June 20th is the summer solstice, with the sun rising earliest and setting latest. Long days mean more time to enjoy the outdoors. Government guidelines at the time of writing allow unlimited exercise for those who are not self isolating. If you are able to get out, then there are some fantastic walks in the Lewes District - see our maps page. However, if you are at home, then there’s no need to miss out - nature is everywhere - especially at this time of year.
Insect life is at its most abundant during June and July - and it’s a great time to spot dragonflies, grasshoppers and beetles. Look out for butterflies too - it’s the peak time for tortoiseshells, red admirals, painted ladies, large and small whites, peacocks and green-veined whites. If you visit habitats such as Malling Down, The Railway Lands or Chailey Common, you may see some rarer species too.
Water is the best place to see damselflies and dragonflies - they’re often to be seen skimming over ponds, lakes and streams. Grasshoppers may start to sing their rasping song at the end of June, too.
Over the next 3 months, poppies are flowering. The sight of a whole field of rich red poppies is truly something to behold. You will also find poppies in flower along road verges, in wildflower meadows and at field edges.
Blink and you’ll miss them - bats are at their most active at dusk in the summer. Look for them just after the sun has set in woodlands, parks and large gardens. Pipistrelles are the most common of the small bats and and the brown long-eared the most widely distributed large bat in the UK.
June is an important month for breeding birds. Many species are raising their young right now and you may even find empty egg shells whilst out on walks, but do take care not to disturb any fledglings you might find. Water is particularly important during dry, hot weather during the summer. If you want to tempt more bird to your garden, then a bird bath is very easy to make with a shallow, watertight bowl or even an upturned dustbin lid or large circular plant tray raised up on a plinth, bricks or stones and filled with a couple of centimetres of water.
Most garden birds tend to feed their young on insects at this time of year. Hungry parents will be delighted by dried insects such a mealworm or chopped nuts (whole nuts can choke baby birds).
Usually found in long grass, ticks are prevalent across the South Downs. Ticks are at their most active from May to October, and are particularly active in warm weather.
Although most ticks are harmless, some can harbour Lyme disease which can cause flu-like symptoms and needs to be treated promptly with antibiotics. If you experience headaches, muscle or joint pain or see a bullseye rash on your skin after a walk, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
It’s easy to avoid contact with ticks by sticking to clear paths, and wearing light coloured long trousers or leggings so ticks are more visible to brush off.
Making a bug hotel is very simple and it’s a great activity to do with children of any age. Your hotel can be as big or as small as you like - it could even sit on a window ledge. Firstly, find a structure that will provide shelter and then fill it with materials the bugs will love. An old flowerpot or plastic bottle with the top cut off is ideal. Then pack tightly with twigs and moss - this creates lots of tiny spaces which the mini beasts in your garden will love and children will enjoy making. Solitary bee season is in full swing in June and a bug hotel is a perfect stop off for them along with lots of other garden mini beasts.
The elder is in full flower from mid May - mid June and its intense perfume lends itself perfectly to making a delicious cordial. If you haven’t made it before, then it’s well worth giving it a go - it’s easy to make and once bottled, will keep in the fridge for several weeks. Dilute with sparkling water or add to wine or even freeze to make lollies.
For 2 litres, you will need:
1.75 kg of white sugar
1-2 unwaxed lemons
10-15 elderflower heads, with the stalks removed and rinsed to remove any dirt and bugs
45g citric acid or additional lemon juice, to taste if you can’t get citric acid.
Put the sugar and 1 litre of water into the largest saucepan you have. Gently heat, until the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally. Briefly bring to the boil then turn off. Pare the strips of zest from the lemons with a vegetable peeler, then slice. Carefully transfer the washed flowers to the syrup along with the lemons, zest and citric acid or additional lemon juice and stir well. Cover and leave to infuse for 24 hrs. Next, line a colander with a clean tea towel or unbleached muslin and sit it over a large bowl or pan. Slowly add the steeped liquid. Discard the bits left in the towel and use a funnel or jug to fill sterilised bottles (wash glass bottles in the dishwasher, or wash well and leave to dry in a low oven). The cordial is ready to drink straight away and will keep in the fridge for several weeks.
RESOURCES
Number of results: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Hollingbury, Brighton
Described as a similar type of experience to the Crystal Maze, beat the clock and complete as many skill, mental and mystery games in your team before the time runs out. All of this takes part in 14 elaborate and exotic sets.
Firle, Lewes
We offer a haven for curious minds to immerse themselves in new ideas and provide an open door to explore personal freedoms and engage in Charleston’s multi-faceted heritage.
Seaford
With some of the most breathtaking views in Sussex, this golf course is an undulating downland/links style course on the cliffs of Seaford. Designed and constructed in 1887, this golfing links is steeped in recent and acient history. Benefitting…
Ringmer
Raystede provide sanctuary to hundreds of other animals like terrapins, exotic birds, alpacas and their equine herd, so they can live out their lives in safety and contentment. Many of them were abused or came from unfortunate circumstances prior to…
Seaford
Just a short walk from the car park at South Hill Barn takes you to a breathtaking line of chalk cliffs. Undoubtedly one of the best places to enjoy spectacular views of the Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Valley.
HASSOCKS
The Mac’s Farm is a fourth generation organic egg farming family who really love what they do! The farm is located in the beautiful village of Ditchling in East Sussex.
Lewes
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. We offer a warm countryside welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Seaford
With fantastic views of the Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Valley is a haven for wildlife, from over-wintering wildfowl to colourful wild flowers. Cradle Valley is a wonderful example of this species-rich chalk grassland, attracting rare and colourful…
Seaford
Known locally as The Crouch, this is a peaceful walled garden and open space located in the heart of town on the site of a former medieval market. The park is home to the Crouch Bowls Club and Seaford Town Football Club. There is a Peace Garden…
SEAFORD
Tidemills lies between Newhaven and The Buckle at Seaford. It is one of the last areas of accesible undeveloped coast for many miles.
Lewes
Grange gardens were once the private garden of the grange built in 1542 by William Newton and briefly the home of John Evelyn the diarist. The gardens are a little piece of heaven on earth right in the centre of Lewes town, a lovely peaceful thing…
Peacehaven
This is a great place for kids of all ages to let off steam. Wall to wall trampolines for the kids and a cafe for the adults. Hourly sessions can be booked in advance. Perfect for those rainy days.
SEAFORD
Rock Pooling at Hope Gap perfect on a sunny day when the tide is going out.
Eastbourne
This trial is designed to link the three Sussex seaside towns of Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings.
Ditchling
Ditchling Common Country Park covers 76 hectares (188 acres). The site is used for activities including walking, fishing, picnicking, education and dog walking.
Newhaven
During the First World War, Newhaven became one of the major supply ports to the Western Front. The number of soldiers at the Fort increased to over 4,000, the Boys’ School (now the Hillcrest Centre) was converted into a Military Hospital and a…
Lewes
The Pells Pool is the oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the United Kingdom, set in the beautiful town of Lewes in East Sussex.
SEAFORD
The perfect spot for families visiting Seaford Beach.
Newhaven
Planet Earth at Paradise Park is the perfect day out for all ages. Discover the fascinating world of animals and plants as well as the local history and Maritime Museum.
NEWHAVEN
The Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve was formed thousands of years ago by the meandering river Ouse between the chalk downs of Newhaven and Seaford.
© Visit Lewes 2020. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
