Woodland Trust launches Lost Woods of Low Weald and Downs project

The Lost Woods Of Low Weald And Downs project, led by the Woodland Trust, aims to breathe new life into badly fragmented and degraded woodland across 314sqkm of Sussex by reconnecting people to their environment.

It is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust, Action In Rural Sussex and the Small Woods Association.

Project bosses said the Lost Woods area, which stretches from Pulborough to the fringes of Lewes, is dominated by agriculture and the remaining woods are often small and in poor condition due to a range of issues including tree disease, invasive species and management that does not prioritise the ecological benefits of trees and woods.

People have been urged to become 'woodland champions' (Image: Woodland Trust)

They also said that tree cover in the Low Weald area is just 14 per cent, compared with 22.8 per cent in the South Downs and 24.8 per cent in the High Weald area to the north.

During the scheme’s development phase over the last two years, team members have been speaking to young people, communities and landowners to engage and inspire them to protect these vital natural habitats, with the aim of creating a new generation of woodland champions.

The project will enhance access to lost woods through events and volunteering and will create a “woodland culture” in the area by providing education, skills and knowledge building opportunities.

Training has started for woodland owners, managers and contractors to revive and restore woods - introducing ways of managing woodlands, restoring biodiversity, expanding woodland habitat and forging greater connectivity of woodlands across the landscape.

The project is being supported by National Lottery funding (Image: Woodland Trust)

Jenny Scholfield, Woodland Trust regional director, said in the Low Wealds nearly 60 per cent of woods are not currently managed and absent of the wildlife expected to be abundant in wild places.

“For centuries, woodland was an everyday part of people’s lives, for industry and for recreation and whilst we have beautiful woods and trees in Sussex, today many woodlands have become fragmented and neglected,” she said.

“Fragmented small woodlands are less resilient to impacts of the changing climate and other adverse factors, resulting in vulnerable wildlife habitats for local populations of wildlife species.

“We need to act now to make woodlands more secure for wildlife and connect small woodlands into a bigger, wilder landscape.”

Henri Brocklebank, director of conservation at Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “The project’s focus on networks for nature and networks for people will bring new audiences to loving these special places in Sussex.

“Our woodlands will be richer in wildlife and performing such an important task for us all - absorbing carbon, slowing the flow of water, providing places of tranquillity and inspiration, and of course hosting exquisite and fascinating plants and creatures.”