When visiting the BH tip, as you empty your rubbish amidst the dust and noise listen out for a nightingale singing in the scrubby area opposite.

John P

A Nightingale in the blackthorn at the allotments at Poveys Close, Burgess Hill this evening. A welcome return after being absent from the locality last year.

Dick Jackson (SOS)

I saw a tawny mining bee (Andrena fulvia) on the lawn, a very attractive foxy red furry female, about the size of a honey bee.

Dominic Moore

Today’s bird and flower walk in brilliant sunshine around the Maltings area produced 27 bird species and numerous spring flowers. The route included West Park, Southway Recreation Ground (Rugby Club), Snake Wood, The Maltings, Pookebourne Stream, Coulstock, Malthouse and Pangdean Lane areas.  Highlights included bullfinch, whitethroat, blackcap, linnet, long-tailed tit and many common birds that were all obviously residents.  Flying over were swallows and a sparrowhawk.  The first bluebells were noted plus many celandines, anemones, primroses, lords & ladies, buttercups, stichwort and many more.  The birdsong was particularly enjoyable with no interruptions from aircraft overhead.   Some local people discovered new areas of the town that they never knew existed.

Pat Ticehurst

Two pairs of bullfinches, blackcaps and numerous spring flowers seen on my recce today for the  ‘Spring at Maltings & Pangdean’ a look at birds and flowers walk on Sunday.  Starts in Malthouse Lane by the entrance to West Park Reserve at 9am and returns around 11.30am.  Bring binoculars and wear good shoes or boots.  Wellies may not be necessary as the wet areas are drying our rapidly.

Pat Ticehurst