Ebernoe Common and Butcherlands Nature Reserves form a continuous biodiverse landscape that play host to a wide variety of nationally scarce species. Ebernoe Common is a great example of a Low Weald woodland with a long history of traditional use, whilst Butcherlands has been transformed, over the years, from arable farmland to a rich mosaic of flower rich grassland and tussocky scrub.
Spend the day with Tony Whitbread, President of Sussex Wildlife Trust, exploring these habitats and discover a variety of approaches to rewilding.
The day will cover:
· Discussion on wood-pasture management at Ebernoe, an objective-based approach.
· Discussion on restoring ecological processes at Butcheralnd, a process-based approach.
· A comparison of the two approaches – where would you apply one or the other?
In essence, should we control nature and determine the outcome ourselves, or should we rebuild nature and enable it to function for itself?
This day is for anyone with a general interest in rewilding. No previous knowledge is required.
10.30 Meet at Ebernoe Church Car Park for a morning at Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve
12.30 Drive to Butcherlands. Bring your own picnic, followed by an afternoon session.
15:00 Finish
15:30 Drop attendees back to their cars at Ebernoe Common
Please note: There is free parking in the church car park next to Ebernoe Common. Due to limited parking at Butcherlands, we will be asking most of our participants to journey over to Butcherlands in our 9 seater people carrier and will return you to your car by 3.30pm, after the course has finished.
Dr Tony Whitbread, President of Sussex Wildlife Trust, joined the Trust in 1991 as Head of Conservation before taking on the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2006. During his time, Dr Whitbread played a huge role as a conservation advocate, battling against road building, urban development, the potential expansion of Gatwick Airport and other countryside loss and was at the forefront in promoting the need for the establishment of the South Downs National Park. He also played a leading role in establishing the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre, which holds almost seven million species records – information used to inform planning decisions.
Meeting point Ebernoe: The car park at Holy Trinity Church, off Streel’s Lane. Nearest Postcode: GU28 9LD . The church and car park can be found at the end of the lane opposite the red telephone box.
What3words: Ebernoe car park –
///zoned.shampoos.attracts
Butcherland meeting point (PM):
///universal.obstruct.croaking
What to bring: Sturdy shoes or boots for walking on boggy, uneven ground, clothes for all weather, sun cream, hat, water bottle, binoculars, camera and something to take notes with. Packed lunch. Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own mug.
Toilet and catering facilities: Please be aware that there are no toilets at either site. The nearest public toilets can be found at Rosemary Gardens, Petworth GU28 0AP. Map link below
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWHp17g4wyfPyFY18
Accessibility: We may venture off the main pathways on mostly flat but uneven terrain. A certain degree of fitness is required.
If our standard priced tickets are simply out of reach at the moment, you can opt for our open concession ticket. This is available to all with no questions asked.
Photo: Tony Whitbread at Butcherlands
