Sussex Scrapbook
~
Nature walks throughout the year
Sunday 14th December 2008
Newhaven - Lewes
9 miles
Yesterday it just
rained all day, leaving us feeling cooped up and frustrated. So today, instead
of taking the chance of getting soaked on the bike, we took the train to
Newhaven. Walking around the waste ground near the harbour was horrible though,
as the footpath and the bridge were completely covered with dog mess, the sewage
plant was smelling really badly and every available space seemed to be covered
in fly-tipped rubbish. So we quickly escaped from there by heading North through
the industrial estate (whoopie) to seek fresh air and pleasant views along the River Ouse. This we followed all the way to
Southease along the East bank for a change and quickly started clocking up the
species: sparrowhawk, buzzard, kingfisher, grey wagtail, redshank and kestrel to
name a few. The tide was in by this time and river was the highest that we had
ever seen it and it was no surprise to find out later that the River Arun had
burst its banks at Pulborough and flooded the brooks.
At Southease we crossed over to the
West bank and visited the beautiful church there and took the opportunity to put
on extra clothes and have a warm up. Our next stop was at Rodmell where I saw a
female Merlin the other day. Our luck was holding, as we got to see the
male this time. I couldn't get a picture of him though as he was a long way off.
It stayed freezing cold all day and we only kept warm by marching along in the
squelchy mud.
The rain held off all day and only started when we got to Lewes but by that time we
were sitting drinking hot chocolate in Cafe Nero.
A Black Redstart that Gill spotted at Newhaven Harbour
Piddinghoe Church
Looking back towards Newhaven from
Southease bridge.
The 12th Century church at Southease
There's a tap at Southease Church for South Downs Way users.
A life saver for humans and dogs in the summer months!
