DOWNLAND NEWS FOR THE VOLUNTEER THYMES RANGER SERVICE ISSUE 78 | WINTER 2017 IN THIS ISSUE:

2 UPDATE FROM THE VOLUNTEERING TEAM

3 WHAT’S IN A NAME? 4 TREE QUIZ

6 NEW STARTERS 8 MY SPECIAL SPOT 9 WASP DRAMA STORM BRIAN TASK ON CASTLE HILL SDNPA VOLUNTEERS ARE A TOUGH BREED AND 10 STORM BRIAN WASN’T GOING TO PUT US OFF. MEET YOUR blown away or forced to give Luckily, the heavy showers didn’t NEW ASSISTANT up as the weather got worse. materialise and we only had to dive RANGERS for shelter once and even that didn’t The task was to clear an area put the fire out. We almost managed 12 of scrub just the other side of the lunch in the sunshine too. YOUR REVIEWS A27, between Mile Oak Farm and Truleigh Hill. Fortunately the site Despite the usual scratches and Despite the day starting with heavy 14 was on the northern side of the slope thorns from cutting and dragging rain showers and the forecast for SHOWCASING so we were protected from the worst the hawthorn, given the initial more of the same along with high of Storm Brian. forecast, which didn’t look as if THE SOUTH winds, a hardy group turned up we’d even get started, it turned DOWNS at Stanmer for the weekend’s task. We cut back an area of bramble at into a good day’s work. Towards the After checking the forecast again the bottom of the slope and several end of the afternoon we were even Main: Double and discussing options, we still isolated hawthorn bushes on the treated to a glorious full rainbow. rainbow decided to head out in the hope steeper top part of the slope to stop ©Clare Evans we might at least manage to the spread of scrub up the slope. CLARE EVANS, EASTERN DOWNS, get some scrub cleared before This will help to create more space Inset:Bonfire VOLUNTEER RANGER lunchtime without getting soaked, for grassland species. ©Clare Evans

Tell us your story. Email your Downland Thymes articles to the editorial team [email protected] DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER UPDATE FROM THE A NOTE FROM VOLUNTEERING TEAM THE EDITOR

