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
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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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
Lewes
You are assured of gorgeous scenery and top class golf when you play at Lewes. Built in 1896 atop chalk hills in the heart of Sussex, the elevated course winds it way through rolling south coast countryside, with picturesque views of the South Downs…
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.
SEAFORD
The perfect spot for families visiting Seaford Beach.
Newhaven
You can feel the maritime atmosphere along this walkway, passing working fishing boats with a view of the ferry port on the opposite Quay. Follow the path of the Ouse estuary to where it goes out to the sea. Visit family run Bickerstaffs Fishmongers…
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.
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.
Eastbourne
This trial is designed to link the three Sussex seaside towns of Eastbourne, Bexhill and Hastings.
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…
Peacehaven
This long-distance walk begins at the monument to King George V on the cliffs at Peacehaven and ends 273 miles later, on the coast at Sand le Mere in East Yorkshire. The walk follows the line of the Prime Meridian and has been divided into four…
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.
Lewes
Blackcap, in East Sussex, occupies 623 acres along the ridge of the South Downs, just west of the historic old town of Lewes. This stunning hilltop area offers fine views over The Weald to the north and across the dip-slope to the coast.
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.
SEAFORD
Rock Pooling at Hope Gap perfect on a sunny day when the tide is going out.
Seaford
A circular walk through landscape which inspired the artist Eric Slater (1896-1963), who lived for most of his life in Seaford. A keen walker, he developed an intimate knowledge of the surrounding countryside and loved to observe the cliffs, sea and…
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