HASTINGS & EAST SUSSEX
NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Our Walks & Talks  - scroll down to see all

Please see all the planned events where members and newcomers meet to walk and learn.

WALKS - 2025
 

HASTINGS & EAST SUSSEX NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY WALKS PROGRAMME

THURSDAY WALKS – WINTER 2025/26​

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                     Journal Motto: Rerum natura sacra sua non simul tradit. 

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Walks may be cancelled in bad or extreme weather, or unforeseen circumstances, please contact the leaders if in doubt. Suitable clothing and footwear is recommended. Bring a packed lunch and drink if required. Leaders are to carry a small FIRST AID KIT, also a mobile phone if possible. A high visibility jacket is recommended. Distances given are approximate. Contact the walk leader(s) if you have queries. The nearest Postcode, Grid Reference and What3Words (logo - ///) for the meeting point is given. NB: Attendees do so at their own risk. On roads without a footpath, keep to the highway code, single file is recommended. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions and in very hot weather consider a hat and water.

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AMENDMENT​

OCTOBER 9th :

Change to start of walk for Thursday 9th October: Start time still 10.15 and distance still 5miles: The new meeting point will be: The Old Oak Inn, Caneheath, Arlington. BN26 6SJ, TQ55795 07794, /// reflector. guru. truly. Those eating at the Inn after the walk can use their car park. All others can park opposite in the lay by. This is a better arrangement for a starting/finishing point.

The Old Oak is very near to the picnic site in Abbot's Wood (£2.50 for a 2 hour stay), and also the Arlington Tea Room which has parking at the rear.

   LEADERS: Maggie Cawthraw, tel: 07720 893091 and Eric Cawthraw, tel: 07856 395083. Meeting point: BN26 6RX, TQ54405 07434,  /// calms. unto. enlighten.

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OCTOBER 16th :   Meet at the carpark off Brede Lane, Sedlescombe for a 10:30 start. A circular walk of about 4½ miles, passing Jacob’s Farm and Powdermill Reservoir.  Picnic on the village green or pub lunch at The Queens Head. LEADERS: Michael Miles: 07484 285594, Sue Miles: 07484 294010.   Meeting point: TN330RQ,  TQ78234 18041, /// dogs. wordplay. regulates,  the postcode is for Gammons Way. 

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OCTOBER 23rd :   Meet by the Tiger Inn in the free Horse Field Car Park at Gilberts Drive, East Dean, for a 10:15 start. There are toilets in The Hikers’ Rest Café. A circular walk of about six and a half miles, taking in three of the Seven Sisters. LEADER:  Ron Padgham. Mobile: 07972 341692. Meeting point: BN20 0DA, TV55708 97809,  /// transmit. tasks. unless.

OCTOBER 30th: Meet at East Dean free car park for a 10:30 am start. A six mile circular walk on open downland with moderate climbs and no stiles. LEADER: Ron Padgham, tel: 07972 341692. Meeting point: BN20 0DA, TV55708 97809, /// transmit. tasks. unless.

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NOVEMBER 6th :  Meet at Robertsbridge Village Hall, 11-23 Station Road where parking is arranged at a charge of £1 per car.  Thanks to Karen for this arrangement. Karen to collect the donations.  Start at 10:00 am. Distance approx 5 ¼ miles via John’s Cross and Mountfield Court, 6 stiles. A pub lunch after the walk at The Halt, Salehurst or picnic back at Salehurst Church or possibly by the Village Hall . LEADERS Bill and Janet Turner, tel: 07762 527745. Meeting point: TN32 5DG, TQ73481 23444,  /// bungalows. tinted. cone.

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NOVEMBER 13th :  Meet at The White Hart Pub, Catsfield for a 10:30 am start. A circular morning walk of approx 4 miles, past Farthing Pond and walking through Powdermill Wood. Picnic in the village or pub lunch in the White Hart. You can use the pub car park if you are eating there. LEADERS: Michael Miles: 07484 285594, Sue Miles: 07484 294010.   Meeting point: TN33 9DJ, TQ7221 13715,  ///nurtures. cooked. catch.

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NOVEMBER 20th :   Meet at the car park at the back of Blackbrooks Garden Centre, Bexhill Rd, for a 10:30 am  start. A 4 mile walk, through Filsham Reed Beds and on the coastal path, returning via Bridge Way. Picnic lunch in the Combe Valley or at The Bull Inn.  LEADERS: Michael and Sue Miles. Michael: 07484 285594  Sue: 07484 294010. Meeting point: TN388AR, TQ76955 08486, /// punks. camera. object.

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NOVEMBER 27th :  Meet for a 10:30 am start at The Pump House Café  and Deli near The Greenhouse in Alexandra Park. A morning walk  round the park, approx 4 ½ miles. Lunch at the Pump House Café  or picnic in Alexandra Park. LEADER: John Potter, tel, 07784 214281. Meeting point: TN34 2EL, TQ80780 10589,  /// venues. formal . itself. 

