Lost Woods Community Get-together 2026 by Action in rural Sussex

Join Us for Our 4th annual Community Get-together!

This special gathering brings together our vibrant community to celebrate and nurture both our woodlands and the people who care for them and about them.

Who's invited? Everyone in the Lost Woods Project area. We are proud to be an inclusive community so whether you're already part of our programme or curious about getting involved for the first time, you are welcome.

Scroll across to the second image (above) for our project area at www.lostwoods.org.uk.

What Awaits You

• Captivating films and songs to spark your imagination.
• Catch up on an exciting year of Lost Woods achievements and share your news.
• Connecting with fellow woodland enthusiasts over a lunch of delicious sandwiches and home-made cake.
• A wonderful array of interactive workshops and hands-on activities and learning opportunities led by passionate experts.

Wildlife & Woodland Walks

Lichen for All with Sim, our Lichen Champion

Join Sim for an immersive walk marvelling at the world of lichens. Sim will also share his thoughts on how learning about lichen and nature can be made accessible to wider audiences — including helping to engage people with learning difficulties.

iRecord to Support Wildlife With Michael Blencowe from the Lost Woods Team

A practical session looking at why and how recording species on iRecord can support our local wildlife.

Dormouse Monitoring with Friends of Eastern Rd and Friends of Claypit Woods

Learn about this iconic species, and hear tips and tricks from volunteers that are using tunnels to look for dormouse activity in their local woods.

Preparing for climate change– a resilience planting approach with Clive Cobie – Chair of Sussex and Surrey Coppicing Group

An introduction to the hügelkultur and Miyawaki approach and how a well-prepared soil forms the foundation for rapid afforestation, and long-term sustainability.

Woodland Folklore, Story making & crafts

Sussex Woodland Folklore with Claire Rakich

Sussex's rebellious reputation comes from its woods. The Weald, its once-dense inland forest, let lawbreakers evade authority and Christianity for centuries. Through Sussex's folk practices, events, stories and opportunities, Claire will show how the county can ‘re-wood’ itself by drawing on its own folkloric toolbox.

Split Hazel Basketry with Lisa Dear

A demonstration of this endangered craft that is coming back from the brink of heritage extinction. Lisa will show how hazel from overstood coppice can be used to make something useful and beautiful. A great taster for those that may be interested in her upcoming courses.

Nature Mandala Drawing with Carolyn's Wilder Life

A creative session drawing simple and beautiful nature mandalas by tracing natural objects. A mindful activity that will connect you with nature and give you hours of joy that you can share with friends family and your community.

Woodland Puppet Making with Rhys Sykes of Claypit Woods

Using found objects from the woods to create puppets — exploring movement, texture and your connection to the woods.

Community & Group Development

Rethink Volunteering with Lost Woods’ Jessie Rodriguez and Liz Holmes

Could micro-volunteering work for your group? Explore how bite-sized, seasonal opportunities can engage new volunteer audiences who go on to stay long-term. Offering different types of volunteering can open your group to new people, build a bank of volunteers for bigger seasonal tasks, and strengthen your group — all while having fun.

Group & Leader Sustainability with Lost Woods’ Jessie Rodriguez

What makes a community group fit for the future, and how do we prevent burnout among community leaders? Help each other and us to create a sustainability spectrum for groups to use as a tool kit for discussion with their wider community.

10-Minute Activities in the Woods with Lost Woods' Karen Laver

Simple, ready-to-use activities suitable for children and adults, designed to help engage your community and enhance any woodland visit.

Ready to Seed New Ideas?

This is more than an event - it's a chance to grow connections, share inspiration, and plant the seeds for future woodland adventures. Whether you're a seasoned conservationist or taking your first steps into woodland wellbeing, you'll find your place in our welcoming community.

Come as you are, leave inspired!

Questions? Contact us at lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk

Pay what you feel: all tickets include two workshops and buffet lunch.

Suggested Pricing -
£7.50 Subsidised (by National Lottery Heritage Fund)
£15 Standard (Thank you - this covers the full cost of a place)
£0 Low income/ On the day event volunteers. (Let us know if you'd like to help out)

Option to add a bit more to contribute to our match funding target.

Please note, dogs are not permitted on the farm.

We can't wait to see you among the trees! 🌿