Creation of Pondscapes 

The wildlife ponds of Sussex are biodiversity hotspots, scattered across the county’s countryside, woodlands, commons, and urban edges. From ancient dewponds on the South Downs to newly restored wetland features in nature reserves, these small waterbodies support a rich mosaic of species and play a crucial role in local ecosystems. 

The Weald to Waves team is now developing a pond creation and enhancement project to build a connected network of wetland stepping stones across the corridor. These ponds will help species move through the landscape, boost biodiversity, and improve water resilience. 

Hedgerow Creation/ Restoration 

Hedgerows are inherently intertwined with our human history, an old friend of the British countryside which generation upon generation has watched over and nurtured tirelessly. For wildlife, hedgerows act as ecological arteries, allowing the safe passage of fauna through a modern fragmented landscape. Working in collaboration with our wonderful partners we are looking to breathe new life into the hedgerow network by: 

• Planting new hedgerows  
• Mobilising citizen scientists to monitor the condition of our hedgerows 
• Encouraging landowners to adopt restorative hedgerow management techniques

Grassland Enhancement 

Grasslands are audibly biodiverse. The deep hum of thousands of invertebrates fills the air in the spring and summer.  This hum has quietened in recent years, and we are looking to bring it back to full crescendo through the implementation of regenerative grazing practises such as mob grazing. 

Our mob grazing kit loan scheme provides members the opportunity to trial all the essential equipment needed to employ a standard mob grazing rotation. Members can borrow a kit for an agreed period, receive expert guidance from the Landscape Advisor, and apply to keep the equipment having obtained consolidated proof that the system works for them, their farm and biodiversity.