As many of you may know, Becka Saunders, the regular editor of Downland Thymes, is now on maternity leave after delivery in September of her best project yet CHAIRMAN’S – baby Bobbie! You will be pleased to know that mother and daughter CORNER WHAT’S IN A NAME? are doing very well. Goodness, doesn’t time fly! The clocks have changed Until Becka returns I will be taking and I’m writing the Christmas message for Downland the reins of editing the Downland Thymes, another year has passed and we have done STEPHEN’S CASTLE Thymes newsletter and have been so very much. We started the year with a survey fascinated by the variety and to you all asking about the new VRS Committee breadth of the content we have structure. I’m pleased this was so well supported by Central Downs Volunteer Rangers pictured with SDNPA Ranger Simon Mockford, DOWN received this edition. Huge thanks © Rob Nicholls, Western Area Countryside Ranger you and led to the changes at the AGM in March. during a summer visit to Winter works sites. © David Gibson, Volunteer Ranger Central Downs to all our contributors! The Committee is now leaner but the essential work What makes Downland Thymes such remains, we have officers to carry out the specific Following the popularity of the regular THE UNUSUALLY NAMED STEPHEN’S CASTLE DOWN LIES a special and successful publication tasks and we get on with things without lengthy update meetings between rangers and ABOUT A MILE NORTHEAST OF THE VILLAGE OF UPHAM, is that it is written by volunteers debate. We have also successfully held meetings volunteer rangers (VRs) in the western for volunteers. However this does by video conferencing, enabling us all to stay at downs, the other areas have been NEAR BISHOPS WALTHAM. mean that we are very reliant on home yet be in discussion on tablets or computers convinced to try them too. It is a regular location for the VRS to engage “preservation of order” overrode his daughter’s volunteers supplying us with articles to agree VRS actions. I went along to an Eastern Downs in their favourite activity of scrub bashing. stronger claim to the throne and had granted for each edition. The year has also seen us extend the range of meeting earlier in the year and in early Nowadays, the most danger you are likely Stephen succession. discounts being offered to volunteers by local October had the chance to say a few to encounter there is a gang of marauding, So, if you think you have Stephen’s coronation hastily took place but businesses, full details of which are on the Intranet. words at a get together of the Central delinquent heifers but this was not always the something interesting to share The draft Volunteering Development Matilda was not prepared to take this lying I am pleased that the Area Update Meetings are now Downs staff and VRs, in Singleton case. The top of the steep slope affords wide and with the other volunteers in the Plan has now been reviewed by down and there followed a 19 year long civil being held for outdoor practical volunteers in each Village Hall. It was great to see and distant views on a clear day which partly explains National Park for future editions Area teams and other staff working war known as The Anarchy, where neither side Area. It is a crucial opportunity for us to engage with hear about some of the projects that the origin of the name. King Stephen, crowned then please email any contributions, with volunteers and by the time you could find the resources to defeat the other, Rangers and Leaders on topics and be kept abreast of you have been involved with and in 1135, erected a fortification or earthworks on including photos where possible, read this a second draft should have with battles taking place in many locations issues facing the National Park. I hope that something particularly the benefits of winter work the down which was, of course, Stephen’s Castle to [email protected] been presented to our Community, and fortifications being erected or strengthened. equivalent will also be in place soon for all other that can be seen once summer comes. and evidence of this has been identified in aerial Outreach, Volunteering and Education What happened in the end? Eventually, in It just remains for me to wish you supporting volunteers, no matter how they contribute. photography. But why was it necessary for King Gemma North and I spent two days (COVE) Programme Board for review. 1153, the Treaty of Westminster was drawn up, all a very Merry Christmas and Stephen to erect a fortress here and why did he Our education courses have continued with River in Buxton early in October, meeting Volunteer Rangers will have a chance allowing Stephen the throne for life. In reality life a Happy New Year! need such long and clear views? Ecology, back by popular demand, and Cultural Volunteer Co-ordinators from the to feed back on it shortly. turned out to be less than a year and Matilda’s Heritage, planned for early next year. The Committee other UK National Parks to share ideas Nearly 900 years ago and only some 70 or so son Henry II was crowned in 1154, so you could Finally, could I make a general plea are always seeking new ideas for this initiative, along and best practice. This is an annual after the Battle of , securing the throne say that Matilda won in the end. to those of you going out with the with any other things you would like to try. Please meeting and to illustrate the increasing of was no mere straightforward matter outdoor groups, particularly when continue to complete the Volunteer Attitude Survey. importance of volunteering and of succession. Henry I was juggling maintaining you’re with partner organisations, to It is a vital tool for us to communicate with you and for volunteers to the National Park ‘family’, power in both England and France, and it was During The Anarchy, Matilda escaped help make sure that Task Report Forms your comments and desires to be considered. I intend for the first time, all 15 National Parks following his victory at the Battle of Bremile in from Devizes Castle disguised as a are completed and passed on to the to give you a full update on the survey’s findings and were represented. Normandy that a ship carrying a party of 300 corpse dressed in a shroud and bound Area team by Task Leaders, so we’ve the actions that will flow from it at the AGM on the victorious revellers back to England struck a to a bier. Later, while imprisoned at One of the most important common always got a record of who has done morning of 17 March 2018. It will be at The Pavilion rock and sank, drowning almost all on board Oxford, she was lowered down the wall themes that we all seem to be looking what. If the report doesn’t come back, in , with thanks to the Mayor of Petersfield including William, the Prince of Wales. This by ropes during a heavy snow storm. at was how do we attract and facilitate we don’t know what work you’ve done, who is providing this facility for us in recognition of incident became known as The White Ship people to have a go at volunteering in how much time you’ve given, or have a One person’s haughty, proud and the work the VRS have carried out on Nature Reserves Disaster, so grave were its implications for our National Parks who currently don’t clear picture of what is being achieved. overbearing could be another’s gutsy around the town. More details will be published in due the security of the realm. or can’t easily? and brave! course, along with some activities for you to consider Thanks to you all for the massive Henry named his daughter Matilda, wife exploring in the afternoon. This is one of the three major themes contribution you make to the National of Geoffrey Count of Anjou, as his heir but in our Volunteer Development Plan, Park. I hope to see many of you during In the meantime I wish you all a very Merry this did not go down well with the powerful VANESSA HARVEY, WESTERN DOWNS so it was really useful to be able to hear December, but in any case I wish you all Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous barons, who disliked her as she was “married VOLUNTEER RANGER about what others are working on. We a very Happy Christmas and New Year. New Year. Thank you all for the hard work you have to the enemy” and was “haughty, proud and also got to talk to people from the John done and the support you have given to the VRS. All the very best, overbearing”. Instead the barons supported There are lots of intriguing place names in the CHARLIE HELLEWELL, Muir Award, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme the claim of Stephen of Blois (Henry’s nephew National Park. If you think you know the origins COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER and even the Probation Service. RON WILDER , VRS CHAIRMAN IAN HARTLE, SDNPA VOLUNTEER and Matilda’s cousin) that Henry I had changed or story behind one of them please get in DEVELOPMENT OFFICER his mind on his deathbed, considering that the touch at: [email protected] 2 3 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER

HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT IDENTIFYING TREE TREES IN ID QUIZ WINTER? A B C Match the pictures of winter twigs to their leaves below. All these are of common trees you can come across while scrub bashing, but no shrubs are included (i.e. no hazel). Neither is there ash, hawthorn or silver birch – for if you cannot identify these in winter by now then surely, you’ve not been opening your eyes while on task. To give you help I include here the names of the seven trees you must differentiate D E F G between:

• OAK

• FIELD MAPLE

• SALLOW (PUSSY WILLOW)

• BEECH

• SYCAMORE

• NORWAY MAPLE

• LIME

Award yourself a bonus point if you correctly identify between the sycamore and norway maple. To answer, state the name, number and letter in order, such as: “oak 1g”. Solutions are on the back page

RUSSELL CLEAVER, WESTERN DOWNS VOLUNTEER RANGER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

4 5 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER NEW STARTERS WHICH AREA DO YOU A WORD VOLUNTEER FOR? I volunteer for the VRS, based NAME: in . Sam Kane SDVRS AREA: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR Eastern Downs VRS ABOUT RAKING FIRST DAY OR TWO OF ONE OF THE DELIGHTS OF WORKING WITH THE SDVRS IS THE OPPORTUNITY VOLUNTEERING? IT PROVIDES TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH OLD COUNTRYSIDE SKILLS AND The sessions have so far taken LEARN ABOUT THE LONG FORGOTTEN TERMS USED. DICK COLE IMAGINES place in and around Stanmer Park, Lewes Golf Course and at Anchor Bottom – a valley THE DISCOVERY OF SOME OLD HAND WRITTEN NOTES IN HIS DICTIONARY behind the former cement works near Upper Beeding. OF THE DIALECT...

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE VRS? In early September the Wednesday Group For example, who knows what a ”Luddick” This work is supporting my college course, Countryside Management at Plumpton were out helping Hannah Thompson at “...Saw old A at [and] is? My grandmother used to describe when College. The days are very well organised and there are always sufficient breaks as reward Slindon. We were set to raking up grass talked of hay making. A said he “Old Mrs Cowstick went a terrible luddick on the ice.” The Rev Parish makes no for the hard, physical activities including lopping, raking, sawing, strimming and scything. and weeds in Stoney Field as part of the was sc[yth]ing the lower field. National Trust’s organification programme. reference to it and my copy of Sussex There is a feeling of satisfaction when watching the fire continuously crackling away as When pressed he said twelve as She was Spoke says it’s “something which we keep piling on more branches. Everyone has been very welcoming and lots of good Naturally we were using traditional tools, scrapings equal a roll; four r[oll]s has fallen down” – not quite the meaning humoured banter contributes to a relaxed, easy going atmosphere. I’ve enjoyed the wooden rakes especially. We got to talking my grandmother would have understood. experience so far, and look forward to many more productive days in the outdoors! about the names of the bits. These are made a heave and th[ere] was relatively easy to discover in reference thirteen heaves to a load… Let’s start collecting words now. Don’t let books like R.A. Salaman’s Dictionary of Tools [w]ent on to tell t[ha]t it was us just dream! Let us discover how to capture WHICH AREA DO YOU but what of the words that describe the these special words. only in Sussex that thirteen VOLUNTEER FOR? actions used? Who knows what they are? I volunteer for the VRS, based Where are they recorded? was a load in ‘ampshire it were DICK COLE, CENTRAL DOWNS NAME: in Stanmer Park. Mark Scott only 12 and in Kent it were 16. VOLUNTEER RANGER SDVRS We mused on these things as we worked. AREA: There was the action of raking itself, what was I demanded why this difference CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR Eastern Downs VRS that called, what of the roll of material you A said it was the weather.” FIRST DAY OR TWO OF gathered up surely that had a name? How VOLUNTEERING? Of course there is the work that our were the loads measured? own Cultural Heritage Volunteers have My first day was a very gentle Hmm... could these be the words we had done on oral histories as part of the introduction – access land surveying Back home I continued to muse and been searching for earlier in the day? Secrets of the High Woods project. at Devil’s Dyke – although parts searched out my copy of the Rev W.D. Thump... My book dropped to the floor and In addition a click onto the British of the lower escarpment were wet, steep and Parish’s A Dictionary of the Sussex Dialect. I I woke with a start. I picked it up and thought Library web site leads one to their slippery. And I wonder why we finished off with a pint in the drowsed after a good supper and my book only the faintest impression remained. Had Survey of English Dialects which Devil’s Dyke pub? The next time was good old scrub bashing on a farm near fell open. The light across the page showed I been dreaming? There must have been local includes some from Sussex. There’s Jevington, before I moved on to the more technical tasks of coppicing and flintwalling the indent of some words on the page. words for these tasks. Where can we find an interesting one from East in Stanmer Park. Written in a fine spidery hand the words them? No sign of them in Robert Macfarlane’s with mention of Uppark and one from seemed to say: Landmarks. Perhaps there is a project here for Horam in which mentions HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE VRS? our Cultural Heritage Volunteer colleagues. Mowing and harvesting wheat but not My friend Richard Holkham is a veteran VRS member and asked if I’d like to join There must be lots of other South Downs hay. Both well worth listening to. him. So I did – a welcome replacement for the daily walk to and from Preston Park words we need to capture. station, enjoying the prospect of being out in areas of outstanding beauty, and a desire to contribute in a small way to the local community.

