On the Ground in September 2018

October 4, 2018

From meeting with farmers, offering training and support to local communities, leading walks, organising and training volunteers, controlling invasive species and supporting key species, South Downs National Park rangers are out in the National Park every weekday and many weekends over the year.

Don’t forget to say hello if you spot them out working. Here’s a taste of what they achieved with our volunteers in September 2018:

Managed invasive nettles and completed field sign surveys of water voles along the River Meon, comfirming their dispersal and continued breeding success
Welcomed three new apprentice rangers to the National Park.
Carried out work with the Woodland Trust at Binswood to manage rare wood pasture.
Worked with Butterfly Conservation to improve habitat for rare Duke of Burgundy butterflies at Kithurst and replaced a vandalised gate at the car park.
Mowed the scheduled ancient monument at Rackham Bank.
Led three walks in the National Park as part of Eastbourne and Lewes Walkfest.
Led a team from Amex out on a corporate volunteering task.
Began the lengthy task of replacing 130 steps on the South Downs Way in West Dean.
Began restoration work on Burnt House Dew Pond – removing non-native invasive species and replacing fencing.
Began winter scrub clearance at Beddingham Local Wildlife Site.
Took the National Park events van and activities to Fernhurst Furnace, Brighton seafront, a number of ploughing matches .
Undertook training in leading health walks and monitoring the health of heathland Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Cleared blackthorn at Pheasant’s Field local wildlife site near hassocks to support the brown hairstreak butterfly which needs young blackthorn regrowth to lay its eggs.