A Summer of Wildlife at RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Tuesday, 4 July 2023 09:00

Alice Johnson from the RSPB offers her handy guide to spotting beautiful butterflies and wildflowers at this nature reserve within the Arun Valley in West Sussex

Why not take a walk at RSPB Pulborough Brooks nature reserve and you’ll see the place is alive with wildlife? You might find a Common Blue butterfly flitting across a meadow blooming with a bright wave of summer plants, that comes to land on a purple Common Knapweed flower. Summer is the best time to see wildflowers and butterflies, and the reserve is home to 33 different species. Follow one of the trails near meadows, hedgerows, wetland, woodland and heathland for a chance to see the incredible wildlife here.

Butterflies to spot

Peacock

This species is recognisable due to the characteristic eyespot markings on its wings that look like those from a Peacock bird’s feather. However, when the wings are closed it is tricky to spot this butterfly as it is dark in colouration, looking somewhat like a dead leaf. The caterpillars of this species live communally and feed on nettles. Keep an eye out for Peacocks by hedgerows and meadows at Pulborough Brooks.

Small Copper

With a wingspan of around 3cm, it is the vivid orange markings of this butterfly that draws your attention to it. This species is territorial, meaning the males will defend a place they see as their own from intruders. Small Copper caterpillars will feed on sorrel plants along with dock. Look out for these butterflies on warm days across meadows and heathland at the reserve.

Common Blue

If a vivid blue butterfly flits past you, it is most likely a male Common Blue. Females, however, often have brown upperwings that are marked with orange spots around the wing margins. With a wingspan of around 3cm, this little butterfly can be spotted on sunny days on grassland, heathland and meadows on the reserve. When their wings are closed you’ll see a pattern of spot markings that are circled in white.

Marbled White

This butterfly is quite striking in appearance with a black and white patterning to its upperwings, which have white scalloped markings around the edge. Marbled White caterpillars will munch on several different species of grasses. Watch for this butterfly in meadows across the reserve, such as feeding from Common Knapweed flowers, from June to August.

Wildflowers to look out for

Common bird’s-foot trefoil

This perennial plant has clusters of vivid yellow flowers that can be seen in grassy areas. A great place to spot this species at Pulborough Brooks is in the meadow by Winpenny Hide. This plant is a member of the pea family and blooms from around June to September. It is also a larval foodplant for the Common Blue butterfly.

Teasel

These impressive flowers are difficult to miss as they can grow to 1-2m in height. The flowerheads appear cone-like in shape and burst with lots of small violet purple flowers from July until the end of summer. Look out for this plant, the stem of which is covered in spikes, in grasslands around the reserve.

Yellow rattle

This species is named due to the ‘rattling’ noise the seeds make inside their pods. Look out for the bright yellow flowers around grassy areas, as this species gains nutrients from neighbouring grasses through the root systems, meaning it is partially parasitic. The meadow by Winpenny Hide at Pulborough Brooks is a great place to look for this species.

Common knapweed

A flower not to be overlooked, the deep purple of Knapweed blooming on top of tall stems can be found in meadows around the nature reserve during the summer months. This perennial can grow to 1m in height, and where there is Knapweed there are also butterflies such as Marbled White, Common Blue, and Peacocks that are attracted to this flower.

Wonderful Wildflowers trail at Pulborough Brooks
Take a walk on the nature trail and discover which plants are blooming, their benefits for pollinators, and fascinating folklore. This event is running from 6 June to 31 August, 10am-4pm. No booking required, normal parking charges and entry fees apply, free for RSPB members.
RSPB Pulborough Brooks

Located within the Arun Valley in West Sussex, Pulborough Brooks has beautiful views across to the South Downs and is set in one of the richest areas for nature in the country. The reserve has nature trails, bird hides, a café, shop, visitor centre, children’s play area and car park. www.rspb.org.uk/PulboroughBrooks

More from Animals

It's a Dog's Life: Foods are Seasonal, Treats are Perennial

Despite enduring health and weight checks at the vets, Teddy still enjoys a treat when the opportunity arises, as his human interpreter, Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: World Animal Day

As autumn approaches, Teddy ruminates on the changing season and his human translator, Helen Stockton, puts it into plain words
It's A Dog's Life: Never Assume...

Teddy reveals that dogs, much like their human companions, are individuals with different likes and dislikes, as explained by human interpreter Helen Stockton
Fostering Happiness at Raystede

Could fostering an animal with Raystede offer the joys of owning a pet without the financial and logistical commitment? Hanna Lindon investigates
It's a Dog's Life: Why So Much Sport?

This year’s summer of sport has been a testing time for Teddy! His human translator, Helen Stockton explains why
It's a Dog's Life: A Partly Political Broadcast

As the nation heads to the polls for the General Election, Teddy ponders the policies he would like to see introduced, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains...
It's a Dog's Life: Our Hobbies are Not the Same

Hobbies are subjective, what entertains some, may be a bore to others. Teddy ponders on his own interests, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains
It's a Dog's Life: Our Currency is Biscuits

Teddy explains, through his human interpreter Helen Stockton, that currency transactions are not financial ones made through a bank as far as he is concerned...
It's a Dog's Life: Teddy & the Dragon

Teddy has been musing on the origins of national credentials and that the truth of the matter could be quite different to any literal interpretation, as his human translator Helen Stockton explains
Paws for a Cause

Sussex-based animal charity Raystede has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals for over 70 years. Hanna Prince visits its Sussex site to find out more
Kids Zone: Lambing in Spring

Tap into the super cute side of spring with a visit to some frisking newborn lambs, suggests Sara Whatley
It's a Dog's Life: Access Denied

Although he's not allowed everywhere, Teddy tells his human interpreter Helen Stockton that he's actually OK with that
It's a Dog's Life: February is not just for Pancakes

Teddy has discovered that the month of February is far from uneventful – with many special days to recognise and celebrate, as his human interpreter Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: Cleaning Up

The annual January household clean up makes Teddy feel a bit anxious. Helen Stockton, his human translator, explains that Teddy isn't the greatest fan of cleanliness
Top 10 Garden Birds to spot in Sussex

Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January
Top Tips: Keep Your Pets Safe this Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.
Advertising Feature: Plan Bee

Advertising Feature: The relationship between bees and humans dates back thousands of years, so its reassuring to know that Carl Slade is making beekeeping easier for both the novice and experienced apiarist; we sent Robert Veitch to meet him.
It’s a Dog’s Life - The Quiet Life

Teddy is looking forward to a chilled out month of rest and relaxation, hopefully with some sunshine to bathe in, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains.
What should you be looking out for in your Sussex Garden this Summer?

A Sussex garden is not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also a haven for a diverse range of captivating wildlife. We have complied a list of some of the wildlife that you’re most likely to see in your garden this summer:
RSPCA Young Photographer Awards opens for entries

Budding young photographers are being encouraged to enter the RSPCA’s high-profile national young photography competition which is now celebrating its 33rd year.