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Discover upcoming events, training, workshops and volunteering opportunities taking place across the Lost Woods landscape. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, connect with nature or get involved in caring for local woodlands, explore what's coming up below.
Woods on prescription, Storrington
November 5, 2026
Six weekly sessions, held on Thursdays, 10.30am - 1.30pm, Sullington Warren and Trinity Methodist Church
Session dates: 5 Nov, 12 Nov, 19 Nov, 26 Nov, 3 Dec and 10 Dec.
The Lost Woods team invites you to join our free woodland wellbeing group for adults, to help you to learn to enjoy and connect with nature for improved wellbeing. This course is ideal for those who live in or near to Storrington.
Join the Lost Woods team's friendly group to:
Sessions are free but places are limited. For more information and to register your interest, contact lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk or complete our form.
Introduction to Woodland Management
November 11, 2026
Two-day course on 11 and 12 November, 9.30am - 4pm (approx), Sussex Wildlife Trust HQ, Woods Mill.
Suitable for: Beginners, improvers
What to wear: Sturdy shoes, clothes that you can get messy.
What to bring: Paper and pen for taking notes.
Build the background knowledge needed to manage your woodland sustainably, and work towards creating resilient, productive woods. Tailored to your individual needs, you are encouraged to share details of woodlands you are familiar with to aid your learning.
Your tutor: Chris Keeler
Fee: £85
Chris is our dedicated training officer, who co-ordinates and teaches woodland management and heritage skills, as well as being the lead trainer for the Lost Woods project in Sussex.
He was born into an estate forestry family, and has worked in the coppice, woodland, and arboriculture industry for over 20 years. Chris learned his trade from some of the last ‘proper’ woodsmen who cut trees with axe, hook, and hand saw and still uses these tools to this day. He is passionate about passing on this knowledge to others, as well as communicating his love of all things nature.
"I have a lifetime of experience working in the coppice woodlands of Sussex and Kent, and I love to show how these traditional activities support the health of woodlands and enhance biodiversity."
Creating coppice products
December 14, 2026
9.30am - 4pm (approx). Lag Wood, Hassocks
Spend a day learning about and making a range of coppice products – stakes, binders, panels, rustic furniture – from hazel or sweet chestnut, using traditional hand-tools and techniques.
You will learn:
Fee: £45
Make a split hazel 'swallow's nest' basket
May 22, 2027
Location: Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill, Henfield
Time: 10am -4pm
Fee: £95
Learn how to make a split hazel 'swallow's nest' basket which is a mini version of the traditional 'whisket'. Split Hazel Basketry is classified as critically endangered by the Heritage Crafts Association so you'll also be helping to keep these skills alive!
You will be shown all of the techniques to prepare and assemble the components for your basket, straight from rods of hazel, with a minimum of tools.
Important information
Lewis Goldwater (Tutor):
"I became fascinated by green-woodworking techniques and the potential of coppiced woodland for manufacturing beautiful products, after visiting and seeing the work of a colleague at the fabulous Eccleshall Woods Sawmill in 2007.
8 years ago, I found out that the last remaining whisket maker in my area was elderly and no longer making them. I went to learn from Ruth Pybus, a basket maker in North Wales, with a similar story to tell of hazel baskets in her area.
I am delighted that many dozens of people have been on my training courses over the last few years, and that some have been inspired to carry on with the craft and are themselves sharing these skills more widely. I do not want to be the next “last” whisket maker in my area!"
ReNature Plumpton: An Evening with Mike Dilger - Wildlife Expert Extraordinaire
Friday 18 December, 7.30pm-9.30pm - Village Hall, Plumpton Green
Join Mike Dilger for a fun night of wild stories and amazing animal insights, don’t miss out!
Mike is a botanist by training but is knowledgeable about all types of wildlife.
He has graced many TV programmes over the years. These include Springwatch and Autumnwatch (2007-2008), The One Show (2007–), Inside Out (2004–), Nature’s Top 40 (2008), Wild Gardens (2008) and Nature’s Calendar (2006).
Bring your family for an end of term treat – the evening will be suitable for all ages.
In the first half he will talk about:
The Trials and Tribulations of a Natural History Presenter
TV Presenter Mike Dilger takes you on a rollercoaster ride of his life and times. Starting with his adventures as a young naturalist and finishing as the ‘wild man’ on The One Show, Mike reveals, with innumerable hilarious anecdotes, how he got into wildlife and managed to crack television.
He is bringing his son, Zachary, and in the second half will tell us all about:
The Dilger Boys’ Big Birding Year
Mike is on a mission - to ensure the ‘birding force’ is passed down to his son Zachary. Mike and Zachary will take you through the highs and lows of their birding year so far, with the aim to see as many species before midnight on December 31st 2026!
Will they make it? You will have to be there to find out!
He is a great entertainer, and it will be a ‘laugh a minute’!
So come along and help raise funds for ReNature Plumpton.
Winter Wreaths
These sessions are for anyone who has attended our Woods on Prescription or Woodland Wanders sessions, and local people, volunteers and professionals who are interested in incorporating woodland wellbeing into their work. They are a chance to network with others, learn some activities to take back to your communities and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of the woods
12pm - 2.30pm
Wed 1st Dec, The Barns Community Hub Haywards Heath (a,t,p,pt)
Thur 3rd Dec, Linklaker Pavillion, Railway Land, Lewes (a,t,p,pt)
Wed 9th Dec, Trinity Methodist Church, Thakeham Rd, Pulborough (t,p,pt )
(a) Accessible to wheelchairs
(t) Toilet facilities
(p) Parking
(pt) Transport stop nearby
Lost Woods at the People's Emergency Briefing
Wednesday 18 November, 6.30pm - 9pm. The King's Centre, Burgess Hill.
The Lost Woods team will be attending a special community screening of The People's Emergency Briefing at the King's Centre in Burgess Hill on Wednesday 18 November, bringing our mobile hub and opportunities to get involved in local woodland conservation.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with the film screening and discussion running from 7pm until 9pm. The 50-minute film brings together nine leading UK scientists and experts to explore the latest evidence on climate and nature, and what it means for everyday life, including extreme weather, food security, health and the cost of living.After the screening, there will be an open discussion about what these issues mean for the local community and what people can do in response.
The Lost Woods team will be there to help turn that interest into action, with information about local woodland conservation groups and volunteering opportunities across the Low Weald and Downs.
Come along to find out how you can make a practical difference for local woodlands and wildlife. The event is free, but places are limited, so please book in advance.
Woodland Wellbeing Wanders
These sessions are for anyone who has attended our Woods on Prescription or Woodland Wanders sessions, and local people, volunteers and professionals who are interested in incorporating woodland wellbeing into their work. They are a chance to network with others, learn some activities to take back to your communities and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of the woods
Woodland Wellbeing Wanders- 1st Tuesday of the Month. 11am - 12.30 pm
Tues 3rd November, Bedelands Nature reserve. (p, pt)
Tues 1st December, Sullington Warren nr Storrington (p)
Tues 5th January, Woods Mill, Small Dole (a,t,p)
Tues 2nd Feb, Sandgate Common, nr Storrington
Tues 2nd March, Markstakes Common, (p,pt)
Tues 6th April, Costells Wood, Scaynes Hill (t,p,pt)
Tues 4th May, Ashenground and Bolnore Woods, Haywards Heath (p)
(a) Accessible to wheelchairs
(t) Toilet facilities
(p) Parking
(pt) Transport stop nearby
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