Sussex: Early Spider Orchids (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR212

A walk in the Sussex countryside in search of butterflies and wildflowers, including one of the UK's rarest orchids – the Early Spider Orchid.

1 days from
£60
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

The chalk downland across the South Downs National Park in Sussex is rich in flora, and in one single location, supports the UK's second largest colony of Early Spider Orchid! This diminutive orchid, which measures an average height of 8cm, can sometimes number into the thousands on this south-facing slope, not too far from the bustling city of Brighton. The hillsides here are also an excellent location to find a range of spring butterflies: Grizzled and Dingy Skippers, Small Coppers and Green Hairstreaks can all be found. Our leader and expert botanist, Paul Harmes, will be keen to show you the abundance of other wildflowers which can be found in these valleys too.

The meeting time will be at 10am and we expect to walk no more than five miles. Once at the orchids, there is plenty of time to rest and enjoy the flowers and butterflies. 

  • Early Spider Orchids at one of their prime locations in the UK
  • Chalkland butterflies include Grizzled and Dingy Skipper
  • High probability of Chalk Milkwort
  • Beautiful scenery in the South Downs National Park
  • Led by an expert botanist
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 25th Apr – Fri 25th Apr 2 £60
Book Tour Show Details
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Paul Harmes
Paul-Harmes,-Switzerland.jpg

Tour Leader: Paul Harmes

Paul has always lived in the south of England on the Downs near Brighton in East Sussex. Many of his early years were spent in exploring this area. His interest in the natural world gradually developed from about the age of eight and he began to take a special interest in plants, although reptiles and amphibians, mammals and insects are also a passion. Paul is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, an active member of the Sussex Botanical Recording Society and the Botanical Society of the British Isles, which he represents as the county recorder for East Sussex. In 2003, he took voluntary severance from the National Grid Company plc and started his own botanical and ecological survey company. Paul enjoys sharing his knowledge of the natural world with other like-minded and interested people.

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!