Scrubland Superheroes
About The Project
450 rare and threatened species of plants, insects, and birds are associated with scrub habitats in the UK – Kent Wildlife Trust
Scrubland Superheroes’ mission is to restore and create scrubland habitats across Sussex, working closely with landowners and partners within the Weald to Waves corridor. This project champions scrub, a vital but often overlooked habitat, essential for wildlife recovery and the creation of a resilient, connected landscape.
Scrubland, a mosaic of dense shrubs, young trees, and open areas, provides food, shelter, and breeding sites for many species, including threatened birds like the turtle dove, nightingale, and red-backed shrike. By acting as a transition between grassland and woodland, scrub connects habitats, supports species movement, and strengthens climate resilience.
Through restoration efforts, advice, workshops, and practical support, Scrubland Superheroes is bringing this wildlife-rich habitat back to life across Sussex.
Scrubland Superheroes is a nature recovery project led by the Knepp Wildland Foundation and was funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme between August 2023 and March 2025. Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme delivers targeted action for threatened species with bespoke needs.
Project Aims
Restore and create scrubland habitats across the Weald to Waves corridor to boost biodiversity.
Connect landscapes by creating natural corridors between grassland and woodland.
Support landowners through advice, workshops, and practical tools for habitat management.
Carry out baseline habitat and species surveys to inform effective management and restoration.
THE NUMBERS
Latest Stats
Scrubland Enclosures Built
Ponds and Scrapes Dug
Nectar Enclosures Built
Metres of Hedgerow Planted
Tree Whips Planted
Wildflower Plant Plugs Planted
Collaborative Effort
The success and scale of Scrubland Superheroes has been thanks to a team of amazing partners who have come together to restore this habitat across Sussex. Without them, nature recovery on a landscape scale would not be possible.