On the Record

LEWES TO COOKSBRIDGE VIA LANDPORT BOTTOM, OFFHAM AND HAMSEY

Just a short one before a little wildlife recording session using iRecord. I often will take photos of living stuff I see on my walks. It is naturally part of my enjoyment in being in the outdoors, to know the life that is all around me. It has always been my interest to be part of and know the natural world but I think I am getting better at recognising and putting a name to a face. It's still a pleasure to be around experts and their indulgences to keep my amateur knowledge in check.

It turns out that if you don't call it out, recorded life is not known to science. Beings present on your doorstep will have been carrying on for generations or have invaded a few years ago without anyone batting an eyelid. We are all aware of changing environmental conditions and the potential effect of urbanisation on a place but it is a surprise to think that we are unable to predict impact without having the data in the first place. Fortunately, it turns out that it is very easy for citizen science to lend a hand, recording the humble dandelion where no dandelions have been 'seen' before.

Lewes is an easy journey by a train via Haywards Heath. Cooksbridge connects to Burgess Hill via Wivelsfield.

From Station Street, climb the hill and turn left onto Lewes High Street and its continuation on Spital Road. There is a lot of history in this town and the main road gives you many reminders of martyrs, revolutionary writers and knights of the realm. The perfect atmosphere for pondering the past was present in the quiet Saturday morning mist. This extended on to the historical hillside, one that witnessed burial and battle. You can cross Nevill Road and climb the verge onto The Gallops Recreation ground. Naturally, this roughly follows a bridleway that takes you around a reservoir and onto Landport Bottom. Head onward and bear right at the edge of the field that runs along Race Hill. Landport Bottom is the site of the 1264 Battle of Lewes and you'll see the QR codes that link to an audio walking trail. As the path curves round to the east, cross Race Hill and climb to the fence line. Follow this eastward and go through the gate to the edge of the quarry. Apart from the nearest face of the cliff, little could be seen at any distance and none of the Ouse valley below. Hug the edge of the cliff, as you travel north and you will descend to another viewless viewpoint at a second chalk pit. Continue down to the road at Offham and cross it. 

At the junction, join The Drove, a byway that follows the Pellbrook Cut. Take the east-leading footpath that follows the Chalkpit Cut and under the railbridge. There was once a funicular railway which was taking material from the quarry to the river. At the bank of the Ouse, follow it north on the Ouse Valley Way. This will take you on Whitfield Lane. Leave the trail and continue to the junction with The Drove before taking the footpath almost opposite. You will reach the railway and follow it north. On the other side of the line, the path will take you through to Malthouse Way. Go north and you will emerge on a path at the junction with the station.

Another footpath runs on the south side of the track and then across the field to Beechwood Lane. I stood at the lake and watched the swallows feeding over the water. The mist was clearing and a nightingale or two were singing. Going south from here, takes you to the recreation ground and the Village Hall. Beyond and turning left will take you back to the station, which is what I did.