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On the Ground April 2017



On the Ground April 2017

May 2, 2017

Don’t forget to say hello if you spot our Rangers and volunteers out working in the National Park. Here’s a taste of what they achieved in April 2017.

  • Work to maintain the South Downs Way National Trail included replacing way markers and, installing gates along the route, as well as repairing a water tap at Amberley.
  • Tested a new route for walkers, horse riders and cyclists to publish on ViewRanger by completing a 7 mile stretch from Fittleworth, taking in heath woodland farmland and ponds.
  • Rangers worked with volunteers to improve access for visitors by installing hunt gates at Beddingham and the Long Man of Wilmington and replacing a stile at Kingston.
  • A student from Sparsholt College began a three week work experience placement with our Ranger team in the Wealden Heaths area.
  • Rangers led volunteers to carry out fence repairs on Welches and Chapel Commons including new gate posts and rehanging gates.
  • 9 Barn Owl boxes and 6 Little Owl boxes constructed by the Volunteer Ranger Service (VRS) for a new project and for replacement and refurbishment in Selborne area.
  • Restored chalk grassland on a SSSI/SINC with the VRS on a valley adjoining Butser Hill.
  • Otter activity noted on our wildlife cameras on the River Rother near where the VRS installed an otter holt.
  • Other sightings include- 2 Ring Ouzels seen at Stephen Castle Downs while on a task with the volunteers.
  • Attended celebration for new Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust reserve, Hockley Meadow
  • Rangers met landowners on the River Meon to discuss recommendations from the completed habitat suitability survey, so theycan enhance and improve their section of river.
  • Invasive scrub and rhododendron at Ambersham Common was cut back by a task force of volunteers including the South Downs National Park Authority Chief Executive Trevor Beattie plus guest Adam Phillips from the Youth Mosaic Project (pictured).
  • 25 people attended a Ranger led Heart Smart walk
  • A pearl bordered fritillary caterpillar was discovered at Rewel Wood in West Sussex proving that recent coppicing to support the butterfly in this area is working.
  • Attended the seasonal opening of the Visitor and Countryside Centre at Beachy Head.
  • Neil Hulme from Butterfly Conservation took volunteers on a guided walk around Tottington Wood to see the effects from the coppicing they have completed over the last couple of years.
  • A successful ‘Cash In Trash Out’ event was held at Cuckmere Haven
  • Rangers helped with BBC South East filming at Cuckmere Haven to help raise awareness about marine plastics and the danger they pose to the environment.