We are a group of volunteers from all walks of life ​who share a mutual love of nature and appreciation of this unique habitat
It’s time for the fun muddy part. Join us anytime from 10am – drop in for an hour or stay all day. 

If you would like to join the Mare Barn & Pond WhatsApp group, please email your full name and phone number.
This year we hope to host bracken clearance as both morning events and also a monthly evening event. The first evening gathering, Path Attack, will be on Tuesday 26th May 6-8pm 

If you would like to join the Bracken Bashing WhatsApp group, please email your full name and phone number.
If you would like to join the Habitat Chat WhatsApp group, please email your full name and phone number.
Bruce, Sue and several volunteers have commenced a Habitat Survey. If you are interested, it's not too late to get involved. We still have fields needing surveyors.

Volunteering opportunities

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. Everyone is welcome and you don't need to be a member to volunteer. 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

Alternatively, join our email list

We only plan to send several emails a year, with event information, volunteering dates and local conservation stories. ​

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.

We are a conservation trust managed by volunteers
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. 
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. 
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Become a member

Help preserve and maintain the commons and fields. As a member, you’ll help us protect our commons for future generations. All contributions go towards looking after the land, its beauty and its history – for all, forever.

Arts and nature

Lynchmere social history

Creating a ’living museum’ understanding the lifestyle, culture and activities of our forebears can inspire people to protect a rare habitat for the future.

Corporate volunteering

If you work for, or know of organisations who would like to volunteer as part of their environment, social and governance policies; we’d love to hear from you.
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PHP volunteers swapping spreadsheets for spades on an ESG day powered entirely by muscle.

Legacy donations

Protect a rare heathland habitat for future generations.
​Arrange now, to support us later.