Farming for Nature
05 August 2023
9:30am to 1.00pm
The wide open landscape of the Sussex Downs has been continuously worked and shaped by farming people from the Iron Age until the present day. The wildlife of the Downs has learnt to adapt and even thrive in this unique environment. But in recent decades, the advent of modern farming methods has brought unprecedented change. Can the Downs continue to grow food and provide a home for wildlife? Join Mark Ansell, Conservation and Stewardship Manager, Richard Goring, Estate Manager and local ecologist, Matthew Thomas to learn about the extraordinary lengths the Wiston Estate has gone to, to ensure wildlife continues to thrive on the Wiston Downs. We will start with coffees, teas and pastries at Chalk Restaurant at 9am to fuel us for the morning ahead, then head out in tractor and trailer. We will be guided through this beautiful and essential habitat which we have the privilege to work with, care for and nurture. The tour will return to the Chalk car park at around 13.00. Refreshments will be provided on the tour – including a glass of something sparkling if the weather allows… We will be exploring some of the farmland on foot. Sensible shoes or boots with good grips are recommended and please dress appropriately for the weather. This tour requires participants to be of a moderate level of fitness – it will include walking around the fields, using ‘non-footpath’ routes and climbing over foot stiles. If weather conditions look prohibitive we will make an assessment to postpone the tour with a minimum of 48 hours notice. Tickets may be cancelled and refunded up to 14 days before the tour, after this refunds will only be made if the places are resold. Price – £75
