Scrag Copse

Scrag Copse is ten acres of semi-natural ancient deciduous woodland managed for wildlife and especially to provide incredible opportunities to photograph wildlife. As such, it has in places become an outdoor studio where creatures like woodland birds, normally shy and hard to photograph, will come down as if on cue to pre-arranged perches. The woodland birds' courses are very popular and it is almost guaranteed for photographers to get full-frame images of great spotted woodpeckers among many others. Each day also now includes a search for roe deer at dusk as they come in to feed at the woodland edge. To book a place on one of the woodland birds' days please go to the courses page. After, one of these days you are invited to hire the bird hide privately to practice what you have learnt and to give you free reign to develop your skills in peace.

Throughout spring and summer the woodland floor is carpeted in flora including lovely areas of bluebells, primroses and dog's mercury and these are replaced in autumn with plenty of photogenic fungi. Butterflies include spectacular woodland species such as white admiral and silver-washed fritillary. The tree mix itself is mainly oak, hazel, ash and hornbeam but there are examples of many other species as well providing good varied woodland habitat. Interestingly, there are at least 3 wild service trees, one of which is colossal. These trees along with many of the flora species indicate Scrags ancient heritage.  

Scrag Copse is fortunate enough to have a good resident badger population which provides superb watching opportunities especially when the young emerge in May and June. Badger watching nights are being held at Scrag Copse for Sussex Wildlife Trust from April to July. If you are interested in an evening with badgers please visit the SWT website or email David Plummer via the contact page to arrange a private viewing night.

Many other features are being introduced such as standing water and ponds to provide habitat for dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles to provide more and more photographic opportunities.

By coming on one of the courses run by David Plummer you will be contributing directly to the conservation and enhancement of Scrag Copse.

To learn more about the beautiful Scrag Copse please visit the blog on scragcopse.blogspot.com to read the Scrag Copse Diary.   It is updated every couple of days and highlights the wildlife, work and courses that occur in this spectacular ancient and wild corner of Sussex.