Wildflowers on the Local Nature Reserve in June
In May when I visited Seaford Head, a Sussex Wildlife Trust ranger advised that I come back in a few weeks to see the difference, so I took her at her word.
You could probably tell from my May post that there is a range of different habitats in this area.
I tend to walk up the hill from Chyngton Rd along the eastern edge of Seaford Head golf course which follows the backs of some houses. This is a sheltered area with trees and bushes and footpaths through the long grass. Then from the golf course along a concrete track to South Barn and through exposed greensward kept short by seasonal grazing livestock and rabbits. The field has fantastic views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and I walk almost as far as Cuckmere Haven. I then turn west along the cliff path back to Seaford, passing Hope Gap on the way.
Flowers near the golf course
It was a windy day so sometimes I had to hold the flowers to get a pic!
There is a bench I like to sit on to get my breath back after walking up the hill – last time I photographed cowslips there. This time it was bladder campion.
Exposed greensward
This was the area I met the ranger last time, and the cattle had now moved on, leaving nothing but the occasional cowpat behind them. The field is protected to the west by shrubs such as pale pink dog roses. There is thin soil on chalk.
A few metres away from this natural rose hedge in the short grass were some dog rose suckers bearing rose gall.
There were all sorts of interesting wildflowers in the short grass, and lovely views out to sea.
Along the chalk cliffs
There is longer grass here along this path where the moon carrot and thistles flower. Moon carrot is nationally rare, but common in Seaford.
If you can help me with my unidentified flower, do get in touch!
Read more about identifying Campions, Bindweed, Buttercups, Eyebright and Iris