DO YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL FACT ABOUT YOURSELF? I am the Honorary Secretary of the BBC, no not that one but the Brighton Badminton Club!

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK? My wife and I love Mount Caburn (an annual BBC walk and pub lunch) and also the Fulking Escarpment. I have now had some months of varied activity – two or three times a month, grandparent duties permitting – and whilst I know that the summer and autumn months will be a honeymoon period, I have not been disappointed! I am in awe of the technical abilities of the seasoned VRs most of whom I will never hope to match, but in any event I do revel in the tranquillity of mind emptying labour!

6 7 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER WASP DRAMA ON CASTLE HILL A PEACEFUL AUTUMN DAY ON CASTLE HILL, NEWHAVEN. ONE OF OUR NUMBER, WHOM WE SHALL CALL D, WAS BRUSH CUTTING IN A GORSE THICKET. THE REST OF US WERE SCATTERED ABOUT OVER AN ACRE OR SO. SUDDENLY A LOUD CRY WAS HEARD AND D CAME RUNNING OUT OF THE THICKET SURROUNDED BY A CLOUD OF WASPS, HAVING CUT RIGHT THROUGH THEIR NEST.

Stephen Allberry Black Bridge at , Central Downs. © Russell Cleaver © Stephen Allberry He was trying in vain to get the brush cutter harness off. We were reluctant to approach I grew up a country boy in Cheshire THEN YOUR VOLUNTEERING him through the crowd of wasps but managed and when I obtained a job in the EXPERIENCE HAS INFLUENCED to pull the harness off him without getting south, I looked to move, and it was YOUR CHOICE OF SPECIAL SPOT? stung. The wasps were only interested in (best read in a Sussex accent...) the area around Rogate that I found Yes, when I retired in 2005 I was him. He ran about a bit and discarded most MY particularly attractive. I liked the variety looking for something to fill my time of his clothes which were full of wasps. of landscapes that existed south of and I met Penny, the then ranger for the Weald towards the sea, and then This turned out to be the best thing he could the AONB. She recruited me to work found the Rother valley. Soon after do as the wasps crowded round the clothes on Rights of Way with other volunteers. I arrived in 2003 I found a path that on the ground. The ranger considered this

