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On the Ground in February 2017



On the Ground in February 2017

March 1, 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 January 2017.

    • Replaced a kissing gate and two stiles with three kissing gates to improve access, in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust and Glynde Estate.
    • Started surveying open access land for accessibility and condition of signs/stiles and gates in the Wealden Heath area and improved public access at Beggars Bush, Sompting.
    • Cleared scrub and worked to improve Sites of Special Scientific Interest at Beeding Hill, Plumpton and Anchor Bottom.
    • Supported working parties with the charity MIND at Grafham Down.
    • Cleared invasive scrub from chalk grassland above Storrington
    • Laid a stretch of mixed hedgerow at Lower Lodge Farm in Fernhurst, continuing work started in 2015 to rejuvenate an ancient hedge line and further hedges at Petworth (300m) Binsted (150m) and Folkington.
    • Worked with Friends of Hesworth Common to plant a conservation mix hedge to protect a bog area from disturbance.
    • Completed the first phase of work on South Pond in Midhurst with reeds removed and re-shaped.
    • Led and joined in stargazing events as part of the South Downs Dark Skies Festival.
    • Managed scrub on Winchester Downs sites to improve conditions for future colonisation by duke of Burgundy butterflies.
    • Completed tree thinning and ride creation at a woodland near Hambledon where the landowner is keen that the local community get involved.
    • Helped prepare management plans for green sites within Petersfield, as part of the Down to Town project.
    • Completed woodland and meadow management tasks by the River Rother with support from local conservation group.
    • Coppiced hawthorn by the river Meon which will help to create dappled shade, increase bankside vegetation and therefore improve the habitat for watervoles.

In January 2017 the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service completed 82 practical, promotional and training tasks, giving a total of 473 days of volunteer support.