
Get involved
Get the latest news on the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs and find out how to get involved.
Visit our Facebook pageWe're bringing life back to the forgotten and fragmented ancient woods in Sussex. Working with our partners and the local community, we'll transform the landscape to boost biodiversity and revitalise traditional woodland management.
Many ancient woods in Sussex are neglected. They're now often small, fragmented and vulnerable to the pressures of development, invasive species and climate change.
Without our help, there is a risk they'll be lost forever.
But we have a plan to rescue them. We are working with partners, landowners and communities across a project area of 314 square kilometres across east and west Sussex, over an area of the Low Weald between the SDNPA and High Weald AONB. Our work will:
With our partners, we're leading work that will transform the landscape that sits between the South Downs National Park and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We've received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for initial plans, and then at the end of 2021, we hope to unlock further funding to deliver a full and ambitious programme that will bring life back to life these forgotten woods.
Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs would be impossible to deliver without our partners, Action in Rural Sussex, Sussex Wildlife Trust and Small Woods Association. We're also getting support from the Environment Agency and Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust.
We are working with landowners, community groups and schools to save Sussex’s Lost Woods. To get involved please contact lostwoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
If you own a small area of ancient woodland (less than 3ha) or have old trees on your land, we can work with you to restore these fragmented pockets and to protect ancient and veteran trees.
We work with community and school groups. If you're already part of one or would like to set up a new one, we're keen to hear from you.
Developing local skills in woodland management is key to this project. And we're developing new training opportunities for owners and managers of ancient woodland.
Your business could help rescue and regenerate our ancient woodlands. Connect communities, boost UK biodiversity and ensure ancient woodlands are better cared for and more resilient for the future. Please contact partners@woodlandtrust.org.uk or call 0330 333 5306 to find out more about corporate partnerships with the Woodland Trust.
Get the latest news on the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs and find out how to get involved.
Visit our Facebook pageTrees woods and wildlife
Home to myth and legend, where folk tales began. It fuelled our ancestors and still houses thousands. Ancient woodland has grown and adapted with native wildlife, yet what remains only covers 2.5% of the UK.
Protecting trees and woods
Find out how our restoration work is encouraging ancient woodland to recover and reverse years of decline.
Research report
PDF (1.76 MB)