News

News from the High Weald AONB

FREE EVENT: Managing churchyards for nature, Friday 5 May

Are you involved in managing a churchyard in the High Weald? Come along to our free community event at  St John the Evangelist Church, Crowborough, on Friday 5 May at 10.30am.Hear from experts about the precious species that may be lurking beneath the surface such as waxcap fungi and rare wildflowers.

You can also find out how to apply for funding from the Sussex Lund grant programme to conserve and enhance your special habitat.

Learn more and book your place >>

High Weald Walking Festival returns for 2023!

Get the date in your diaries; the sixth annual High Weald Walking Festival will run from Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 September 2023. Join us for a week (and a bit) of FREE guided and self-guided walks for all ages and abilities, as we explore the High Weald AONB in all its Autumnal glory.The Festival team is working hard on the programme and would like to hear from any experienced walk leaders who’d like to get involved this year – particularly if you can offer a short, accessible themed walk such as local history, ecology, or family-friendly walks. Please drop us a line if you’re interested >>

For all the latest news and updates, sign up to the Festival mailing list >>

Wild About Dark Skies Festival celebrates wonders of the stars

More than 350 people turned out for the first ever Wild About Dark Skies Festival in February. Community groups came together to run a series of free local events celebrating the High Weald’s dark skies and raising awareness of the negative impacts of light pollution.From expert talks on wildlife and practical workshops to outdoor stargazing and an inflatable Planetarium, there was something for everyone!

The Wild About Dark Skies Festival was supported by a grant from Sussex Lund >>

Read our Festival round up >>

Feedback from our Management Plan survey

Thank you to everyone who responded to our informal public survey on the contents of the next High Weald AONB Management Plan, due in 2024.Nearly all respondents agreed that nature recovery and the climate crisis should be included in the new Plan.

Other suggested new topics included light pollution, water management, and renewable energy sources.

Read the full results on our website >>

Other news

  • Local farmers boost biodiversity: Sam and Becky Newington from Limden Brook Organic are located in the heart of the High Weald. Learn how they’ve improved the health of their soil and livestock by moving over to regenerative farming systems – and are helping other farmers achieve the same benefits: Limden Brook Organic case study >>
  • CLA farming conference: There are still free tickets available for the CLA Southeast Future of Farming conference at Plumpton College on 20 April 2023. Hear from keynote speakers and take part in workshops on profitability and sustainability. Book now >>

Quick links

High Weald AONB Management Plan
Regenerative Agriculture
High Weald Walking Festival
Farming in Protected Landscapes