New five-year project aims to create a wilder Wealden
A major new nature recovery project is being launched to help protect wildlife and restore important habitats across Wealden.
Wealden District Council is working with Sussex Wildlife Trust on Wilder Wealden, a five-year initiative designed to create a bigger, better and more connected landscape for wildlife.
The project will bring together farmers, landowners, community groups, local organisations and residents to help improve and reconnect habitats including woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, heathlands and coastal areas.
Although Wealden is home to many nationally and internationally important wildlife sites, some habitats have become isolated or fragmented. This can make it difficult for animals, birds and insects to move between areas to find food, shelter and places to breed.
Wilder Wealden will look for opportunities to restore, expand and connect these important natural spaces, creating wildlife corridors that allow species to move more freely and adapt to changes in the climate.
The project is also expected to benefit local communities by improving green spaces, strengthening flood resilience and helping people connect with the countryside around them.
Councillor Paul Coleshill, Wealden District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said Wealden’s countryside, woodlands and wetlands were an important part of what made the district such a special place to live.
He said: “Wilder Wealden is about working with our communities, landowners and partners to give nature more room to recover, while creating long-term benefits for our residents, wildlife and future generations.”
Sussex Wildlife Trust will provide a dedicated team of specialists to support the project. A rolling Nature Recovery Award will also be introduced to help fund local projects and encourage communities to take practical action for wildlife.
Nic Scothern, Chief Executive of Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “Wilder Wealden will bring people together to deliver meaningful change for wildlife.”
The initiative builds on other successful nature recovery projects across Sussex, including Wilder Horsham District, Wilder Ouse, the Pevensey Levels Wetland Restoration Project, Weald to Waves and the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project.
Further information about how local landowners, farmers, organisations and community groups can get involved will be announced as the project develops.