McIntyres field

Situated north of the Lancing Manor allotments, McIntyres field is a former Cabbage patch that has been returned to nature and is now managed as a grass meadow. The field is cut once a year in late autumn and the arisings are removed to be composted. Surrounded on three sides by a thin ribbon of Ivy laced woodland and fringed with bramble and nettle scrub, it is sheltered from the cold northeasterly winds, especially at the edges where a mown path allows walkers to enjoy the wildlife. Friday 25th was a cold day with icy winds blowing from the north east, at the top of the field in a few moments of sunshine it was pleasantly warm. In the open field where the meadow grass had not begun to sprout new growth, two thrush-like birds foraged in the stubble. Without binoculars it was difficult to identify them at first but they remained long enough to get a better look. It was soon obvious that they were *Redwings*. This was confirmed when consulting a bird guide book later. The path at the top of the field is sheltered from the effect of the wind by a dense barrier of scrub and taller trees separating the field from the open farmland of Lancing College. On this edge, some distance away I spotted a small pale object fluttering over the top of *Bramble* and *Privet*. I am fairly sure it was not a leaf as it was maintaining purposeful flight, I concluded it most likely to be a Brimstone butterfly. This might be one of the first reported sightings this year in the UK. A small bird movement in the privet alerted us to the presence of others close by. There were three, possibly more *Long-tailed Tits*. Before heading for home, a short investigative walk through the gap in the windbreak to the wind exposed pathway alongside the farmland to check if any animals were in the sheep grazing meadow. Sometimes there are *Foxes* seen here, but it was not to be on this occasion. Feeling too cold to continue this route we turned for home.