This spring, the Lost Woods team and volunteers have been supporting the Woodpecker Network on an innovative survey to search for the declining Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in Sussex. Building on last year’s community observations, the 2026 survey uses new passive audio recording techniques developed by Sussex birdwatchers Ken and Linda Smith. Small recorders are fixed to trees and left to capture woodland sounds over several days, with specialist software helping to identify potential woodpecker calls and drumming for expert verification. After weeks of surveying some of the wettest woodlands in the area and listening through plenty of false alarms, the team made an exciting discovery: recordings of the distinctive drumming of a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker at a site near Ditchling.

The Lost Woods project recently joined Wildlife Champion Ben Benatt and a team of expert bryologists on a fascinating survey of Sullington Manor Farm, uncovering an impressive mix of mosses, liverworts and lichens across its woodland, churchyard and chalk downland. Highlights included the delicate Prince of Wales Feathermoss, wefts of Rambling Tail Moss on ancient ash trees, and the striking Golden‑eye Lichen—once considered extinct in Britain but now reappearing across the South. Despite rain and winter weather, the group recorded an incredible 70 species, revealing just how rich and surprising our county’s bryophytes can be.

Across the Low Weald and South Downs, many of our irreplaceable habitats are taken care of by dedicated volunteers. One such volunteer group is The Friends of Markstakes Common, who help look after the nature reserve in Chailey, East Sussex. Find out more, including how to join in volunteer efforts.