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.

Over past centuries, we have lost not only nature, but our collective memory of what a truly wild, healthy landscape looks like. Fran Southgate, Wilder Woodlands course trainer, explains how through the Lost Woods project we are working to restore our connection to nature and help make woodlands wilder again.