.
In Graham Tuppen’s absence, David Bettiss delivered the popular Nature Notes session following the usual break for refreshments. This month a Water Rail has been spotted swimming on the Rife north of the road bridge, also a number of Red-throated Divers and Red-breasted Mergansers have been seen off the coast at Goring Gap, alongside an amazing total of 220 Great Crested Grebes on the water. A member of the Group was fortunate enough to see an attractive little Weasel in his garden and it is believed there may be a small breeding colony somewhere along Ilex Way. While members were busy observing their gardens for the Big Garden Birdwatch there were reports of a Goldcrest, Greenfinch and a Song Thrush, although bird numbers were generally worryingly low. Various other sightings of a Heron, a Red Kite and a Buzzard together with a variety of Gulls plus 2 Skylarks were reportedly observed locally.
Stephen Abbott concluded the meeting by advising members there are still issues to be resolved regarding an additional property at 1, Sea Drive and also an application for a large garden structure has been submitted at 1, Birch Place in Ferring.