SPECIAL crossed the river, so I suppose you Looking back, these really were the to be due to a pheromone released by angry could say my Special Spot is the ‘good old days’. But later, the West wasps, which had accumulated on the clothes. Black Bridge at Rogate. Sussex County Council dispensed After removing the last few wasps from inside with our services when we became WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR his pants the volunteer sat down and soon a National Park so our volunteering SPECIAL SPOT YOU FIND SO keeled over due to the pain. The stings must SPOT was directed elsewhere. However, INTERESTING? have been in three figures but there was no THIS FEATURE OCCURS IN EVERY ISSUE a tree subsequently fell beside the sign of a dangerous allergic reaction. We I like the connectivity of everything bridge which then had to be closed. OF DOWNLAND THYMES AS WE INTERVIEW gave him some Ibuprofen tablets and half in the landscape. I would never say Eventually, perhaps two years later, the carried him down to the nearby car park, SOMEONE WITHIN THE NATIONAL I knew much about the science of bridge was replaced and I could return whilst calling the ambulance. ecology, but coming here I realised to my regular circular walk again. PARK TO TALK ABOUT A PLACE THAT it was the variety of habitats and the A paramedic duly arrived and set up DOES YOUR SPECIAL SPOT IS SPECIAL TO THEM. relationships between the land, the an intravenous paracetamol drip – a very EPITOMISE SOMETHING ABOUT wildlife and man that fascinated me. effective form of the drug. While receiving THE NATIONAL PARK? THIS MONTH WE TALK TO STEPHEN this D suddenly began to shiver violently SO, DOES THIS AREA HAVE It does. At a human scale, it’s the and uncontrollably. Was he infected in ALLBERRY, A LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER CULTURAL OR HERITAGE winding paths and small bridges some way and developing septicaemia? SIGNIFICANCE FOR YOU? IN THE CENTRAL AND WEALDEN HEATHS that resonate historically with me. It was soon realised that he was dropping Most certainly, historically the Black So I find this path and the Black AREA, WHO TELLS US ABOUT THE his temperature. The drip was going in fast Bridge was once a small, stone Bridge epitomises the National Park. and was pouring cold water into a vein LOCATION OF HIS FAVOURITE WALK. bridge on a rural lane. The story No doubt other small-scale corners thus reducing his core temperature and his goes that back in World War II a of the countryside will be special to abdomen and arms were exposed full of Canadian tank tried to cross it but others. By working as a volunteer I’ve swollen stings which were radiating heat. crushed it instead. And what you find been privileged to visit all kinds of off home with oral pain killers and steroids. Learning points: As a counsel of perfection Not to mention running round near naked today is merely a wooden bridge the beaten-track places, that visitors The rest of the crew moved to a nearby anyone doing any cutting should have on Castle Hill on what was not a warm day. on a footpath. When we were still rarely find. Consequently, there must site but not a lot of work was done for a full view of what they are cutting into. A few coats thrown over him soon relieved undertaking Rights of Way work be many similar small, special places the remainder of the day. If the wasps really go for you throw modesty the problem. Do you have a favourite walk or I went out with SDNPA ranger Dan that speak loudly to others. to the wind and get your kit off. Keep any special spot in the National Park? Cornell several times to maintain He was taken to the Royal Sussex Hospital IAN RUNCIE, EASTERN DOWNS medical victim warm. Tell us about it [email protected] it by replacing planks etc. STEPHEN ALLBERRY, CENTRAL were he soon felt much better and was sent VOLUNTEER RANGER DOWNS VOLUNTEER RANGER More info: blog.pensoft.net/2015/12/03/ call-for-arms-and-stings-social-wasps-use- alarm-pheromones-to-coordinate-their- attacks

8 9 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER

TOO MUCH SCRUB MEET YOUR NEW BASHING MAY START PIC IN THE PARK INFLUENCING YOUR DREAMS...

