News & Updates

Local Wildlife Sites woodland bluebells

Reviving the High Weald’s Local Wildlife Sites

19 May 2026

Through our new partnership project with Kent and Sussex Wildlife Trusts we are aiming to revive some of the High Weald’s most valuable Local Wildlife Sites. We will be working with site landowners across the landscape to offer free habitat surveys and to provide practical support for conservation management, including funding advice. The work will strengthen nature recovery across the High Weald while supporting the long-term stewardship of these precious sites.

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Event

National Meadows Conference

18 May 2026

This year, we are very proud to be co-hosting the third National Meadows Conference, exploring how cutting-edge science can be applied in the real world. The conference is at Kew Wakehurst, from 19-20 June 2026. It will take place in a 250-seat marquee set within Yew Tree Meadow, beside the Millennium Seed Bank, one of the most important conservation sites in the world and the perfect setting to explore the future of species-rich grasslands.

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Case study

The Pasture and Profit project: farmer-led support for regenerative farming

18 May 2026

The Pasture and Profit programme sits at the heart of the High Weald team’s work to promote nature-friendly farming across the National Landscape. It demonstrates how strong partnerships between organisations can deliver greater benefits for more farmers. Through a mix of on-farm events, mentoring and peer networks, it has built a supportive community where farmers can share experiences, discuss challenges and explore practical ways to transition towards pasture-based systems.

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News

Deer drone survey 2026 results

13 May 2026

The High Weald team uses annual drone surveys to monitor deer on behalf of landowners, particularly in Ashdown Forest and the Bayham Area where populations are particularly high. This year's survey shows that while overall numbers of fallow deer have remained fairly static, numbers in zones with robust deer management have reduced, proving the importance of effective deer management. Encouragingly, numbers of native roe deer seem to have increased, so watch this space!

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Case study

Supporting veterans through wildlife

7 May 2026

The Veterans' Growth team applied to the High Weald Nature and Community Fund for a grant to run a series of ‘meet the moth’ events, led by a local ecologist. The events bought together veterans and members of the wider community to introduce them to the wonderful diversity of moth species present at Rocks Farm, and explore the magic of moths and their importance to the wider ecosystem.

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Case study

Transforming Ore Station into a community garden

1 April 2026

At Ore Station near Hastings, Sussex, a community-led group has transformed a neglected, overgrown area into a greener, more welcoming space for everyone. From derelict land to community hub Ore Station serves one of the most deprived areas of Hastings, where some 38% of local children live in poverty. There was no nearby green space […]

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News

Grants for High Weald heroes

24 March 2026

Two new grant funds for High Weald Heroes are open for new applications. Find out more about the High Weald Nature and Community Fund and High Weald Lund Fellowships.

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Case study

High Weald Lund Fellowship: Stories of Regenerative Farming

23 March 2026

Nigel Akehurst was one of the first recipients of the High Weald Lund Fellowship. He has used the grant to document and share farmers' experiences of regenerative farming, with the aim of inspiring and supporting the High Weald's many young farmers who are embracing nature friendly farming practices.

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Advocacy

Planning Reform and National Landscapes: key messages and recommendations

25 February 2026

The government is currently consulting on some proposed reforms to the planning system (the National Planning Policy Framework) which could have important implications for the UK’s National Landscapes, including the High Weald.

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