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Over 5,500 trees recorded across Sussex in woodland restoration project
Overview
The Lost Woods project in Sussex has successfully recorded 5,570 ancient, veteran, and notable trees across a 121-square-mile area since March 2024, surpassing expectations. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and run by four partner charities, the initiative relies on volunteers to map trees for the UK's Ancient Tree Inventory to help protect local biodiversity.
Key points
- Over 5,570 trees have been recorded by Lost Woods project volunteers since March 2024.
- The mapping area covers 121 square miles (314 square km) from Lewes to Storrington.
- The recorded totals include 348 ancient trees, 2,467 notable trees, and 2,743 veteran trees.
- The project is a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Action in Rural Sussex, Sussex Wildlife Trust, and the Small Woods Association.
- Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the initiative aims to have volunteers map every ancient and veteran tree in the area by next year.
- Verified trees are added to the UK's Ancient Tree Inventory to ensure they are recognised, cared for, and protected.