events

Six weekly sessions, held on Wednesdays, 11am - 2pm, Steyning Downland Scheme

Taster session:  Wednesday 4 June, 2025 (come along and meet the team)

Session dates: 11 June, 18 June, 25 June, 2 July, 9 July, 16 July

The Lost Woods team invites you to join our free woodland wellbeing group for adults, to help you to learn to enjoy and connect with nature for improved wellbeing. This course is ideal for those who live in or near to Steyning.

• Connect with nature through activities that promote wellbeing
• Woodland crafts, wildlife surveying, light conservation work and more
• Meet new people and get to know your local woodland

Sessions are free but places are limited. For more information and to register your interest, contact lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk or complete our form.

Saturday 5 July, High Street, Hurstpierpoint

We're joining in the festivities at St Lawrence Fair in Hurstpierpoint! We hope to see you at the annual village fair (thought to be one of the oldest in the UK) to chat all things ancient woodlands and access to nature!

‍
Find out more: St Lawrence Fair, Hurstpierpoint

Hurstpierpoint's St Lawrence Fair — Hurst Life

Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July, 9.30am - 4pm, Woods Mill, Henfield - UPDATE: This event is now sold out. Please email lostwoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk if you would like to join the waiting list.

This two-day course will help you to build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods.

The course will be tailored to your individual needs, and you are encouraged to share details of woodlands you are familiar with to aid your learning.

You will gain an accreditation at Level 3 with AIM, subject to submission of a completed assignment for marking and assessment.

We will cover:

• types of woodlands in the UK
• protecting woodlands
• producing timber and wood
• legal responsibilities
• maximising positive impacts for biodiversity
• the future of woodland stewardship

Fee: £80

‍

‍

Tuesday 22 July, 9.30am - 4pm, Park Wood, Poynings

Join us to learn the ancient craft of walking stick making. This immersive outdoor one-day workshop will cover:

• suitable species of wood use
• types of walking stick you can make
• how to collect materials
• bending, straightening, and seasoning wood
• shaping and finishing
• oils and varnishes to use to protect your stick

You will leave with the foundations of some essential woodworking skills, and your own creation to take home.

Fee: £45

‍

Thursday 11 September,9.30am - 4pm, Park Wood, Poynings

Traditionally used to handle and pen livestock, today gate hurdles are an attractive addition to your garden or green space. They make beautiful, natural fencing and are often used as plant supports or border edging

This one-day course will teach you how to make your own gate hurdle. You will learn:

• types of hurdles and history
• suitable timber species
• tool safety and types of tools traditionally used
• making gate hurdles from sweet chestnut
  

You will leave with a finished hurdle to take home.

Fee: £45

‍