Lost Woods project midpoint results - ancient woodland restoration and community action takes root

We're halfway through the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project- and there's lots to celebrate! Together with amazing volunteers, local groups, and landowners, we're helping to restore ancient woodlands, improve habitats, and support more people to access wild spaces and experience the health benefits that spending time in nature brings.

Project highlights -‍

Identifying and mapping ancient trees

• 4,111 ancient, veteran or notable trees (so far!) have been identified and recorded on the Ancient Tree Inventory, around 3,500 of which have been recorded by the incredible Lost Woods volunteer team. They’ve clocked up some 2,280 volunteer hours on the project. By identifying where our oldest trees are, we can help communities and planners protect these trees in the future.

Bringing more people closer to nature

• We’ve trained 10 Forest School Assistants and 10 Forest School Leaders, so that more children attending Sussex nurseries, schools and community groups can access outdoor education in woodland settings.
• We have supported 310 people from underserved communities to access woodlands and spend time in nature for improved wellbeing
• We’ve held six Woods on Prescription courses at local woodlands for adults who wish to improve their sense of wellbeing. Activities at the sessions follow the NHS’s Five Ways to Wellbeing approach and help boost mental and physical health.
• We’re encouraging more communities to explore their local woods and learn about ancient woodlands - the Lost Woods mobile hub has visited 26 community events and engaged with 1,419 people

Restoring ancient woodlands

• We’ve carried out 40 Ancient Woodland Restoration Surveys, to give landowners, charities and councils the knowledge needed to manage their woods long-term
• Project volunteers have spent 177 hours removing the invasive species Himalayan Balsam and Cherry Laurel from ancient woodlands, making space for native plants to regenerate.
• Some 64 landowners are being supported by the Lost Woods team on how to restore their woodland, through advice, surveys, or woodland restoration works. In total the woodland area we’re helping to improve covers some 228 hectares -164 hectares of which is classed as ancient woodland.

Improving woodlands for wildlife

• Seven volunteer Wildlife Champions have been recruited and trained by the Lost Woods team. They volunteers have run 21 wildlife events and surveys in local woodlands.
• 45 community wildlife events to help the community learn about, protect or actively survey woodland wildlife have been supported by the Lost Woods team
• Five survey training events to spot signs in the Lost Woods area of the Hazel Dormouse, an under-threat species, have been carried out. Regular surveys have been established at five woodlands.
• Eight training sessions about other native wildlife have taken place

Supporting communities to take care of woods

• Three newly established community action groups to protect local woodlands have been set-up and supported
• We’re working with 28 wildlife, conservation, and sustainability groups, and through training or networking opportunities, we’re helping them to become more sustainable long-term

Training in woodland management skills

• 159 people have been trained in woodland management and traditional green woodworking skills, so that woodlands in Sussex can be managed sustainably and for greater biodiversity. You can sign up to register your interest in attending a future course.

Get involved

There's still plenty of time to get involved in the Lost Woods project.

Tell us about a tree - do you have an old tree in your garden or community which you think should be mapped on the Ancient Tree Inventory? Our volunteers would love to know.

Join our mailing list to hear more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Register to volunteer and get notified about upcoming conservation volunteering opportunities

Get free advice and surveys to help you restore your ancient woodland

Sign up your community group for support to access and enjoy nature

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Lost Woods is a partnership project delivered by The Woodland Trust, Action in Rural Sussex, Small Woods Association, and Sussex Wildlife Trust. It is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.