Category Archives: Woods Mill
More than the minimum wage*
Sussex Wildlife Trust is generously offering to pay a total of £100 for a set of a dozen professional quality photos that they can use in their calendar, magazine and website:
We are looking for twelve stunning photographs capturing the best of the wildlife and landscapes of Sussex. Show us the wild places that are special to you. It could be high on the Downs, deep in the woods or your favourite urban nature spot. We’d also love to see your local wildlife shots. Amaze us with the ladybirds in your garden, migrating wildfowl, macro spiders, flowers carpeting a woodland floor, colourful fungi, clouds of downland butterflies or a sleeping hedgehog in the park.
*The relevant calculation assumes that each photo will take one hour to produce, on average. Only one photographer will actually receive any money. The remaining set of mugs will receive a set of mugs.
A reminder ..
With blackthorn and wild plum in blossom, early butterflies on the wing and also kestrels and buzzards to spot. April is a magical time to visit Woods Mill as spring takes hold at a galloping pace. A mixture of woodland and meadow with good views of the South Downs, this peaceful nature reserve near Henfield is centered around a large reed-fringed pond.
Mute swan, little grebe and heron can all been seen on the pond and you may even be lucky enough to see a flash of a kingfisher. Removal of fish a couple of years ago has rejuvenated the pond. The water is now clear enough to see the tadpoles of the frogs and toads and grass snakes bask on its sunny banks.
Over the Easter school holiday, we will be running regular drop-in pond dipping sessions with the Woods Mill Warden on-hand to help you find out what you have caught. Newts, water boatmen and dragonfly nymphs all thrive in the numerous ponds.
Woods Mill is free to visit. It has a car park, public toilets and a wheelchair friendly all-weather path .. but no dogs are allowed on the nature reserve.
Common Woodland Bryophytes
Sussex Wildlife Trust is offering a course taught by Graeme Lyons in Woods Mill on Friday 20th 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.
You will need to book.
How to Engage in the Planning Process for the Benefit of Wildlife
[If you are planning to convert your field into a campsite, or trying to stop someone else from doing so, then this brief tutorial may be just what you need.]
Laura Brook and Jess Price look at how to engage with planning processes and its impact on wildlife with reference to biodiversity legislation and how to respond to planning applications on biodiversity grounds: (i) an introduction to the planning system in England and key biodiversity legislation & guidance; (ii) the process involved in responding to a planning application on biodiversity grounds; and (iii) some examples of planning applications. A basic run through of the planning system in England and key biodiversity legislation and guidance. An outline of the process involved in responding to a planning application on biodiversity grounds. The course will be run from an ecological stand point and will not cover other planning issues.
Woods Mill, Thursday 12th February, 6:30pm–9:00pm. Book here.
Bushcraft day
Wild Woodies Spring Holiday Club
Tuesday 31st March 2015 from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Use a net to dive into the watery depths of the Woods Mill pond in search of water boatmen and newt tadpoles and learn all about the fascinating world of mysterious moths as we open the moth trap to see what we have found. Spend time at the camp site and practice safe fire lighting to make your own hot drink. Delve into the woodland undergrowth to find spiders and snails. Use natural materials to make a giant sculpture in the woods and make your own model to take home. The event is intended for children aged 6-11 years.
Parents are excluded but they are, of course, expected to pay and to provide transport, snacks, a packed lunch, and something to drink. Book now.