Engaging with our local community and inspiring future generations through outdoor learning are key pillars our of Reinventing Borde Hill project, and we are delighted to be collaborating with a number of schools and groups to pilot learning and conservation activities ahead of the project formally launching in 2027.
The Cubs section of the 10th Haywards Heath Scouts joined us in Borde Hill’s South Park on a glorious summer evening to help with some much-needed conservation work. The group of 28 Cubs and their leaders set out on an adventure across the parkland and into Dinosaur Wood – ancient woodland which is home to a wide range of wildlife including the extremely rare dormouse. The Cubs had the opportunity to learn about our exciting dormouse tunnel monitoring project which involves the support of 8 volunteers, before getting their hands dirty with a woodland clean up task.
We recently discovered that many trees in a rarely used area of the woodland still have tree guards from when they were planted over 30 years ago. This planting project in the late 1990s aimed to extend the ancient woodland which dates back hundreds of years, and link it with a neighbouring copse through the planting of native trees, mostly hazel. The project was successful, with the new hazel grove now fully grown.
The Cubs set to work removing tree guards and also managed to remove some black weed guard around the tree roots. By working together and collaborating as a team, several sacks were filled to help clear around the base of the trees and ensure they continue to thrive.
As part of our Reinventing Borde Hill project, we plan to establish a coppicing regime in this area of the woodland, which will improve habitats for hazel dormice and many other animals, and will provide material for use in and around the woodland such as hazel fencing. Now that the Cubs have cleared the area, this next stage of woodland management will be much easier.
We are hugely grateful to the Cubs for being part of our mission to safeguard our nationally important collection of trees and woodland areas for the future, and look forward to welcoming them again soon.
This quarter we have also welcomed children from local schools including St Peters and Harlands, as well as the regular walking group led by local NHS Social Prescribers, which supports patients with the many wellbeing benefits of socialising outdoors in nature.
If you are part of a community group and would like to find out how to get involved with the project, please contact [email protected]
