Two rarely-seen insects have been causing a stir at Seven Sisters Country Park.

Our rangers were thrilled to spot scarce blue-tailed damselflies at one of the Country Park’s newly-restored wetlands.

The ‘spot’ has been confirmed by the Sussex Dragonfly Society and is only the second colony found in Sussex this year, and only the sixth in the county history, dating back to 1900.

Claire Onslow, who manages the Country Park, said “Our specialists confirmed that our nature recovery work has created the perfect habitat for these damselflies.

“It’s great to know that all our efforts are working!”

Meanwhile, a highly unusual “pink” grasshopper was recently spotted amongst the chalk grassland.

Ranger Laura Clapham explained: “Field grasshoppers are normally green, but we were amazed to find a pink one here in the South Downs National Park.

“Erythrism is a genetic mutation caused by the over production of red pigment. It’s fairly rare to spot, but not unheard of and well documented.

“The red makes them vulnerable to predators so they tend to have shorter lifespans – also making them rarer to spot.”

The National Park Authority took ownership of the iconic Seven Sisters site in 2021 and has invested over £2m in facility improvements, access upgrades, new holiday accommodation and nature recovery.