The Lost Woods project has been working with a team of local Hassocks residents and a group from Burnside Day Opportunities Hub to rake cut grass in Pheasant Field (the meadow between Lag Wood and Butchers Wood), to encourage more wildflowers to grow this Spring and improve biodiversity.

Polly Eason, Community Development Worker for the Lost Woods Action in Rural Sussex team, said: “We were blown away by the enthusiasm of local volunteers and the nature and conservation group from Burnside. The field is absolutely huge so it was a big undertaking, but through clearing the cut grass we’re giving the habitat a great chance for more wildflowers to come through, attracting more insects - including butterflies which had an appalling year in 2024. Crucially, we’re also strengthening the habitat, which acts as a nature corridor between Butchers and Lag Woods.

“If people are interested in getting involved in other activities to support nature locally in Hassocks, please contact the Lost Woods team, and/or sign up to the Greener Hassocks and Ditchling mailing list who locally are doing loads of brilliant nature recovery activities.”

There is one last meadow raking day planned before the Easter weekend. If you’d like to join please look out for a poster or email lostwoodsteam@ruralsussex.org.uk