ASSISTANT RANGERS DREAM TASK – VOLUNTEERING NAME: REBEKAH SMITH | STARTED: MARCH 2017 ON HIGH… AREA TEAM: CENTRAL DOWNS Unusually my two daughters Major Projects: I’ve been involved in lots of practical habitat management accompanied me on this task. with our VRS teams. I spent the summer surveying open access land furniture, It appeared to be getting dark assisting at events and I ran a fencing training week in July. There is lots more as the fleet of Landrovers set off. practical work coming up this winter and I’m currently organising a coppicing After a rather hazardous journey training week that will be happening later this month. It’s been great fun learning to our destinations the Landies about a new area of the country and getting to know the South Downs. each peeled off along different Where I’ve come from: Before I started with the SDNP I worked with Natural paths in a landscape which England first as a trainee then as a Seasonal Warden at the East Dartmoor NNR. reminded me of nothing less than Favourite food: Nachos the foothills of the Himalayas. Interests: Out and about walking and exploring the countryside and We came to a stop on a high birdwatching; Farlington Marshes being my local patch. I also train in ju-jitsu. plain and I was proud to be one of those chosen to use a brush cutter. I strapped myself in and checked the pressure NAME: CHRIS LICKLEY | STARTED: AUGUST 2017 hose attachment. AREA TEAM: WESTERN DOWNS Holding the brush cutters Major Projects: I’ll be working with our regular volunteer groups on practical conservation tasks and also helping to conduct surveys of water voles on the at arm’s length in the left hand River Meon. and the other arm held aloft in true Superman style we started Where I’ve come from: LULLINGTON CHURCH – the brush cutter’s propellers Most recently I was working with Hampshire County Council where and, with perfect precision, shot I helped to manage important sites along the south coast and also THE SMALLEST CHURCH IN THE PARK? up into the night sky, confident raise public awareness of overwintering coastal bird species. Dirk Bogarde, who was a well-known and we have that the brush cutter computer Favourite food: Anything curried. actor in the ‘1950s, came every summer been able would direct each of us to our during his childhood in the 1920s to a to enjoy the Interests: Playing piano, complaining about my football team allotted position. rented house next door to the church. beautiful (Southampton!), table tennis, Hampshire pubs. His family were quite well to do and lived views in We were grim faced and in London. I believe his Mother would peace and proud, for our task tonight arrange the flowers in the church. I read tranquillity. was an important one. It had a book of his many years ago, which Shortly after befallen to us to clean the mentioned this. I think it was called my dear NAME: JASMINE OWEN | STARTED: SEPTEMBER 2017 A Postillion Struck by Lightning. Mum died, isolated cages of the famous AREA TEAM: EASTERN DOWNS Barry and Himalayan Guinea Pigs. On a more personal level, my own I walked Major Projects: I have taken on the management of the wonderful Seven parents who were also Londoners (but up to the church, accompanied all the IAN RUNCIE, Sisters VRS group, I have been assisting the Rangers in their projects and tasks not “well to do”) loved Lullington church. way by a black cat. The cat stayed with us EASTERN DOWNS and in the near future, I will be taking on the management of certain sites and After they moved to Sussex, they would all the time we were there and then came VOLUNTEER RANGER leading practical conservation tasks with the VRS groups. always take any visitors they had to see with us back down the path. It certainly the church and we went with them Where I’ve come from: I previously worked as an Assistant Ranger with made me think! several times. Mum always claimed Council and prior to that I had a conservation internship with (without foundation!) that it was the RSPB based at Arne, Dorset. JOSIE HOBBS, EASTERN DOWNS the smallest church in England. My VOLUNTEER RANGER Favourite food: HUMMOUS (on everything!) understanding was that the present church is the remaining part of a larger Interests: any wildlife watching (particularly bird watching), long-distance church which originally stood there. running and jewellery making. Whenever we have been there, we have never encountered anyone else

Dream image 10 © Heather Hartle 11 DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER YOUR REVIEWS This section is all about sharing reviews of your favourite things. Tell us about books you’ve read, pubs you’ve visited, CAPTION tools or gadgets you’ve used or even websites that you’d The winner of last edition’s caption competition was... recommend to other volunteers. Email your reviews, of up COMPETITION to 100 words, to [email protected] with a picture. CAN YOU CREATE A WITTY CAPTION FOR THIS PHOTO? “I THOUGHT THIS EMAIL YOUR IDEAS TO [email protected] WAS MEANT TO BE TRADITIONAL A SECRET MEETING!” INN AWARD RON WILDER, VRS CHAIRMAN

SPICED ARANCELLO Need a different gift idea? Find some decorative bottles and try this super-easy Christmas liqueur. Makes about 2.5 litres. Takes 15 mins plus two weeks standing time. You will need: THE RAM INN, FIRLE • Decorative bottles (remember Nr Lewes BN8 6NS (with 16th century origins) can be visited to sterilise first if re-using). 01273 858222 raminn.co.uk during the summer months, but there are • Spices : 1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 year-round great views of it from footpaths Cardamom pods and 1 vanilla pod In the small ‘estate’ village of Firle, the Ram crossing the grounds. is a lovely place to stop following a walk over • 1 litre bottle of vodka The pub is charming, comfortable and