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DECEMBER 4th :  Meet at the Cockerel Licenced Café and Bakery (formerly the Cock Inn), Main Street, Peasmarsh for a 10:15 am start. A 4 ¼ mile walk. Parking to be available for those lunching at the café.  The nearby Jempsons car park (/// detained. club. inflation) may be preferred for those lunching there or wishing to picnic. LEADERS: Bill and Janet Turner, tel: 07762 527745. Meeting point: TN316YD, TQ88507 22996, /// raven. tastes. inclines.

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DECEMBER 11th :  Christmas Lunch.

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DECEMBER 18th:   Meet for a 10:30 am start at the seafront beach side shelter near West Marina Gardens, also known as Grosvenor Gardens. A 5 mile circular walk through various parks and gardens in St. Leonards. Picnic or pub lunch at The Bo-Peep upon return.  LEADERS: Michael Miles, 07484 285594 and Sue Miles, 07484 294010 Meeting point: TN38 0AG, TQ78874 08732,  /// nearly. tests. music.

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DECEMBER 25th :  Seasonal Break.

Please contact Eric and Maggie Cawthraw (see contact details at the end) with walks you want to lead for the Winter programme.

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JANUARY 1st : Seasonal Break.

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JANUARY 8th :  Meet at 10:00 am in Crowhurst Recreation Ground for a 5.25 mile circular walk. A mixture of woodland tracks and quiet country lanes. Lunch at the Plough Inn at the end of the walk, or picnic by the cricket pitch. LEADERS: Maureen Waite tel: 07712 681333, Mick Waite tel: 07713 271014. Meeting point: TN33 9AY, TQ76000 11648, /// hogs. scouting. atlas.

JANUARY 15th :  Meet at Robertsbridge Village Hall, 11-23 Station Road, for a 10:00 am start. Parking arranged with a £1 donation per car to Karen. A 6 mile walk with lunch upon return. LEADER: Jakki Armfield, tel: 07415 376701. Meeting point: TN32 5DG, TQ73481 23444,  /// bungalows. tinted. cone.

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JANUARY 22nd  : Meet at the White Horse, Bodle Street Green car park for a 10:30 am start. Alternative on road parking is available near the pub. A 3.6 mile circular walk, mainly on country lanes and tracks. Picnic or lunch at the White Horse on return. LEADERS: Eric Cawthraw, tel: 07856 395083 and Maggie Cawthraw: tel, 07720 873091. Meeting point: BN27 4RE, TQ0651 14484, /// once. presume. bleaker.

JANUARY 29th: Meet by the former Smugglers pub in Pett Level for a 10:00 am start. A 6 mile walk with picnic on return, or lunch at The Royal Oak in Pett village. LEADER: Darryl Johnston, tel: 07597 003407. Meeting point: TN35 4EH, TQ89058 13454, /// stammer. zooms. funds.

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FEBRUARY 5th :  Meet at the Bulverhythe Recreation Ground Car Park for a 10:30 am start. A wildlife walk to Acton's Farm and return. Suitable footwear is recommended as the terrain may be flooded in places. The route may vary depending on the conditions and an update will be given nearer the time. LEADER David Dennis, tel: 07969 088186. Meeting Point: TN38 8AH, TQ77573 08799, /// heave. patio. jumps.

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FEBRUARY 12th :   Meet in in the free car park behind The Bell Inn in Pickforde Lane Ticehurst, for a 10:15 am start. A 5 ¼ mile walk round part of Bewl Water Reservoir by Hazelhurst Farm before retuning to Ticehurst. Your own lunch arrangements or lunch in The Bell. LEADERS: Eric Cawthraw, tel: 07856 395083 and Maggie Cawthraw, tel: 07720 873091. Meeting point: TN5 7DJ, TQ68939 30308, /// chairing. height. sushi.

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FEBRUARY 19th :  Something different. Meet on the seafront by the former Smugglers pub in Pett Level for a 10:00 am start. A gentle stroll examining the beach at low water – low tide is at 9:09 am. A close look at the rock pools and if we are lucky – fossils. Picnic or pub lunch afterward at the Royal Oak in Pett village. LEADER: Colin Page, tel: 01797 224231. Meeting point: TN35 4EH, TQ89058 13454, /// stammer. zooms. funds.

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FEBRUARY 26th :  Meet at the eastern seafront end of Grosvenor Gardens (West Marina Gardens) for a 10:30 am start. A 3 ½ mile circular walk via Harley Shute. Picnic or pub lunch in The Bo-Peep upon return. LEADER: Charmian Kenner. tel: 07444 494341. Meeting point: TN38 0AL, TQ788022 08729, ///wished. verbs. feeds.

