WEST SUSSEX
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 2 MIN TIME : 3 HOURS
Classic heathland birds in a stunning Wealden setting
Ambersham Common is one of the few remaining greensand heaths in the south of England, a rare habitat that formerly covered vast swathes of Wessex. A riot of colourful gorse, broom and ling with scattered birch scrub attracts the iconic heathland trio of Nightjar, Wood Lark and Dartford Warbler, along with a supporting cast of Tree Pipit and Woodcock. The common is surrounded by a variety of coniferous and deciduous woodland, and the route also encompasses adjacent farmland with views across the canopy for soaring raptors. While species diversity dips in the winter months, Hen Harrier and Great Grey Shrike are sometimes present.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Quality birds on the heath include a few pairs of Wood Larks and Dartford Warblers alongside the commoner Stonechat, Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Whitethroat, Willow and Garden Warblers. Listen for singing Tree Pipit around the margins and from lone trees, plus Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush and maybe a perched Hobby. Check the woodland edge for singing Chiffchaff and Blackcap and the possibility of Spotted Flycatcher, Turtle Dove and Cuckoo. The elevated view should yield thermalling Buzzard, Red Kite and Sparrowhawk overhead, plus any passing Swifts or hirundines feeding on insects. At dusk, Nightjar, Woodcock and Tawny Owl are active. Wood Warbler and Redstart have bred in the past, but are more likely now on spring or autumn passage.
2 Look out for farmland birds, such as Kestrel, Red-legged Partridge, Stock Dove, Swallow, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, corvids, finches and buntings. Hedgerows attract Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroats, Bullfinch, Stonechat, Linnet and Yellowhammer. Another good spot to scan surrounding woodland canopies for soaring birds of prey, including a chance of Honey Buzzard and Goshawk. During autumn migration look for Wheatear and Whinchat around field margins and maybe over-flying Grey Wagtail and Tree Pipit.
3 Blocks of deciduous woodland attracts the likes of resident Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Marsh and Long-tailed Tits, Bullfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker, while Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is more likely to be located in early spring; Tawny Owls ar
