On Saturday 24 May join Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) and explore Malling Down near Lewes, hunting for chalk downland butterflies.

During the early summer months, the Trust’s nature reserve at Malling Down is home to the first flush of blue butterflies that thrive on the chalk grassland flowers.

Led by SWT’s Reserve Officer, look out for bright-blue common blues, small blues and the rare Adonis blue butterfly that lives on Malling Down in very good numbers. This beautiful insect relies on a certain species of ant which takes the developing caterpillar to their nests, and guards the chrysalis until it is transformed into a beautiful adult – all in return for a little sugary fluid.

The event runs from 13:00 – 15:00. Meet at the car park at the top of Mill Road. Grid Map Ref: TQ 422112. Bus stop at the bottom of Mill Road. Unsuitable for people with walking difficulties. Sorry no dogs. Members/concessions £7. Non-members £9. Booking essential please ring Filma Dyer on 01273 497561.