Knepp Estate (30 June 2026)
While we were all looking forward to the relief of cooler weather following the heatwave, it was nevertheless disappointing to be met with persistent rain when 17 of us arrived at the Knepp Estate in Sussex. Famous for its re introduction of White Storks and its enlightened attitude to how the countryside should be managed for nature, Knepp has a wonderful array of habitats attracting a diverse range of wildlife much of it severely depleted in our countryside. Though our visit was primarily for butterflies, especially the rare Purple Emperor the prospect of some excellent birding was mouthwatering.
As we left the car park many Goldfinches, mostly juveniles flitted around making their characteristic tinkling call. Crossing the lane on to the main reserve we saw and heard male and female Bullfinches, surely one of the most attractive of our small birds. Also present were many Linnets and further on two Yellowhammers were seen. As we made our way towards the tree platform the first White Storks appeared drifting lazily above the canopy. From the platform we were able to have superb views of several Stork nests holding well developed young and a Buzzard loafing on a distant dead tree. By now the rain had gone, blue sky appeared and the day began to warm. Red Kites and Buzzards soared, the Storks began to venture out and several Kestrels were seen. Smaller birds were in the trees and bushes. Groups of tits, Tree Creepers, Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, all showed well and more Linnets were joined by Chaffinch and Greenfinch.
We made our way to a large clearing where an imposing oak tree held Stork nests, the most visible of which had three well developed young soon joined by their parents- it was a delightful sight. As we watched the Storks a Raven cronked, a Nuthatch called and a pair of Red Kites mewed loudly to each other. In the surrounding woodland Long-tailed and Coal Tits were joined by Song Thrush, Blackbird, Wren and Blackcap. The sun was now making its presence felt and the birds began to take shelter from the heat of the day. It was time for the butterflies to put on a show and they did not disappoint. Red Admiral, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Peacock, Painted Lady, Marbled White, Comma, Speckled Wood, Large White, Purple Hairstrek and many Small Skippers. Either side of lunch we were able to see several of the rare and charismatic Purple Emperor feeding on the sap runs being exuded by the trees, along with Red Admirals. We did this in the company of Matthew Oates, the Purple Emperor guru, who was able to give us many insights (see his book and blog ‘The Purple Empire’).
We began to make our way back to the centre taking time to enjoy a superb Silver-washed Fritillary sunning itself on a bramble, a really beautiful butterfly. Birds heard or seen on the way back included Reed Warbler, Great Crested Grebe, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Blackcap, Swallow and Whitethroat.
It had been a truly rewarding day of wildlife watching and the cakes, ice creams and assorted drinks were most welcome during a convivial hour before our journey back.
Many thanks to Rebecca for a splendid day faultlessly organised and to our wonderful drivers a special thank you.
by Roy Pattison
Species List (Birds)
Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel, Pheasant, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Raven, Rook, Jackdaw, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Swallow, Treecreeper
Total : 43
Species List (Butterflies)
Red Admiral, Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Peacock, Small Skipper, Large White, Purple Emperor, Purple Hairstreak, Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Marbled White, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady.
Total : 14