The Society of Bexhill Museums

Well known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of wildlife, Mr Malpass entertained us to a lively and informative survey of the Natural History of Sussex.

Starting with a masterly impersonation of Sir David Attenborough presenting one of his TV programmes from some exotic part of the world, Mr Malpass reminded us that the making of these films took much time and not a little danger, whereas in Sussex we had easy access to the wonders of nature which we could all explore without fear.

The most dangerous species in this part of the world was man himself!

With the aid of beautiful slides, Mr Malpass described the five main habitats of the region: Heathland, Hay Meadows, Marshland, Woodland and Downland.

Sussex possessed the largest lowland heathland in Europe and, managed by grazing, provided a home for countless plants, butterflies, birds, dragonflies, insects, and animals such as the sand lizard and the adder. The flowers included insectivorous plants and the famous Heath Spotted Orchid for which Bexhill was a noted site.

Rarer now that most hayfields were mown early for silage, Sussex was also known for its hay meadows, the undisturbed ground providing a habitat for countless flowers, insects, butterflies, bumble bees, spiders, and birds.

Marshland was the scene for hundreds of different spiders, many water birds and plants, the water vole, as well dragonflies and butterflies.

We were reminded that we were lucky that our woodland occurred in the narrow band of the world's climate where broadleaved trees flourished, where the foliage changed with the seasons. Again this was a habitat for many insects, birds and flowers, as well as squirrels and badgers.

The international importance of our downland, where 30 different types of plants were to be found, was well recognised, and similar conditions were present at an SSI near Normans Bay.

Finally, Mr Malpass spoke of the major effect of climate change on the food chain and thus on the breeding cycles of many species and on the migration habits of birds.

There will be a guided walk in Bexhill's High Woods on Wednesday, May 28 led by Mr Malpass where all are welcome. Meet at the High Woods car park, Peartree Lane North for a 10.30 am start.