A team from LRG spent the day volunteering at Gravetye Estate, getting stuck into hands-on habitat work in a beautiful setting.

The day began with clearing docks and nettles from an area of wildflower seeds planted earlier, giving them the space they need to thrive. The work will help the area develop into a wildflower-rich meadow full of colour, pollinators and wildlife.

Next, the volunteers coppiced some of the trees and shrubs lining the edge of the site. Cutting them back encourages vigorous new growth and helps create a healthier, more varied habitat.

Following a tour of the estate’s gardens and managed woodland, the team stopped for a well-earned lunch and tea.

Nothing went to waste. The coppiced material was used to build a natural “dead hedge” wall, helping to protect the path and water from unwanted disturbance while providing shelter for insects, birds and small mammals.

Gravetye is home to some magnificent mature oak trees, and their acorns have led to lots of tiny oak saplings growing nearby. In the afternoon, the volunteers searched for these baby oaks and fitted tree guards to protect them from deer, giving them the best chance to grow into the next generation of woodland giants.

Days like this make a real difference to biodiversity and the long-term health of the landscape.

Thank you to everyone from LRG for their hard work and enthusiasm in supporting the local environment.