VolunteeringThe Lynchmere Society largely operates through volunteers. We have a list of volunteers; who turn out on an occasional basis to work on the commons and fields.
Much of our work is to improve the existing heathland by controlling the spread of rhododendron, birch, gorse and bracken to make space for the heather to spread. The cleared vegetation is usually burnt on site as this helps to keep the fertility low – the preferred state for heathlands. Volunteering opportunitiesSee meeting places at the bottom of the page
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Register as a volunteerYou 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. Register here and we can inform you of coming events and opportunities. Call for Volunteer LeadersWhat tasks do volunteers help withThere are a variety of different tasks, some heavy, but others just needing a pair of strong snippers and stout gardening gloves. Our Sunday gatherings, mostly commence at 10.00am and finish about 12.30pm having had a good bonfire and a feeling of being well-exercised.
The work is as light or as heavy as you care to make it and there is certainly no obligation to attend each time – we are grateful for any help you can give. As we are volunteer led it can be difficult to pre-plan too far ahead with specific dates. Keep an eye out for our emails and posters on the common noticeboards. 
Yearly conservation cycleWe have Winter works in October through February, the rest of the year is broken down into Spring, Summer and Autumn activities.
Winter works are the last Sunday of the winter months, except December. There is no need to book a session, just come along, gloves and tools in hand, bring your friends and family. Check the website close to the time for locations and details. Spring, Summer and Autumn activities begin in March; the focus moves onto other conservation activities, generally leaving the fields and commons to prosper with as little human intervention as possible. The volunteering activities can be in the form of walk and talks or workshops. There will be days dedicated to Bracken clearance in areas close to footpaths; so as not to disturb nesting birds. In August, there are several sessions, called last minute, based on the weather conditions for haymaking. We also usually host a late Summer BBQ, before the cycle begins again with Winter works in October. Volunteering event details are usually emailed, posted on Facebook and this website. Also, watch out for posters on the society's noticeboards. Other Volunteer tasks we hope to organise in the future include: Fixed Point Photography: Leader Bruce Middleton Art and Nature Projects: Leader Peter Searight If you would like to help with any of these tasks please register. Habitat survey
Bruce, Sue and several volunteers have commenced a one year survey, starting this August 2024. If you are interested it's, not too late to get involved.
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Why volunteer with us?We hope our story of conserving a rare habitat, linking back with our medieval ancestors, helping to mitigate climate change, and providing a landscape that nurtures both body and soul will inspire you to join us.
Being part of this journey will increase your knowledge about the landscape and environment, help you learn new skills needed to maintain the land, be inspiration for your artistic creativity, help your meet like-minded people and be both physically and mentally stimulating. We are proud to be playing our part in the national effort to restore and save this unique habitat and evocative landscape. We hope you will be too. |
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Meeting places
For the winter works, meeting points are normally on the relevant common. Once your arrive at a noticeboard, follow the flags or head towards the bonfire smoke.
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Lynchmere Common (Big Common)
Noticeboard on the road from the B2131 to Lynchmere Green Google maps what3words/steadily.parkland.motivates Contact Mark Allery – 01428 641708 Little Lynchmere (Little Common)
Noticeboard on the road from the B2131 to Lynchmere Green Google maps what3words/squirted.hotel.hormones Stanley Heath
Corner after first cattle grid on Stanley Farm Drive, off Highfield Lane what3words/neckline.coping.spicy Contact Lowell Wolfe – 07732 255102 Marley Heath
Noticeboard near Metal fire gate Google mapswhat3words/losses.alien.weeknight Contact Mac McCart – 07931 730020 |
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The Lynchmere volunteers fighting the good fight against invasive species on the commons
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South Downs National Park Volunteers in Stanley Heath
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Corporate volunteeringIf there are organisation who would like to volunteer as part of their environment, social and governance policies we’d love to hear from you.
Email: Mike McCart Mobile: 07931 730020 |
Photography by Peter Searight. The Remarkable Studio
