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Having made use of other titles in the ‘Where to Watch’ series in the past, I was excited to see what Where to Watch Birds in Surrey and Sussex had to offer. While I haven’t read the series’ previous iterations for this region – which included Kent in their offering – I found this updated guide to be a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for discovering the region’s birdlife. 

The book covers 96 primary birding locations, with shorter entries for an additional 109 sites. Each site entry includes practical advice on access, parking, and the best times to visit, making planning simple. The inclusion of detailed maps, grid references, and postcodes is a particularly thoughtful touch, ensuring you won’t lose your way. 

Phelps and Stubbs have taken care to reflect changes in the region’s birding landscape. Sites like Tice’s Meadow and Canons Farm in Surrey are given well-deserved attention, while coastal reserves like Medmerry RSPB and inland gems such as Knepp Castle are presented among Sussex’s must-visit sites. 

I also appreciated the chapter at the end of the book listing 30 target species for the region. This provides a breakdown of the best sites to visit for trickier species such as European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus, Eurasian Goshawk Accipiter gentilis and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dryobates minor. 

Also commendable is the effort the authors have put in to providing an accessible offering. The book not only features a great number of sites which can be visited by public transport, offering opportunities for those without a car to enjoy the best of Surrey and Sussex’s birdlife, but also highlights locations with access for those with disabilities or limited mobility. A handy index at the back of the book lists the best sites for accessibility. 

Whether you’re a resident or visitor to the area, this book is an invaluable resource. Its clear layout, practical guidance, and excellent site maps make it a pleasure to use. Highly recommended for anyone eager to explore the region’s remarkable birdlife. 

Thom Shannon