Ecology Walks: Learn About High Weald Habitats, Species & Conservation

Old Lodge Nature Reserve, Ashdown Forest - Managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust

There's a lot that's special about the High Weald and its habitats. As one of the most densely wooded areas in the UK, with extensive lowland heathland and over 20% of England's lowland meadow, nature conservation is vital. And across the region there is a wide range of organisations working hard to support nature and biodiversity, so if walking and learning more about nature is your thing, here are a few walks that could be for you.

A family wildlife walk with Michael Blencowe 

Sussex-based naturalist, author and wildlife guide Michael Blencowe takes you on a mini safari at Old Lodge on Ashdown Forest, exploring how the High Weald's beautiful (and extensive) heathlands are home to some weird and wonderful wildlife. From dragonflies to birds, butterflies and reptiles, life isn't always easy on the heath, but it's their home.

Old Lodge is managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust for biodiversity and Ashdown Forest has several ecological designations including an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) for its habitats that support rare species. This walk requires pre-booking.

Buchan Country Park - heathland management 

Join Peter, a Countryside Ranger for the park, and learn about the history of the park and its unique landscape features. The park has a mix of heathland and woodland and you'll learn about how the habitats are managed for wildlife.

Hastings Country Park's rare liverworts & mosses 

On the edge of the High Weald area, Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve combines practical conservation with beauty spots favoured by Victorians. Walking poles and binoculars are suggested for this 3-hour walk where you'll learn about how the habitat is managed, and discover rare liverworts and mosses as well as a wide variety of plants, fungi and trees.

The return of the pine martens 

The news has been filled this year with stories of species reintroductions across the country such as beavers, storks and lynx. This informative walk will give you the background on the detailed strategies behind reintroductions, as Ashdown Forest and the Kent Wildlife Trust talk about one of Britain's rarest mammals, the pine marten. This walk will cover why pine martens disappeared from the High Weald, what they need from a habitat and you'll learn about the Kent Wildlife Trust's experience from their ongoing project.

Rocks 'n' birds at Broadwater Warren & Eridge Park 

Learn about the work undertaken by the RSPB and the Sussex Wildlife Trust on the Kent/Sussex border. Eridge Park's iconic sandstone outcrops dominate its ancient woodland and support rare mosses, lichens and liverworts; meanwhile Broadwater Warren has seen the return of threatened bird species such as the woodlark and nightjar and ongoing projects are focusing on supporting the vulnerable marsh tit and hazel dormouse.

This is just a selection of the walks you can experience for free during the High Weald Walking Festival. Make sure you're on the mailing list, so you can plan your walks.