MARCH  5th :   Meet in the free car park at Rye Harbour for a 10:00 am start. A 6 ½ mile walk around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. A picnic in the Reserve after the  walk, or a pub lunch back in the New Inn, Winchelsea. LEADER: Ron Padgham, Tel: 07972 341692. Meeting point: TN31 7TX, TQ94191 18921, /// undivided. waters. remark.

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MARCH 12th : Meet on the seafront at the western end of Grosvenor Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea for 10:30 am start. A 5.5 mile ‘there and back’ walk from West St Leonards to Bexhill.  Lunch in Bexhill.  LEADER: Karen Johnson, tel: 07549 992878.  Meeting point:- TN38 0AL, TQ788022 08729, ///wished.  verbs. feeds.

MARCH 19th :  Meet outside the White Hart, The Green, Catsfield for a 10:30 am start. A 4 ½ circular walk mostly on country lanes and tracks. A morning walk only. Your own lunch arrangements or pub lunch on return. Pub lunchers free to use their car park. There is usually plenty of roadside parking. LEADERS: Maggie Cawthraw, tel: 07720 87309 and Eric Cawthraw, tel: 07856 395083. Meeting point: TN33 9DJ, TQ7220 13690, /// unwanted. canny. scariest.

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MARCH 26th  Meet at Battle rail station for a 10:30 start. A generally easy 4.5 mile walk through woodland with no stiles but some hilly sections. Your own lunch arrangements in Battle or lunch at the Railway Country Pub following the walk. LEADER:  John Potter: Mobile 07784 214281. Meeting point Battle railway station, Station Approach, Battle, TN33 0DE, TQ 75471 15567, /// pines. soon. nightfall.

Our Journal motto translates: “Nature doesn’t reveal all its secrets at once.” On our walks, we should take time to record the passing seasons and give Mother Nature a chance to unveil her wonders. Please feel free to submit written reports to the Recorders or to the Society’s web site (shown at the start) to include sightings and photographs if available. The completion of a ‘Walk Record Sheet’ would be welcome, if you are willing to undertake it (preferably by team leaders), a copy is enclosed. Enjoy this season’s walking.

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Walks Secretaries: Eric & Maggie Cawthraw. Tel: 01424 712695. Eric’s -  Mob: 07856 395083, e-mail: e.cawthraw@btinternet.com. Maggie’s Mob: 07720 873091, e-mail margaret_cawthraw@hotmail.co.uk .

Hastings and East Sussex Natural History Society

Walk Record

Date:

Leader(s):

Location:*

Weather: (inc temp)

*Give a brief description of the walk, e.g. 4 mile circular round Battle Great Wood. (Additional space):

Type of Record

e.g. Buzzard circling overhead

Bird

e.g. Fungi growing in the wood

Fungi

e.g. Bluebells in bloom

Plant

e.g. Badger sett

Mammal

e.g. Wasp nest in oak tree

Insect

Our Journal motto translates: “Nature doesn’t reveal all its secrets at once.” On our walks, we should take time to record the passing seasons and give Mother Nature a chance to unveil her wonders. Please feel free to submit written reports to the Society’s web site (shown at the start) to include sightings and photographs if available.

The completion of a ‘Walk Record Sheet’ would be welcome, if you are willing to undertake it (preferably by team leaders), a copy is enclosed. Enjoy this season’s walking.

​

Walks Secretaries: Eric & Maggie Cawthraw. Tel: 01424 712695. Eric’s -  Mob: 07856 395083, e-mail: e.cawthraw@btinternet.com. Maggie’s Mob: 07720 873091, e-mail margaret_cawthraw@hotmail.co.uk .

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Hastings and East Sussex Natural History Society

Walk Record

Date:

Leader(s):

Location:*

Weather: (inc temp)

*Give a brief description of the walk, e.g. 4 mile circular round Battle Great Wood. (Additional space):

Type of Record

e.g. Buzzard circling overhead

Bird

e.g. Fungi growing in the wood

Fungi

e.g. Bluebells in bloom

Plant

e.g. Badger sett

Mammal

e.g. Wasp nest in oak tree

Insect

TALKS - 2025

Hastings and East Sussex Natural History Society

                          Wednesday evening meetings in 2025  

         April 9th   Wild Indonesia                                     Ray Hale

         May 14th   Bats                                                   Karen Hammond

         June 11th  The Wildlife of Rye Harbour                    James Duncan

         Sept 10th Wildlife of Patagonia                              Ian Rumley Dawson

         Oct 8th   Standing up for Woods and Trees             Emma Lansdell

         Nov 12th  How Meadows and Healthy Soil

          can fight Climate Change                                     Michael Wachter

                  Free for Members, £3 for visitors. A small charge for refreshments,

               plus a raffle.  7.00 pm for a 7.30pm start. At The Taplin Centre,

                   3, Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards on Sea TN38 0LQ.

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