Gravetye Estate – ABG Visit (13 March 2026)
I was one of nine members of the Ashdown Bird Group who enjoyed a rewarding first visit to the Gravetye Estate, a beautifully managed landscape of woodland, meadows and lakes. Despite hopes of encountering the recently reported Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, the group still recorded a very respectable 42 species during a relaxed morning circuit.
Birdsong greeted everyone on arrival, with Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Buzzards calling overhead and a Raven cronking from the treetops. Around the manor house, mixed flocks of finches and tits kept the group busy, while a lively Firecrest provided an early highlight.
A climb up the muddy meadow behind the house proved challenging but worthwhile, producing excellent views of raptors including Buzzards, Red Kite, Sparrowhawks and a brief but exciting Goshawk. Meadow Pipits were active across the grassland.
Mud,
mud, glorious mud …..
Photo: Ian Hodgson
Photo: Martin Jeffree
The lakes held a modest selection of waterbirds—Little Grebes, Tufted Ducks, Mallards and a Moorhen—while the surrounding woodland added Marsh Tit, Goldcrest and singing Chiffchaff. A pair of Grey Wagtails showed well near the sluice, and a late addition of Treecreeper rounded off the list.
Photo: Patrick Sullivan
Although the Lesser Spot remained elusive, the visit offered a lovely mix of early spring activity in a stunning setting. We hope to return later in the season when the estate is alive with song.
Nothing to add to my year list but a super first visit to this site!
New species for the 2026 Year List:
1223 Ringed Plover
124 Bar-tailed Godwit
125 Sandwich Tern
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