Create your own Christmas wreath with materials collected from the downs. Take a festive walk and collect your holly and ivy. Return to historic Saddlescombe farm to make your very own Christmas decorations in front of a roaring fire in the Tudor Scullery. Mulled apple juice, mince pies and roast chestnuts will be included.
Booking essential. Monday, 23rd December 2013, 10:00am — 1:00pm, adult £6, child £3. More info here.
We drew your attention to this book series back in the summer. A lengthy review of all three books by Katy Rice appears in today’s Argus. The review is expository rather than critical but it provides a good sense of what each book is like.
GJMG.
Wolstonbury Hill: take a walk with tree expert Mike Bottrill to learn the art of identifying trees in winter. Start at Clayton recreation ground near the Jack & Jill pub, Hassocks.
Booking not needed. Saturday, 9th November, 10:00am — 1:00pm, £3. More info here.
Bioblitz — The Devil’s Dyke great fungal foray: join us for a day of hunting and recording as many species of fungi as possible, across Southwick Hill, on the South Downs, near Brighton. A team of scientists will be on hand to identify and record all that is found. The order of the day: 10:00am Meet at The Mile Oak pub; Introduction to the day. 10:15am Go out hunting for fungi on Southwick Hill. 12:00 noon Lunch on the hill. 2:00pm. Finish off the day with a cup of tea and cake at Mile Oak farm tea shop (not provided). Finish survey with a quick round up of the days findings. Friday, 1st November 2013, 10:00am — 2:00pm.
Booking essential. More info here.
The Tottington Woodlanders need you:
Come along and have a go at coppicing.
You do not need any special tools as they are all provided, along with the training, however please wear suitable clothing and footwear for working outdoors. The most important thing is to bring a mug for the cuppa around the fire – the hot water, tea or coffee will be provided.
We always pair up newcomers or novices with volunteers who are experienced and training continues until everyone is comfortable that you can work safely unaccompanied. Some people previously have been worried that they may cut the wood to the wrong size or do something wrong. We are grateful for the assistance and it is unlikely that you could do any lasting damage.
The work starts at 9.30am on a Sunday morning and normally finishes around 1pm, but there is no requirement to be there at the start and still be there at the end.
The dates for coppicing:-
More information here.
The show will be held on Saturday August 17th 2013 in the Mackley Sports Field. The show is open from 1.30pm, entry to the marquee commences at 2pm and the show will close at 5pm. There will be stalls from local charities and societies, childrens’ amusements, music from the Patcham Silver Band and refreshments. The marquee will hold the displays of local produce, handicrafts, photography and cooking that will be judged as part of the show’s events.
If you’re interested in wildlife and enjoy working outdoors then Sussex Wildlife Trust is looking for conservation volunteers to help at local nature reserves. Every weekend, our Saturday Conservation Hit Squad, led by Sarah Quantrill, visits different nature reserves to carry out important conservation tasks. Summertime work includes path clearing, fencing repairs and bramble or bracken control. As well as learning new skills, getting out in the fresh air and meeting new people, our Saturday volunteers enjoy spotting plenty of wildlife including summer butterflies, wild flowers and birds. Although this is a weekly group working from 9-5pm on a Saturday, volunteers do not have to commit to helping every week. The only requirement is to be over 18 years old and reasonably fit. Lifts are available from Woods Mill nature reserve near Henfield or volunteers can go direct to the chosen nature reserve. If you’re interested in joining us for a taster day or finding out more then please get in touch with Liz Francis on 01273 497562 or email lizfrancis@sussexwt.org.uk
UPDATE, 21st July: all three volumes are now available — my copies arrived a couple of days ago, GJMG.
There’s a new book series on the South Downs with volumes on the archaeology (John Manley), geology (David Robinson) and natural history (Robin Crane and Rendel Williams). The geology volume appears to be available now but note that there’s a slightly discounted price if you order all three volumes at the same time.
