Meet the conservation group - the Friends of Markstakes Common

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 Markstakes Common nature reserve in Chailey, East Sussex. The site is made up of a rich mosaic of ancient woodland, heathland, grassland, wood pasture, and mire habitats.

As well as being one of the most beautiful wooded sites in the Lost Woods area, it's also one of the most biodiverse with a wide range of insects, butterflies, bats, birds and reptiles spotted here. (There have been some rumblings within the Lost Woods team that Markstakes really should be considered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.)

The Common is under the management of Lewes District Council, with the volunteers meeting regularly to carry out practical conservation tasks for wildlife.

Rupert Hall, Chair of The Friends of Markstakes Common, tells us about volunteering and how you can get involved to look after this 'magical' woodland:

Tell us about Markstakes Common

The Common is primarily old growth woodland with areas of open heath, grassland and mire with four ponds. The most prominent feature of the site is the large number of veteran trees interspersed with open areas, giving the site a magical feel. Having worked on the site for several years we have become aware of unusual plants and fauna found there.

How often do you meet and at what time of year?  What sorts of tasks does the group do?

We meet weekly on Monday mornings weather permitting and set about clearing bracken and bramble, coppicing willow and uprooting invasive Rum Cherry. The most enjoyable task of the year is when we restore a dead hedge to protect our largest pond.

What do you personally enjoy about volunteering or what do you find rewarding about it?

I enjoy working purposefully in a magical place doing something constructive for nature.

How did the group come about? 

The Site had notionally been looked after by the East Sussex Rangers but their activities had been intermittent and in 2008 they announced they would be ceasing any activities on the site. In response a group was formed to manage the site for wildlife interest. After a period of initial study, a habitat management plan was prepared. This focussed on the clearance of open areas that had become choked with bramble and birch. Having created the glades and open areas we have been doing our best to keep them clear ever since.

Are you looking for volunteers?

Volunteers are always welcome whether its occasional or every week. To take part they need to join The Friends of Markstakes Common and pay an annual subscription (£2.00 per year). Many members have joined but do not get involved in the practical work.

We would welcome anyone with appropriate skills to continue the wildlife surveys.

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To find out more and to become a member of The Friends of Markstakes Common, visit their website.

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