High and Over, and Cuckmere Haven
It’s been years since I’ve been to High and Over, although I have an extremely heartwarming photo of my children taken when we were homeschooling. Nature walks formed a huge part of their education.
I was back in the same spot yesterday with my dog and the birdwatching logbooks. I had dropped a few off with Much Ado Books in Alfriston (fun fact: they were the first shop to take on my birdwatching logbooks back in 2021 and I am extremely grateful to them for giving me the validation I needed to continue) and then wended my way towards Seaford. I wasn’t sure how busy it would be at Cuckmere so decided to take Ned for a stroll and enjoy some peace and quiet on the Downs.
I kept Ned on his lead as there are sheep and goats grazing, but it was absolutely glorious, with the background sounds of lots of corvids enjoying the pasture.
I was wanting to visit the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre, as I am trying to be a bit more hands-on with my local stockists as if I were with a publisher, there would be someone taking charge of the account, and as a self-publisher, I need to assume that role. Still, I’m not going to complain when I get to enjoy views like this, and some delicious coffee while watching the sheep, cows, walkers, and birds through my binoculars.
I brought 3 logbooks with me: South Downs, Seven Sisters, and Coast & Clifftop.
It was wonderfully breezy up on the hill, so there weren’t many birds apart from the aforementioned corvids. The sheltered walk to the hilltop was better, and I noted Chiffchaffs, Blackbirds, Goldcrests, and Blue and Great Tits.
I headed back to the car, and made my way to the Seven Sisters Country Park. It wasn’t too busy, and I went and had a chat with the staff, and we discussed logbooks and workshops.
The track to the sea at Cuckmere Haven is very popular, even on a rather cool and overcast day. I detoured off to see the grazing ponies, as well as sit and watch a Corn Bunting singing loudly, his jangly call competing with the numerous Skylarks. A female Kestrel hovered overhead, and the crows hopped around fearlessly among the walkers. I filled in my logbooks, and walked back to the car.
Here is my list of species, both. ticked off and from the Notes section:
- Mute Swan
- Pied Wagtail
- Carrion Crow
- Wood Pigeon
- Black-headed Gull
- Blackbird
- Goldfinch
- Goldcrest
- Great Tit
- Blue Tit
- Magpie
- Rook
- Buzzard
- Herring Gull
- Song Thrush
- Robin
I’m I saw 10 from the Seven Sisters logbook – it’s always gratifying and reassuring to get a good count from the site-specific title!
Don’t forget, I have my South Coast Set available for anyone exploring this part of the world.
