Question: What is fun, good exercise, companiable, rewarding and makes a real difference to the birds and wildlife in Sussex?  Answer: Helping out on our conservation work projects.

Conservation Work with the SOS is taking a turn.  We are developing some projects where we will make a real and immediate difference to the wildlife – and the birds – in the area. 

We launched our Chesworth Farm Hedgerow Project near Horsham in October.  Chesworth Farm is a small reserve located at the South East edge of Horsham which is being developed to provide a haven for wildlife. 

The SOS is helping to reintroduce an historic field boundary to restore the former habitat for the benefit of birds and other wildlife in this area. 

We will very quickly be able to see the results of our efforts over the following months as wildlife begins to use this restored habitat. In October we helped build the fence – you can see from the pictures that it was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun. 

We are returning on 5 January to plant the Hedgerow.  You can find more information on the web about the site and the birds already found there.  Just put Chesworth Farm into your search engine.

In Ashdown Forest we are working the SOS Redstart Project in the area known as Chelwood Vachery.  The area was developed as a large and beautiful garden which has become very overgrown.  We are keen to support the restoration around the stream to encourage native bird species - particularly redstarts, grey wagtails and kingfishers.  In particular we are encouraging redstarts in the area by helping to clear the stream area and put up nestboxes.  Join us on the last Sunday of each month (September to March excluding December).  The meeting on 24 February is a special one.  We will be putting up redstart nestboxes and Richard Lowe will lead a birding walk in the area from 14.30-15.30pm.

These events run from 10.00 or 10.30 to 15.00.  You do not have to work for the entire time – just give it a go for an hour or two and maybe combine it with doing some birding in the area.  You do not need any expertise or tools.  Just wear sensible clothing and boots and we will provide the rest.  The work is easy and it is fun.  Do join us!  All the details are on the events page.  Call Sue on 07971 684009 for more details.

Survey work for the new Atlas is now well under way. You can see maps of how many species have been seen where at http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/latest_results/index.htm.

Your records can contribute to these maps - and it's not too late to take on a tetrad for the timed surveys, as you've got until the end of December to complete the first survey.

See the Atlas pages of this website to find out where and how to help.

The Environment Agency are undertaking a public consultation about the future of Cuckmere Haven.  One option is to allow it to revert to a tidal estuary rather than maintain the existing flood defences, which would improve it as a bird habitat.  You have an opportunity to express your views at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/consultations or by calling 08708 506 506 or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Anyone wanting to comment on the options must do so before 10 December 2007, but you can also comment at drop-in sessions at Exceat visitor centre 29th Sept; 15th Nov; 17th Nov and Seaford Little Theatre 20th Oct.