events

Thursday 16 April, 11am - 1pm

‍Location: Butcher's Wood, Hassocks (meet at the train station).

Our woodlands are full of seasonal colour and character, from the bright clusters of celandines to sweeping carpets of bluebells. These wildflowers don’t just bring beauty to the woodland floor; many also tell the story of a woodland’s past. Some species act as ancient woodland indicators, showing that a site has existed continuously since 1600 and developed naturally over centuries.

Butcher’s Wood is a peaceful broadleaf woodland with level, easy‑to‑follow paths that weave through the trees. Join us for a gentle walk where you’ll learn how to recognise a variety of wildflower species, including those that can be a little tricky to identify at first glance.

During the session, you’ll also be introduced to ancient woodland indicator plants, why they matter, and how to spot them as you explore. This is a relaxed and supportive opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and discover the plants that make our Lost Woods landscapes so special.

Please note: This is a family-friendly walk, dogs on leads please. There will be uneven terrain, stiles and some woodlands are prone to seasonal water-logging. Therefore the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies. No toilets are en route (other than Hassocks train station). The walk is through private woodlands in Butchers Woods, which is owned by the Woodland Trust.

This is a free event for lottery players to say thank you to the National Lottery Heritage fund for their support to the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs Project. Simply present your ticket upon arrival.

Monday 4th May, 1pm - 3pm for the learning-disabled community.

Meeting point: We will be visiting a woodland in Hassocks. Meeting arrangements and further details supplied upon booking.

As part of this year’s Brighton Festival, the Lost Woods team warmly invites people with learning disabilities to experience the sights, smells, and sensations of one of Sussex’s beautiful ancient woodlands.

These gentle, two‑hour sensory wanders offer a chance to slow down, notice nature, and enjoy the woodland in a supported, accessible way. Come and explore nature using all your senses, feeling textures, observing wildlife, noticing colours and movement, and enjoying the calming atmosphere and beauty of our ancient woodland, near Hassocks.

Whether you’re a regular nature‑lover or visiting a woodland for the first time, these walks are a chance to connect with the landscape, meet others, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of time among the trees.

This event is delivered as part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project which has been made possible thanks to players of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Booking essential.

We are also offering a walk for those with hearing impairments from 10-12 which should be booked separately.

Please note: These walks are designed for and welcome people with learning disabilities and their friends, families and or carers. Booking essential as spaces are limited, we cannot accept walk-ups. Please leave dogs at home to help us focus on connecting with nature. Butchers Woods which is owned by the Woodland Trust has uneven terrain, kissing gates and is prone to seasonal water-logging. Therefore the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies. Nearest toilet facilities at Hassocks train station.

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Monday 4 May, 10am – 12 midday for the hard of hearing and deaf community. Accompanied by BSL interpreter.

Meeting point: We will be visiting Butcher’s Wood in Hassocks. Meeting arrangements and further details supplied upon booking.

As part of this year’s Brighton Festival, the Lost Woods team warmly invites members of the hard of hearing and deaf community to experience the sights, smells, and sensations of one of Sussex’s beautiful ancient woodlands alongside a sign language interpreter.

This gentle, two‑hour sensory wander offers a chance to slow down, notice nature, and enjoy the woodland in a supported, accessible way. Come and explore nature using all your senses, feeling textures, observing wildlife, noticing colours and movement, and enjoying the calming atmosphere and beauty of our ancient woodland, near Hassocks.

Whether you’re a regular nature‑lover or visiting a woodland for the first time, this is a chance to connect with the landscape, meet others, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of time among the trees.

This event is delivered as part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We are also offering a walk for those with learning disabilities from 1-3pm which should be booked separately.

Please note: This walk is designed for and welcomes people who are hard of hearing or from the deaf community and their friends, families or carers. Booking is essential as spaces are limited, we cannot accept walk-ups. Please leave dogs at home to help us focus on connecting with nature. Butcher’s Wood, owned by the Woodland Trust, has uneven terrain, kissing gates and is prone to seasonal waterlogging. Therefore, the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies. Nearest toilet facilities at Hassocks train station.

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Date: Saturday 30th May, 11:30 –15:30

Meeting point: The Old Net Loft, 201 Kings Rd Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB

Step out of the festival crowds and into a pocket of creativity right by the waves. On Saturday 30th May, 11:30am–3:30pm, the Old Net Loft transforms into a buzzing hub for you to create, connect and celebrate the magic of woods, trees and wild imagination.

Wander through a lively mix of photography, creative arts, live music and spoken poetry, all led by inspiring young people. Chat with young creatives about their work, hear the stories behind their ideas, and even jump into mini workshops to try out something hands on yourself. There’s a buzz in the air, a friendly festival warmth, and more than enough to spark your imagination.

Woodland Trust and Lost Woods staff and volunteers will be there too, ready to share ways you can get involved in protecting the UK’s woods and trees, from volunteering to taking action in your own community.

It’s cosy, quirky, right on the seafront, and open to everyone. Drop in, soak up the atmosphere, and let a little woodland wonder drift into your day.  

(Please note: the venue can host a maximum of 60 people and is upstairs where lifts are not available.)

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