events

Six weekly sessions, held on Thursdays, 11am - 2pm, Hareswith Pond, Storrington

Taster session:  Thursday 4 September, 2025 (a chance to meet the team)

Session dates: Thursday 11 September, 18 September, 25 September, 2 October, 9 October, 16 October

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 Storrington.

• 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.

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

UPDATE: This course is now sold out. To add your name to our waiting list and receive emails of upcoming course dates, please complete this form.

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

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Saturday 13 September, 9.30am - 12pm

Join Sandgate Conservation Society, the National Trust and the Lost Woods team to have a go at some hands-on conservation work to improve this stunning heathland and woodland site near Storrington. Families welcome (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).

To book your place, please email lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk.

Friday 19 September, 9.30am - 3.30pm, The Mac's Farm, Ditchling

Join us for our third annual 'Seeding Ideas' Community Get-together!

This special gathering brings together our vibrant community to celebrate and nurture both our woodlands and the people who care for them and about them.

Who's invited? Everyone in the Lost Woods Project area, whether you're already part of our programme or curious about getting involved for the first time!

We'll be running workshops, there will be hands-on activities, and we'll be catching up on an exciting year of Lost Woods project achievements.

Connect with fellow woodland enthusiasts over a lunch of delicious sandwiches and home-made cake.

This is more than an event - it's a chance to grow connections, share inspiration, and plant the seeds for future woodland adventures. Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or taking your first steps into woodland wellbeing, you'll find your place in our welcoming community.

(Please note, dogs are not permitted on the farm.)

Find out more and book your ticket.

Thursday 2 October, 10am - 3pm, Sullington Manor Farm, Storrington, hosted by the Nature Friendly Farming Network

Agroforestry is a farming approach that combines trees with agriculture. Both arable and livestock farmers can practice it; in arable systems, trees are often planted between crop rows, while in livestock farming it is known as silvopasture - where animals graze beneath trees. The term also covers features like hedgerows, buffer strips and forest farming.

Join the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), in partnership with Lost Woods, for this on-farm event in the beautiful South Downs. Bob Epsom, Lost Woods outreach adviser, will be a speaker at the event. Lunch will be provided. Tickets: £20

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Wednesday 22 October, 9.30am - 4pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

For absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of coppicing, a fundamental skill for woodland management.

This course will cover:

• the history of coppicing
• why coppicing is important
• the best tools for the job and how to care for them
• safely felling small diameter trees with hand tools
• layering hazel
• how to deal with brash
• coppice products
• threats and opportunities

Fee: £45

Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October, 9.30am - 4pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

Join us in the beautiful woodland setting of Lag Wood in Hassocks for two immersive days in all things hazel coppice!

Our expert Lost Woods trainer, Chris, will be joined by master craftsman Simon Watson - one of the country’s finest wattle hurdle and thatching spar makers. Together, they will be leading a hands-on workshop that explores a time-honoured coppice craft: making traditional woven wattle hurdles.

You’ll learn through doing, following the rhythms of woodland work and the practical traditions that have shaped rural life for centuries.

We will cover how to select, cut, and prepare hazel using managed / unmanaged coppice, the essential tools and techniques for making wattle hurdles and other useful products that can be crafted.

While prior experience is not essential, attending our Introduction to Coppicing course would be an advantage, and help you to get the most from this workshop.

Fee: £80

(Lag Wood is a ten minute walk from Hassocks Train Station for those using public transport)

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Thursday 13 November, 9.30am - 4pm, Lag Wood, Hassocks

For absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of coppicing, a fundamental skill for woodland management.

This course will cover:

• the history of coppicing
• why coppicing is important
• the best tools for the job and how to care for them
• safely felling small diameter trees with hand tools
• layering hazel
• how to deal with brash
• coppice products
• threats and opportunities

Fee: £45