It’s nesting season – but did you know that not all birds nest in trees? Ground nesting birds such as Skylark and Lapwing are especially vulnerable to disturbance. Nests can be destroyed and adult birds frightened off.

Spring is a busy time for wildlife, and a perfect opportunity to get out and explore what nature has to offer.

The arrival of spring brings a surge in amorous amphibian activity. Also we installed our fixed-point PhotoPosts on various nature reserves across Sussex three years ago.

There’s been a hive of activity at six Thameslink railway stations where wildlife experts have installed 20 new ‘homes for nature’, said to be the bee’s knees for a wide variety of animals.

Can you spare 30 seconds? Tell us what spring wildlife topics interest.

Owls are some of our most captivating birds. Their love of hunting at dawn and dusk gives them a sense of mystery.

Can you spare 30 seconds to answer a quick question? What area of Sussex Wildlife Trust’s work is most important to you in 2024?

Find out about the amazing offer on membership, book your spot on James Power webinar about the plight of bee species in Sussex, and see some of Sussex wildlife Trust's staff's nature highlights that raise their spirits.

Wildlife quiz How much do you know about the wildlife in Sussex? Do you know how many Hedgehogs there are in the UK or whether Robins moult? Take our quiz and test your wildlife knowledge. Take the quiz   Wilder Future Sussex Wildlife Trust is passionate about connecting young people with our county’s amazing wildlife. We also believe in providing opportunities to learn essential skills for careers in nature conservation. Deneway's Wild Future does this by offering free, accessible and fun sessions for 16–25 year olds.Communities Intern Mya Bambrick tells us about the exciting new youth-led nature reserve initiative based at The Deneway nature reserve in Brighton. Read more   Upcoming events 17 December: Guide in the Hide - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 20 December: Wild Future Sessions - for 16 to 25 year olds. Brighton 16 January: 10 Bees and the stories they tell - Webinar More events here

We know it can be hard getting outdoors during the winter, so we have created a seasonal challenge. #12DaysWild will help you connect with nature every day from 25 December to 5 January.

We run several free email courses, helping people to identify butterflies, birdsong and fungi.

Tune in for Sussex Wildlife Trust's news and updates

Early bird wins Photo Competition We are excited to announce that Tim Nightingale is our 2023 Photo Competition winner, with his stunning photo Cormorant at Sunrise. Tim took his winning photo very early in the morning at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.Runner-up was Brian Watkins, with his superb photo of a woodland bird in an iconic pose - Nuthatch on Fungi.For this year's competition, our judges, headed up by professional international wildlife photographer David Plummer, selected 12 finalists from more than 500 entries for its online photography competition. Then it was over to the public, where over 1000 people voted for their favourite. Read morE Listening with 'deer' ears Kissing trees, rustling leaves, squeaking puddles. What might we be able to hear if we really listen when we're out enjoying nature?Emma Chaplin has been asking her Sussex Wildlife Trust colleagues to share their favourite sounds, or ones that they find most interesting.  Lend us your ears   Upcoming events 16 November: Nature Tots - Crawley - last two places 18 November: The Ocean Symposium - Bexhill 18 -19 November: Festive Makers Market - Rye Harbour 22 November: Deneway's Wild Future - Free event.16-25 year olds, Brighton 03 December: Winter Wreath Workshop - Rye Harbour More events here

Sussex Wildlife calendars Our 2024 calendars - Wildlife of Sussex and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve - are now available. The 2024 Wildlife of Sussex calendar features 12 stunning full colour images from the portfolios of wildlife photographers who support the work of Sussex Wildlife Trust.The 2024 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve calendar features 12 outstanding full colour images of wildlife found at one of the most spectacular nature reserves in Sussex.  Both calendars also include seasonal wildlife facts and reminders of key UK dates. Buy calendars   Christmas Cards Enjoy our delightful range of Christmas cards featuring a variety of winter wildlife. Now available in mixed packs contain ten cards, two each of five designs.  Buy Christmas cards   Sussex Wildlife Trust clothing Look good this winter season in our eco-fashion hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, including recycled circular t-shirts. All the products are made from 100% organic cotton produced in a wind-powered factory. Tote bags, stickers and wall art are now also available. Don't forget to check out our great value bundles too. Visit our clothing store   Gift Membership Buy a gift for your loved ones that lasts all year.Membership includes: A welcome pack containing our fabulous reserves guidebook Our acclaimed Wildlife magazine twice a year, packed full of interesting and inspiring articles Free guided members walks  Discounts on our varied courses and events Children also receive their own Wildlife Watch magazine four times a year as part of Family memberships Available as Single, Joint and Family memberships. Buy gift membership   Nature Books Books are a wonderful way to help us explore the natural world. We have local interest wildlife books, identification guides for birds, bugs and wild flowers and nature stories for children. We also have a charming series of blank notebooks, designed by Daniel Mackie. Buy books                              