Firle Beacon or along the ‘Old Coach Road’, welcoming with a choice of fine beers • 600g caster sugar  a Byway (BOAT) which follows the footslopes gathered from several Sussex breweries, of the Downs from Alfriston to the back of the • 5 large oranges as well as a good range of wines. village. Most of the village is owned by Lord • Kilner style jar(s) or similar to Gage and his family, who live in Firle Place, DID YOU KNOW? IAN HARTLE, SDNPA VRS use while mixture is standing the grounds of which lie adjacent to the DEVELOPMENT OFFICER DID YOU KNOW? village. Parts of the 18th century house • A few extra oranges, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and vanilla pods THE OLDEST LIVING ORGANISMS IN THE SOUTH to decorate when bottling. DOWNS NATIONAL PARK, ARE NOT SOME OF OUR Volunteers, if you know of I THINK WE’VE Zest the oranges and add with the ELDERLY VOLUNTEERS, BUT ANCIENT YEW TREES a pub that deserves this spices and vanilla pod to the vodka – SOME OF WHICH ARE OVER 2000 YEARS OLD. award, please let us know. FOUND SANTA! in a sealed jar. Leave for a week and Experts cannot determine grew in pagan holy places, and that We’re talking about good turn it upside-down daily. exactly how old the most ancient the first churches were deliberately old-fashioned public houses, After a week dissolve the sugar in specimens are since they are all built at such sites to convert local rather than gastro pubs or 500ml of boiling water and add to hollow, nor how long they will people to Christianity. Hence the themed inns. We want to the vodka mix. Leave for another week, survive, partly because many church was often planted beside know about places where regularly shaking or rotating the jar. yews regenerate themselves the yew, not vice versa. you don’t need to take your from internal, aerial roots. Strain into sterilised bottles, discarding You can find three examples boots off before crossing the the peel and spices and store in a cool The oldest trees don’t grow in of ancient yews at: Farringdon, threshold! Send us a photo place until required at Christmas. Just ancient woods like Kingley Vale, Hampshire.; , ; and 100 words explaining before giving add some fresh spices but are found surviving in historic Wilmington, East Sussex why the pub you nominate Jon Cawte, Eastern Downs, and peel into each bottle to decorate. churchyards. We know yews once Ancient yew at Farringdon should be recognised. Stanmer Volunteer Ranger © Paul Harmer Will keep bottled for 6 months. © SDNPA

12 13 WE’RE NOT JUST A PLACE, WE’RE A CAUSE THE UK’S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK SERVES ONE OF THE BUSIEST PARTS OF THE UK, WITH 2 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING WITHIN 5 KILOMETRES.

As more people use and LEAVE A LASTING benefit from the National Park, LEGACY FOR THE it is coming under increasing PLACE YOU LOVE pressure and can only be By leaving a gift in your conserved through the support and care of those who love it. Will to the South Downs National Park, you can The South Downs National Park SDNPA Ranger Matthew Dowse showing NPUK Delegates help ensure that it can be Authority has just launched a the incredible view, both east and west, from The Trundle © Laura Warren enjoyed by everyone, for brand new independent charity. © SDNPA ever. If you are interested The South Downs National Park in leaving a legacy to the Trust will work with partners to over 6000 days, helping to appeal such as our Mend our South Downs National enhance and protect the South preserve our precious landscape. Way appeal, funding urgent Park Trust please contact Downs National Park for future improvements on the South SHOWCASING If you would like to make a james.winkworth@ generations to enjoy. Downs Way. Make a donation financial donation you can southdownstrust.org.uk to the South Downs National The Trust works in partnership give generally, allowing us to Park Trust by visiting our website THE SOUTH DOWNS with the Volunteer Ranger prioritise urgent projects in need southdownstrust.org.uk NATIONAL PARKS UK CONFERENCE 2017 Service, who last year donated of support, or give to a specific

Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Jane Willmott In the last DT issue I mentioned that I had heritage sites, such as Gilbert White’s House showing delegates volunteering tasks been invited to attend the 2017 National and the Weald and Downland Living Museum, at Iping Common SOUTH DOWNS NEWS Parks Conference, hosted by our own Park and savoured the wonderful food and drink that © Ruth James

Authority at the end of October. we create across the National Park. I was struck

