Events
Mapping amphibian breeding activity across the UK
The PondNet Spawn Survey maps the sightings of Common Frog and Common Toad spawn across the country to better understand how amphibians use different types of waterbodies to breed.
Freshwater Habitats Trust runs the PondNet Spawn survey from December to May. With your help, we can collect important data on the location of breeding frogs and toads. To take part, record Common Frog or Common Toad spawn spotted in garden ponds or any ponds, ditches or puddles you come across in your adventures in the countryside.
Visit the Freshwater Habitats Trust Website to see how to get involved.
The Big Farmland Bird Count is an annual event that encourages farmers and land managers to record the bird species and numbers on their farms. The count aims to raise awareness of the important role that they play in helping our farmland birds, and to measure the impact of the conservation work that many farms and estates carry out.
For more information and how to get involved, click here.
Feb 2026 SDNPA Farmers breakfast invitation
Following on from our very successful Farmers’ Breakfast in February 2025, we are pleased to announce that the farming team at the South Downs National Park Authority will be hosting three events this February (24th, 25th, 26th). These events will be spread across the South Downs National Park to give you all an opportunity to attend.
Please see the attached invitation for details and our full agenda, which we all feel will be really worthwhile and interesting for all our farmers and landowners and land managers across the park, so please feel free to attend yourselves and spread the word to your local farmers and landowners. If you could get them to confirm attendance via farming@southdowns.gov.uk, that would be appreciated.
Please email farming@southdowns.gov.uk to let us know if you are able to attend by Monday 16th February 2026 indicating:
- Which event you would like to attend
- Who will be attending
- Please also let us know if you have any special access and/or dietary requirements.
Roots West Sussex are hosting two community hedge laying days which will mark the first phase of a 1km long hedgerow restoration project named the Hole Street Highway. When completed this project will provide a vital wildlife corridor through the Weald to Waves project area and connect two woodland sites where Roots have been hard at work restoring coppice rotations and regenerating woodland health. Our Weald to waves Landscape Advisor, Tilly, will be joining the session on the 28th of February.
To sign up and for more information please email rootswestsussex@gmail.com
Haywards Heath Eco Fair at HHBC
Come along to speak with others helping our community on their sustainability journey.
Learn about heat pumps, home solar, e-bikes, electric vehicles, seed swaps repair cafes and plenty more from people using these innovations in Haywards Heath and the surrounding area.
The morning will also include short featured talks.
Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4DZ United Kingdom
An online session for land managers to understand more about Biodiversity Net Gain in the water environment.
This session is organised by the Western Sussex Rivers Trust and is aimed at local land managers looking to find out about the potential for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and will cover both terrestrial and watercourse opportunities.
BNG experts, Dr Rowenna Baker, and Charlie Dwight, will talk us through what BNG is, its requirement under Planning and its potential for restoration sites. They will cover what needs to be done to generate BNG, e.g. different types of units, pre surveys, post intervention designs, as well as go through the rules and what helps increase BNG, e.g. habitat condition, objectives from the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and market value.
There will be worked examples and plenty of time for a Q&A session.
Are you looking for something to do with your friends and family in your local area this spring/summer/autumn?
The Sunset Survey (April – October) brings you a perfect opportunity to get together with family/friends and discover bats and other wildlife in your local area. This is ideal for you if you don’t have previous bat surveying experience. Just spend an hour from sunset (or before sunrise) and let us know what you see/hear from your window, balcony, garden or local green space.
See how to take part and submit your sightings here.
Join residents in 650+ cities on all 7 continents across the world in an epic, global mission to record as much wildlife as possible. Over the four-day challenge we want you to share your observations of nature, using the free iNaturalist app. Your recordings will contribute towards conservation efforts both locally and on a global-scale.
For more information and how to get involved, click here.
Art in Nature: Wakehurst Community Festival, 8–9 May 2026 | Free Event (Booking Essential)
Ignite your creativity at Wakehurst’s two‑day Community Festival celebrating Art in Nature. Enjoy a vibrant programme of accessible, hands‑on activities designed for people who may experience barriers to visiting
Activities include:
- Creative Workshops
- Music, poetry and storytelling
- Performances from your community groups
- Potion making and science workshops
- Guided tours
- Forest bathing and much more!
This year we are including a changing places toilet
Become a citizen scientist, learn the rhythms of the djembe drum, collaborate with local artists, and enjoy delicious food throughout the gardens.
Free tickets and parking — book now at: kew.org/art-in-nature
URL Link: https://www.kew.org/learning/community-access/community-access-at-wakehurst/community-festival
A relaxed outdoor session for families and young people to connect, play, and create music together in Wakehurst’s wild landscapes.
Join us throughout the year to explore the power of sound and nature at Wakehurst. Take part in a two-hour outdoor session designed for families and young people. Each session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness surrounded by nature. Suitable for ages 5+.
For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Roots and Rhythm 2026 Poster.
After the success of last year’s celebration, we’re delighted to announce that next year’s festival will mark the 10-year anniversary of the White Stork Project. Join us as we celebrate Storrington’s new European Stork Village status and the return of these iconic birds to our landscape. The event will take place on Saturday 23rd May 2026, with more details and location to be confirmed soon. Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to be part of this special community celebration!
The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide citizen science survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and has rapidly become the world’s biggest survey of butterflies.
The Big Butterfly Count 2026 reopens on the 1st of July ready for the main event between the 17th of July and 9th of August.
Simply count butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny) weather during the Big Butterfly Count. We have chosen this time of year because most butterflies are at the adult stage of their lifecycle, so more likely to be seen. Records are welcome from anywhere: from parks, school grounds and gardens, to fields and forests.
For more information and how to participate, click here.
National Whale and Dolphin Watch is a 9-day citizen science event dedicated to studying and protecting cetaceans in UK waters.
Preliminary Dates: Saturday 25th July to Sunday 2nd August 2026
Watches and surveys will be taking place across the country to create a ‘snapshot’ view of what can be seen in our UK coastal waters. The data collected during this event will enable us to develop an idea of the distribution of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK. This event is a great opportunity for everyone to become involved in the research which goes into understanding and protecting these magnificent creatures.
For more information and how to get involved, click here.
A five-week journey that brings people together to explore the power of sound, nature, and Wakehurst’s unique landscapes.
Each weekly two-hour session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness, while also offering opportunities to learn about our horticulture, seasonal changes, and the science behind the wild places we care for. No musical experience is needed – everyone’s welcome to take part.
These sessions are designed especially for Community Access Scheme members, community groups, and individuals seeking to boost their wellbeing and connect with nature.
For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Nature Notes Poster 2026.