Local wildlife enthusiast, Steve Berry from Kingston, has sent this information about wildlife around Rodmell
The fields between Rodmell village and the river Ouse – known as Rodmell Brooks – are quite rich in birds, especially during the winter, and well-known to local birdwatchers. The area to the north of the track past the smallholding is one of the likeliest places to look for short-eared owls. Little owls, too, occur here and like their larger relatives can be seen during the day.
Other species to be seen in the winter include – sometimes – a few Bewick’s swan, and waders like snipe, the occasional – and rarer – jack snipe, and more common waders such as lapwing and (by the river) redshank and common sandpiper.
More information about the birds of Rodmell Brooks can be found here
Around the smallholding and beyond, the fields support good numbers of yellowhammer and reed bunting while birds of prey may include an occasional wintering merlin or hen harrier.
The large artificial pond between Rodmell and Lewes (‘Swanborough fishing lakes’) attracts a variety of duck including wigeon and teal and also large numbers of cormorants. Breeding species include reed buntings, reed warblers and a few pairs of the still uncommon Cetti’s warbler. There is a significant roost of little egrets in the immediate vicinity.
If there is anything of interest about our local wildlife that you’d like to see on the Rodmell website, please email us with the details.
