Saturday 18th May 2019, 10:30am-2:30pm

Malling Down, Lewes, BN7 2RJ

Contact

50.8766895, 0.021323499999994

Join the Sussex Branch for a chance to spot the Adonis Blue, Wall Brown, Dingy Skipper, Green Hairstreak, Brown Argus, Small Copper and Small Heath butterflies!

Open to all – beginners welcome! Two walks will be taking place today - you are welcome to come on one, or both! 

Part 1 is a pretty relaxed amble along the valley bottom. We should see most species during this part of the walk, so it’s an easy way to see quite a lot in a short space of time.

For those more adventurous souls, we will then continue to Part 2, which involves a very steep climb up to the top of Malling Down, a tour around the chalk quarries, then a steep descent back to the start point.

Children and families especially welcome, but please note that in Part 2, the terrain is a little tricky in places and it's a reasonably strenuous walk.

Dogs welcome too, but please make sure they are kept on leads due to grazing sheep on the reserve.

We’ve calculated that the total walk burns around 400-500 calories, so either enjoy butterflies and weight loss or butterflies and a couple of mars bars – take your pick!

Terrain:

  • Part 1 is a relatively steady walk suitable for most (but not wheelchair accessible).
  • Part 2 has very steep slopes on rough, uneven ground and is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

We are aiming to see the Magnificent Seven but with luck and some enthusiasm we may see a few more! For the last couple of years, we’ve been very lucky with the weather and have managed to see loads more butterflies along the route and a magnificent view of a substantial part of Sussex from the top of the down, however it may be worth shoving a waterproof in the bottom of the bag – just in case…

Location: Malling Down, Lewes

Grid Reference: TQ 42311 10604 / Nearest post code: BN7 2RJ.

Distance: 1.5km (Part 1) - 3km (Parts 1 & 2)

Meeting place: Entrance to Wheatsheaf Gardens, just off Malling Street (A26) Lewes. Down from Pets Corner and almost opposite the petrol station.

Helpful Information: Good for public transport (buses 122,125,132,143,A5,29). Nearest parking – Harveys Way (TQ 42061 10320), 5 – 10 minute walk away but crossing a busy road so please take care and leave a bit of extra time to arrive.

For more information, please contact the event leader, Colin Gibbs: Tel: 07540 492851 - Email: @email