Becky Hiorns is Project Manager for Woolbeding Re-imagined, which is working to improve the West Sussex estate for nature and people. Here Becky writes about the exciting project.

Woolbeding Reimagined is a bold new vision for the Woolbeding estate; working with partners we aim to support nature recovery, address the climate crisis and provide better access to nature for all. Our initiative across the 530-hectare estate will improve soil quality, significantly reduce soil erosion and help restore the unique character and habitats of the River Rother valley.

The vision is for Woolbeding to evolve into diverse mosaic of habitats rich in biodiversity, accessible for everyone to enjoy.  We’re excited about the project’s potential and are eager to work with our neighbours to support nature recovery across the wider landscape.

We’re allowing nature to take the lead, enabling plants and animal species to reestablish themselves naturally. This process happens quickly; in just five years Ash Field Wood has developed from an arable field to a young woodland with over 14,000 trees the majority of which have self-seeded.   Over time complex wood pasture habitats will develop, grazed by our rare breed Sussex and Belted Galloway cattle (pictured above), with locally produced meat available to the community.

To create the rich diversity of habitats we’re aiming for we need to give nature a helping hand as many vital species that would naturally balance the ecosystem are missing.  To support nature recovery, we will graze our livestock, coppice, create disturbance, collect and distribute seeds and manage deer populations.  As the project progresses, we plan to introduce other herbivores, such as pigs and ponies, to mimic natural grazing patterns and further enhance habitats.

To better understand how we can support nature we are working with local experts to compile a list of 100 species which should be thriving here but are either missing or struggling. For each species we will develop a recovery plan.  This could be as simple as installing barn owl nest boxes, to provide these captivating birds with suitable nesting sites in their new hunting ground.

This year marked the beginning of significant changes across the estate. We plan to develop a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including one-off day events so everyone can get involved.  We are also trialling new permissive footpaths and bridleways to allow visitors to explore more of the area and enjoy nature and fine views.  If you would like to find out more please see our webpage.