Monday, November 17th. A drab, wet sort of a day which was cooler than of late. Spent a morning checking ponies on Chailey Common and taking up electric fencing on top of the misty Downs at the NT’s Blackcap – rather damp by the time I’d finished.
Tuesday, November 18th. Early (for me!) 7am start! Took the three spare ponies down to Frances Bottom near Beachy Head. The rough-legged buzzard still performing at Jevington to an appreciative audience. During the afternoon, wet inland but a different day along the coast with gorgeous colours and contrasts towards sunset. Over in the Cuckmere valley, a group of birders were closely watching Charlston Reedbed in the afternoon after a great grey shrike had been spotted. (A clouded yellow butterfly was seen flying today, at Canvey Island in Essex).
Saturday, November 22nd. A further five ponies arrived at Lullington Heath today from Exmoor bringing our Herd 2 back up to full strength of 18 ponies after removing 12 ponies for the new Herd 5 on Beachy Head. Hogweed, wild parsnip and greater knapweed still in flower.