Volunteer wildlife training takes off

An exciting new volunteer training programme has taken shape this summer through our Wilder Horsham District partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust.

Throughout the survey season, a number of intrepid volunteers have been developing valuable ecological survey skills and helping us learn more about local wildlife.

Learning skills that support nature

Training focused on breeding bird surveys at Chesworth Farm and butterfly monitoring at Woods Mill and Chesworth Farm. The surveys provide important data that helps our Countryside team manage nature reserves effectively. The skills learnt can also help private  landowners discover which species live on their land.

A further 14 volunteers were trained to inspect footprint tunnels at woodland sites and this has increased survey coverage and improved our understanding of local dormouse populations.

Hundreds of hours for wildlife

Together, volunteers have contributed hundreds of  hours of survey work.

Their efforts are strengthening local wildlife monitoring, supporting evidence-led conservation and creating a knowledgeable community of wildlife champions across Horsham District.