by the enormous enthusiasm that everyone WHAT’S HAPPENING IN This was a very stimulating and inspiring who we spoke to had for the work of the Park including Prof Ian Bateman, an environmental gathering of senior representatives of all Authority, from farmers to tourist attractions, economics advisor to the Government and YOUR NATIONAL PARK 15 National Parks, along with Conservation from food and drink producers to nature Adam Philip-Phillips, an inspirational young From volunteers’ work on the ground, how communities are benefitting from the SCF fund and Boards and other bodies. It was a very busy reserve managers, all of whom has a great man involved with Mosaic Youth Engagement. different ideas for enjoying the National Park to the UK National Parks Conference and the recent but most enjoyable programme of visits and passion for our beautiful landscape. These discussions challenged the established South Downs Health & Wellbeing Conference. Every month South Downs News brings diverse stories presentations that displayed all the best things way National Parks have been managed and about the South Downs and the work of the National Park Authority and partners straight to your inbox. of our cherished South Downs and highlighted We visited the Centurion Way, the former who they appeal to, seeking to drive greater the work that the SDNPA is doing. We saw the to Railway, which is Sign up now at: southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter enjoyment of the landscape by everyone outstanding work that is going on with farm being sequentially cleared and resurfaced in society, opening up possibilities for those cluster groups, heard of the practical issues to provide a safe and sustainable multiuser who would never consider a day out in the facing farming today and were challenged trail into the Park. Similar to the Meon Valley countryside – how do we get them to come DISCOUNTS FOR VOLUNTEERS in debate to consider alternative ways of Trail but the scale of work required is so and join in! It is obvious to me that much work You’ll be pleased to know that several retailers The discount amount varies, but is not available supporting the agricultural sector when we much larger and landownership may still have needs to happen here and in some small are offering discounts on the sorts of things in conjunction with any other discounts or offers no longer have to follow the EU Common complications to be overcome. Nevertheless, way I think there is a role for volunteers to you’ll need in the countryside. The VRS has and is subject to terms and conditions. Agricultural Policy. in fullness of time I see this project as one get alongside this and help to introduce a successfully negotiated discounts with: which could well be supported in some way Please visit the Volunteer section of the intranet During a full day of touring the South wider cross section of people into enjoying Clusons in Petersfield, Rohan, Blacks, Cotswold by the VRS; as indeed could some of the other for full details. If you don’t have an ID card, or Downs delegates experienced the landscape our South Downs. Other delegates enjoyed Outdoor, Cycle Surgery, Millets, Runners Need, routes the National Park aspires to create. have lost, damaged or mislaid it then please email through visits to both the scarp and dip a tour of the Eastern area of the National Snow+Rock and Ultimate Outdoors. Simply [email protected] for a replacement. slopes of the Downs. We walked amongst However, the highlight for me was a Park including Devil’s Dyke, Ridgeview present your VRS photo identity card at the time The weekly Update email includes an intranet log- the Heaths at Iping, where the Wealden morning of presentations and discussion and Seaford Head. of your purchase – or use an online discount code. on that you can use if you don’t already have one. Heaths volunteers were busy with an enormous on the conference theme “National Parks bonfire, enjoyed experiences at cultural for the Future”, led by Julia Bradbury and RON WILDER, VRS CHAIRMAN DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER COPPICING AT

Cutting the stakes and bindings © Ian Wildridge Regrowth © Ian Wildridge

IN MID OCTOBER OUR SEVEN SISTERS TUESDAY GROUP WAS WORKING FOR SOUTH EAST WATER AT ARLINGTON RESERVOIR.

Coppicing in the wooded area around Dead hedging © Ian Wildridge the reservoir seems to be one of our annual tasks. We cut down the stakes WHY DO WE COPPICE? and bindings as materials for repairing Coppicing is a traditional woodland only are the products generated over the dead-hedging on pathways around management technique practiced the long term, but the associated the reservoir. The dead hedging tasks for thousands of years, and can be benefits to wildlife from the continual usually take place a few weeks later. the ultimate sustainable land use type. creation of new glades and wider Here are some photos of the coppicing task forest rides, mean that woodland Coppicing provides materials for in October and a photo of the regrowth from ecosystems find a happy balance too. a huge variety of uses, from pea sticks, last year’s coppicing. Also to complete the Indeed there are many species that to charcoal, to traditional thatching spars, picture, photos of the dead-hedging task have evolved to rely on the coppice to fence posts and construction timbers, which we did in January this year. cycle in many woods, and it is great and even a truly sustainable fuel for our to see this vital practice alive and well heat and electricity. IAN WILDRIDGE, in the South Downs Landscape.

EASTERN AREA VOLUNTEER RANGER By continuously creating new gaps in the canopy, and managing these ANDY PLAYER, SDNPA WOODLANDS, on a long term rotational cycle, not LANDSCAPE & BIODIVERSITY LEAD

Downland Thymes: News for the South Design: The Way Design (0921) 52 kg of wood. Source: Carbon footprint Downs Volunteer Ranger Service. Paper stock: Printed on Cyclus Offset, data evaluated by FactorX in accordance Issue 78, December 2017. © SDNPA. 100% recycled paper. Please recycle with the Bilan Carbone® methodology. after use. Calculations are based on a comparison between the recycled paper used versus The information contained in this By using this recycled paper rather than a virgin fibre paper according to the newsletter was, as far as known, correct a non-recycled paper the environmental latest European BREF data (virgin fibre) at the date of issue. The South Downs impact was reduced by: 32 kg of landfill; available. Results are obtained according National Park Authority cannot, however, 14kg of CO2 of greenhouse gases; 141 to technical information and are subject accept responsibility for any error km travel in the average European car; to modification.

or omission. 754 litres of water; 150 kWh of energy; Tree ID answers: Norway maple 1f; Beech 2a; Lime 3b; Field maple 4g; