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.

Thursday 12th June, Woods Mill, Henfield

UPDATE: This event has now sold out. To join the waiting list, please email lostwoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Join us on this one-day course to learn the basic skills you need to identify and sustainably manage ancient woodland, and help biodiversity thrive once more.

The day will begin at the HQ of Lost Woods Project Partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust, for a discussion on ancient woodland. After lunch, we will visit a nearby site that is currently undergoing restoration.

The course will cover:

• what is an ancient woodland?

• ancient woodland indicator species

• woodland archaeology

• woodland condition assessment and planning

• restoration management techniques

• resilience to climate change, pests, diseases and invasive species

Fee: £45

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Saturday 14th June, 11am - 12.30pm (free)

Meeting point: Hassocks Station

PLEASE NOTE: This event is currently sold out.

A guided, circular walk of 2.5–3 miles through ancient woodlands with Bob Epsom, Outreach Adviser for the Woodland Trust. He’ll discuss the importance of these biodiverse centuries-old habitats, as well as help you learn to spot ancient and veteran trees.

This event is a thank you event for players of The National Lottery, for making the Lost Woods project possible.

Please note: 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 Hassocks and Butchers Woods, which is owned by the Woodland Trust.

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Running over two weekends: 14th/ 15th June, and 21st/ 22nd June, CPRE

Free (some events need registration in advance) 

Hosted by CPRE, the Tree Festival 2025 offers a host of free events for everyone to enjoy – from talks and walks to poetry and music. There are also opportunities to get involved before the festival with special events and the ‘I love this tree because…’ photography competition.

The Lost Woods team will be at the Tree Festival at the Shoreham Centre on Saturday 14th June.

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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

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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

Upcoming course date: Tuesday 22 July, 9.30am - 4pm, Park Wood, Poynings

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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

Upcoming course date: Thursday 11 September,9.30am - 4pm, Park Wood, Poynings

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