We are a group of volunteers of all ages who share a mutual love of nature and appreciation of this unique habitat
Collectively we manage the largest community-based land within the South Downs National Park. Join us to restore habitats, protect wildlife and preserve our heritage for future generations.
|
|
|
360 acres of land.
A historic 17th-century barn. Countless wildlife habitats. Volunteer today and protect tomorrow. We host regular volunteering sessions. Every hour you can spare really does helps us maintain the commons and fields. |
You can volunteer with us by getting stuck into practical conservation work or by doing surveys and other less strenuous tasks. You don't need to be a member to volunteer, but it helps our budget.
Find out more about volunteering or register your preferences so we can inform you of coming events and opportunities. |
Why not register as a volunteer now; so you get to know what volunteering events we offer in the future |
Events
Come see us this weekend at Fernhurst Furnace. We have a stand on both days. Hope to see you there.
|
Next Saturdays scheduled are:
12th September November - to be decided If you would like to join the Habitat Chat WhatsApp group, please email your full name, tell us a bit about yourself and a phone number. |
|
Just one more person stepping up to lead can make a powerful difference in how much invasive growth we’re able to clear each year.We would like to host more volunteering events but we need either new or existing volunteers to become leaders. There is a whole team available to guide you in leading events and you can also join up with a friend or family to lead together.
|
The society purchased 125 hectares (307 acres) of Stanley, Lynchmere and Marley Commons in 1997 using both; local residence contributions and a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, on the condition that the commons were restored to lowland heath.
The volunteers collectively organise and maintain the local nature reserve featuring open lowland heath with acidic, poor soil that supports a wide and diverse range of flora and fauna. In addition to managing the heathland, The Lynchmere Society is working to improve the quality of the woodland areas, much of which was overrun with scrub growth. Remnants of possible ancient wood-pasture have been detected around the edges of Stanley Heath, and we have begun thinning areas like this to rejuvenate and improve the habitat, reintroducing hazel and birch coppices. Before the society originated, the commons were overgrown with scrub birch, scots pine and dense bracken. Only a few isolated areas of heather clung on in clearings, largely through the care of local residents. Today, three types of heather are thriving. |
|
Lowland heathland is globally rarer than tropical rainforest |
Over 85% of the world's heathland has been destroyed since the 19th century, primarily due to agricultural expansion, forestry, urban development, and infrastructure construction. Today, the UK holds a globally significant share, hosting about 20% of all remaining lowland heathland on Earth.
|
Cattle grazing is a large component in the long-term sustainability of the commons. The Belted Galloway's have been grazing in the fenced areas since March 2005, contributing greatly towards management of the commons to the present day.
The commons and the land in-between provide great walking and a place to breathe. They are crossed by several footpaths and bridleways as well as two long-distance paths – The Sussex Border Path, The Serpent Trail and Lipchis Way – which connect this flourishing heathland in West Sussex. |
Restoration of the Commons has now created the fifth largest area of lowland heath, in West Sussex and a key habitat for rare heathland species.
|
Email updates onlyJoin our email list only. We only plan to send several emails a year, with event information, volunteering dates and local conservation stories.
|
|
