A project dedicated to restoring ancient woodlands in Sussex has reached a significant milestone, with over 5,500 trees now recorded. The Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project has been active since March 2024, with volunteers mapping ancient, veteran, and notable trees across a 121-square-mile area stretching from Lewes to Storrington.
According to the latest figures, 5,570 trees have been recorded. Bob Epsom, an outreach adviser for Lost Woods, stated that this number is more than anticipated and represents a key achievement for the initiative. He noted that new clusters of trees are being added to the map as volunteers continue their work.
The project is a collaboration between four charities: Woodland Trust, Action in Rural Sussex, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and Small Woods Association. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, it forms part of a broader Lost Woods restoration programme that includes 19 individual projects. Approximately 20 volunteers are each assigned a square kilometre to survey, with verified trees then added to the Ancient Tree Inventory.
Among the 5,570 trees recorded, 348 are ancient, meaning they are in the final stage of their lives. The largest group, 2,743, are veteran trees, which are survivors that have developed features similar to ancient trees. Additionally, 2,467 notable trees, which are mature and large compared to surrounding trees, have been identified. Mr. Epsom highlighted the importance of these trees for the landscape and biodiversity due to their fungi.