Huge turnout for Lodge Hill event at village hall

Local naturalist Michael Blencowe held a packed audience spellbound during a 70-minute presentation at Ditchling Village Hall, at the launch of the Lodge Hill management plan on Saturday February 24.

For those who missed out imagine David Attenborough’s in-depth knowledge of all types of flora and fauna, focused on Lodge Hill and the local environment, but with plenty of laughs thrown in. For a limited period video of Michael’s talk is available by clicking here.

The presentation was the centrepiece of the event organised by the owner of Lodge Hill, the Turner-Dumbrell Foundation, and supported by our partners and other groups enhancing our local environment including: The Monday Group, Ditchling Village Orchard, Ditchling History Project, The Ditchling Society, Lost Woods and Batcheller Monkhouse.

The afternoon was rounded off with free refreshments and cakes, with the catering team dealing superbly with the turnout of around 100 local people.

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).

It aims to enhance the environment on Lodge Hill, and the neighbouring Bowries Fields which the Turner-Dumbrell Trust also owns, to nurture the existing flora and fauna and hopefully entice exciting additions.

Work has already started with Monday Group and SDNP volunteers clearing much of the bracken and brambles that have been choking less invasive native species on Lodge Hill.

Proposals to introduce more trees and new ponds to help with drainage of the site are also being considered.