events

Saturday 28 February, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Haywards Heath Baptist Church, Sussex Road, RH16 4DZ

Free event, refreshments provided. No need to book, just turn up.

We're joining a whole host of environmental organisations and groups at the Haywards Heath Eco Fair. Come along to speak with others helping our community on their sustainability journey, and find out more about the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs.

Find out more.

Tuesday 17 March, Woods Mill, Henfield

Join us on this one-day course to learn the basic skills you need to identify and sustainably manage ancient woodland, and help biodiversity thrive once more.

The day will begin at the HQ of Lost Woods Project Partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust, for a discussion on ancient woodland. After lunch, we will visit a nearby site that is currently undergoing restoration.

The course will cover:

• what is an ancient woodland?

• ancient woodland indicator species

• woodland archaeology

• woodland condition assessment and planning

• restoration management techniques

• resilience to climate change, pests, diseases and invasive species

Fee: £45

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Thursday 16 April, 11am - 1pm

‍Location: Butcher's Wood, Hassocks (meet at the train station).

Our woodlands are full of seasonal colour and character, from the bright clusters of celandines to sweeping carpets of bluebells. These wildflowers don’t just bring beauty to the woodland floor; many also tell the story of a woodland’s past. Some species act as ancient woodland indicators, showing that a site has existed continuously since 1600 and developed naturally over centuries.

Butcher’s Wood is a peaceful broadleaf woodland with level, easy‑to‑follow paths that weave through the trees. Join us for a gentle walk where you’ll learn how to recognise a variety of wildflower species, including those that can be a little tricky to identify at first glance.

During the session, you’ll also be introduced to ancient woodland indicator plants, why they matter, and how to spot them as you explore. This is a relaxed and supportive opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and discover the plants that make our Lost Woods landscapes so special.

Please note: This is a family-friendly walk, dogs on leads please. There will be uneven terrain, stiles and some woodlands are prone to seasonal water-logging. Therefore the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies. No toilets are en route (other than Hassocks train station). The walk is through private woodlands in Butchers Woods, which is owned by the Woodland Trust.

This is a free event for lottery players to say thank you to the National Lottery Heritage fund for their support to the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs Project. Simply present your ticket upon arrival.

Monday 4th May, 1pm - 3pm for the learning-disabled community.

Meeting point: We will be visiting a woodland in Hassocks. Meeting arrangements and further details supplied upon booking.

As part of this year’s Brighton Festival, the Lost Woods team warmly invites people with learning disabilities to experience the sights, smells, and sensations of one of Sussex’s beautiful ancient woodlands.

These gentle, two‑hour sensory wanders offer a chance to slow down, notice nature, and enjoy the woodland in a supported, accessible way. Come and explore nature using all your senses, feeling textures, observing wildlife, noticing colours and movement, and enjoying the calming atmosphere and beauty of our ancient woodland, near Hassocks.

Whether you’re a regular nature‑lover or visiting a woodland for the first time, these walks are a chance to connect with the landscape, meet others, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of time among the trees.

This event is delivered as part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project which has been made possible thanks to players of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Booking essential.

We are also offering a walk for those with hearing impairments from 10-12 which should be booked separately.

Please note: These walks are designed for and welcome people with learning disabilities and their friends, families and or carers. Booking essential as spaces are limited, we cannot accept walk-ups. Please leave dogs at home to help us focus on connecting with nature. Butchers Woods which is owned by the Woodland Trust has uneven terrain, kissing gates and is prone to seasonal water-logging. Therefore the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies. Nearest toilet facilities at Hassocks train station.

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Monday 4th May, 10am – 12 midday for the hearing‑impaired community.

Meeting point: We will be visiting a woodland in Hassocks. Meeting arrangements and further details supplied upon booking.

As part of this year’s Brighton Festival, the Lost Woods team warmly invites members of the hearing‑impaired community to experience the sights, smells, and sensations of one of Sussex’s beautiful ancient woodlands alongside a sign language interpreter.

These gentle, two‑hour sensory wanders offer a chance to slow down, notice nature, and enjoy the woodland in a supported, accessible way. Come and explore nature using all your senses, feeling textures, observing wildlife, noticing colours and movement, and enjoying the calming atmosphere and beauty of our ancient woodland, near Hassocks.

Whether you’re a regular nature‑lover or visiting a woodland for the first time, these walks are a chance to connect with the landscape, meet others, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of time among the trees.

This event is delivered as part of the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project which has been made possible thanks to players of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We are also offering a walk for those with learning disabilities from 1-3pm which should be booked separately.

Please note: These walks are designed for and welcome people with hearing-impairments and their friends, families and or carers. Booking essential as spaces are limited, we cannot accept walk-ups. Please leave dogs at home to help us focus on connecting with nature. Butchers Woods which is owned by the Woodland Trust has uneven terrain, kissing gates and is prone to seasonal water-logging. Therefore the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs, or buggies.Nearest toilet facilities at Hassocks train station).

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Wednesday 6th May, Session 1: 10:00-12:00

Meeting point: Private Woodland, Hassocks - address will be confirmed to attendees in advance.

Join the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project for a unique, hands‑on experience learning how to make artists’ charcoal in a beautiful private woodland near Hassocks. Set within ancient woodland, this practical workshop will guide you through a simple, small‑scale charcoal‑making technique that transforms locally sourced wood into a sustainable, expressive art material.

Across this two‑hour session, you will be introduced to the Sussex's rich woodland heritage and take part in each stage of the charcoal‑making process. Under the guidance of experienced tutors, you will:

• Learn about the special characteristics of the area’s ancient woodlands
• Choose an appropriate site for preparing and firing charcoal
• Select and prepare suitable wood for the burn
• Light, monitor, and manage the burn safely
• Close down the burn correctly
• Unload, cool, and package your own handmade charcoal

Whether you are an artist, a woodland enthusiast, or simply curious about traditional craft skills, this session offers a rare opportunity to explore the connection between woodland management and the materials we use for creative expression. Come ready to get stuck in, learn something new, and enjoy a rewarding experience deep in the woods.

The Lost Woods has been made possible thanks to players of the #NationalLottery.

Wednesday 6th May, Session 2: 13:30 –15:30

Meeting point: Private Woodland, Hassocks - address will be confirmed to attendees in advance.

Join the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project for a unique, hands‑on experience learning how to make artists’ charcoal in a beautiful private woodland near Hassocks. Set within ancient woodland, this practical workshop will guide you through a simple, small‑scale charcoal‑making technique that transforms locally sourced wood into a sustainable, expressive art material.

Across this two‑hour session, you will be introduced to the Sussex's rich woodland heritage and take part in each stage of the charcoal‑making process. Under the guidance of experienced tutors, you will:

• Learn about the special characteristics of the area’s ancient woodlands
• Choose an appropriate site for preparing and firing charcoal
• Select and prepare suitable wood for the burn
• Light, monitor, and manage the burn safely
• Close down the burn correctly
• Unload, cool, and package your own handmade charcoal

Whether you are an artist, a woodland enthusiast, or simply curious about traditional craft skills, this session offers a rare opportunity to explore the connection between woodland management and the materials we use for creative expression. Come ready to get stuck in, learn something new, and enjoy a rewarding experience deep in the woods.

The Lost Woods has been made possible thanks to players of the #NationalLottery.