Monday, November 10th. Whilst checking ponies at the National Trust’s Blackcap site, which where the ponies are, is steep and partially wooded, I was caught out by a passing storm which had decided to venture a little further inland than expected. So there I was, trying to gain shelter beneath a thinly-leafed hawthorn tree, holding a galvanised bucket over my head. I can just imagine a Coroners Court – ‘death due his head being fried when struck by lightening with it would seem, a metal bucket over his head’!
Tuesday, November 11th. Erection of the 2 kms of electric fencing is going well at Beachy Head, in readiness for the arrival of the first of the Exmoor ponies this week; this site is quite a large, flower-rich, south-facing slope. At Jevington, pulled over this morning to watch a rough-legged buzzard hunting over a large area of game-cover vegetation opposite Oxendean Farm. People are able to get some really good sightings of this juvenile; there has been apparently, something of an influx to the east and north of the UK.
Thursday, November 13th. After scrambling around on a very steep hillside this morning, we managed to drive 12 ponies from off Blackcap, corral and then transport over to Beachy Head,
where they commenced winter grazing for Eastbourne Borough Council. The site is south-facing slope rich in chalk grassland flora and insects. Having arrived early afternoon, they had several hours to become accustomed to their new home and sea views.
Friday, November 14th. Observed a ‘V’-shaped skein of some 16 geese flying SW towards Lewes midday. [46 Brent geese seen in lower Cuckmere valley next day]. Over the town, they veered south and began to lose height towards Lewes Brooks. They were not Canada geese – too small; were possibly dark in colour. R/L buzzard (and bird watchers) still in residence at Jevington. Had a long slog inspecting the electric fencing at Beachy Head!
Saturday, November 15th. A red kite flew high over Hartfield village today.
