Exciting plans to enhance Lodge Hill

An exciting new plan to manage Lodge Hill, including action to nurture its rare animals and plants, reintroduction of livestock and proposals to create two new ponds, has been adopted by owners the Turner-Dumbrell Foundation.

The five-year plan was drawn up by Dolphin Ecological Surveys after a study of the flora and fauna on the site, with the work funded by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA).

The report identified a range of protected and designated animal and plant species and the management plan, which covers Lodge Hill and its neighbouring fields, sets out measures to nurture them and enhance the overall biodiversity of the site.

One of the priorities is to reduce the bracken and brambles, which are threatening to overwhelm parts of the site, and to help with this livestock will be reintroduced to graze on Lodge Hill.

The report also notes that the lower slopes of Lodge Hill have a drainage problem with deep mud affecting accessibility, particularly in the winter months, and it suggests that new two ponds could help to solve this issue.

The report and management plan will be given a public launch at an event at the Ditchling Village Hall on Saturday February 24 from 2-4pm, which will include a presentation by local wildlife expert Michael Blencowe.

Trustees will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and there will also be representatives from other local groups supported by the Foundation.

The Turner-Dumbrell Foundation is a Ditchling-based charity that owns Lodge Hill, its neighbouring fields, the site of the village orchard and the workshops in North End. It was set up 40 years ago with two main aims: to provide grants to support local good causes and to ensure local people have access to the local countryside. More information about the Turner-Dumbrell Foundation is available here.

If you would like to see the full report by Dolphin Ecological Surveys click here.