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Flood inhibition

SDNPA flooding
Six hundred trees are being planted on farmland in the South Downs National Park to help prevent a repeat of recent flooding and soil erosion.

David Hamilton Fox, who manages the Cowdray Home Farms, in West Sussex, said: “The River Rother in the heart of the South Downs National Park floods most years but this winter has been particularly bad. As well as misery for locals we have lost a considerable amount of topsoil, which is vital for growing crops, and will eventually increase the silt in the river – perhaps leading to more flooding.

More here.

Clayton walk

Jack and Jill Inn in winter
Sussex Wildlife Trust is offering a two-part walk starting at 9:45am on Saturday 8th February:

Meet at the far end of the Jack and Jill Inn car park, Clayton, BN6 9PD (Explorer Map 122: TQ 198142) in good time for a 9.45 departure. The Inn is located on the A273 but does not open until noon so we will not be ordering our lunch beforehand. The walk will be in two halves both starting at the pub. The morning walk of about three and a half miles will include one fairly steep climb and will be along Underhill Lane to downland including the Jack and Jill windmills (with spectacular views, weather permitting) and back through Clayton. If the weather is bad there will be an alternative walk avoiding exposure at the top of the Downs!
The shorter afternoon walk is fairly flat and will pass through sheep pastures and woods. Walk led by Rita (Tel: 01273 843395 or 07930 877224 on the day).

A place for your dog at the University of Sussex?

academic_dogHazel Silver writes:-

Sussex University is looking for four-legged volunteers to help PhD students studying dog psychology at Falmer. If you and your hound are willing, please contact the lovely Vicky Ratcliffe (07962 324770 or V.Ratcliffe@sussex.ac.uk) to book a time.

My mutt has taken part in a voice and sound recognition test (enthusiastically because they gave him lots of treats). It takes about 30 minutes.

If you can think of any other dog owners who might be game, please pass this on.

Woodland Mosses and Liverworts

Woodland mosses and liverworts
Sussex Wildlife Trust is offering a course taught by Graeme Lyons in Woods Mill on Friday 28th February from 10:00am to 4:00pm:

An introduction to bryophytes, their taxonomy and ecology. We will learn the terminology and different parts of the plants before spending the morning identifying specimens in doors. After lunch we will venture into the woods where we will identify bryophytes in the field. Many of the plants are very small and use hand lenses are required throughout. Latin names will also be used in the absence of widely used English names. Suitable for people who have had some experience in plant identification and introduction to taxonomy. Also for ecologists, professionals, biology and ecology students.