    Forest Copse Appeal: You did it! A massive thank you to everyone who has supported our Forest Copse appeal. You have helped us raise £110,000 to buy three fields adjoining the northern edge of our Ebernoe Common nature reserve.  We have been overwhelmed by the level of support that we have received. We are now able to secure the purchase of these fields and make more space for nature. Don’t worry if you still want to donate; this is just the beginning of our work at Ebernoe Common to help nature recover.   DONATE HERE   The generosity of our supporters has helped us secure the future of these fields, but we also need to commit to its ongoing management to ensure this rewilding project is a success. In the coming months and years we’ll be working on managing the new fields, and the rest of Ebernoe Common, to further enhance its rich biodiversity. Every donation we receive now help support this vital work, as Forest Copse takes the first steps towards recovery and regeneration.     What’s your favourite sign of autumn?   Autumn is many people’s favourite season and it’s easy to see why. The leaves turn an assortment of bright and beautiful colours, migrating birds arrive and fungi popping up all over the place.But what you love most about autumn?    VOTE NOW   Upcoming events 08 November: Deneway's Wild Future - Free event.16-25 year olds, Brighton 13 November: Forest School Training Level 1 - Tilgate Park, Crawley 15 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Goring-by-Sea 18 November: The Ocean Symposium - Bexhill 18 -19 November: Festive Makers Market - Rye Harbour 03 December: Winter Wreath Workshop - Rye Harbour More events here

Wild about schools   We are now taking bookings for school classes to visit Woods Mill nature reserve. Explore our 44 acre nature reserve, with meadows, hedges, ponds and woodland, and take part in fun activities and games. This experience will help the children develop a sense of excitement, curiosity and protection for the natural world.Most of the nature reserve is now accessible by wheelchair and there is a classroom with a wide range of equipment for indoor and outdoor studies. Please get in touch to find out more.   Discover Woods Mill educational visits      Spooktacular wildlife   This Halloween, go on a thrilling journey to uncover some of the UK's most spine-tingling species. From Ghost Slugs and Devil's Fingers, to Mother Shipton moths and hooting owls, you'll be amazed how many wild wonders have a connection to the supernatural.   Read more, if you dare...   Upcoming Events 31 October: Nature Tots - Brighton 01 November: Deneway's Wild Future - 16-25 year olds, Brighton 13 November: Forest School Training Level 1 - Tilgate Park, Crawley 15 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Goring-by-Sea 18 November: The Ocean Symposium - Bexhill More events here

Free Beginner’s Guide to Fungi   Sign up for our free beginner’s guide email course and learn to identify some of the most common fungi you can see when out and about in Sussex.In our free seven day email course you’ll learn: How to identify seven species of fungi Where to spot them Defining features to help you with identification   Sign up for free   Christmas Cards in stock   Our Christmas cards are now available from the Sussex Wildlife Trust's online shop. The mixed packs contain ten charming cards of winter wildlife, two each of five designs. The cards, envelope and sleeve are all 100% recycled.  Our Wildlife of Sussex and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 2024 Calendars are also available.All profits support Sussex Wildlife Trust's nature conservation work.   Buy now

2024 Wildlife Calendar Our two 2024 calendars - Wildlife of Sussex and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are now available to pre-order from our online shop. The 2024 Wildlife of Sussex calendar features 12 stunning full colour images from the portfolios of wildlife photographers who support the work of Sussex Wildlife Trust. The 2024 Rye Harbour Nature Reserve calendar features 12 wonderful photos of wildlife found at one of the most spectacular nature reserves in Sussex. Both also include seasonal wildlife facts and reminders of key UK dates.Each calendar costs £6.99 including p&p. Calendars will be dispatched by 27 October 2023. Pre-order your calendars today   Have you seen a Hornet? Sunny days in September can be a good time to spot European Hornets. They can be over 30mm in length, but are much less aggressive than the Common Wasp. They are also an important pollinator and garden pest controllerYou may have heard about the invasive Asian Hornet, in our blog we explain how to identify the Asian Hornet and where to report any sightings. Find out more   Upcoming events 01 October: Birds and Breakfast - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 27 October: Crafting your Screenplay - Rye Harbour Nature Reserve 11 November: Beginning Nature Photography - Henfield 15 November: An Introduction to Gulls - Goring-by-Sea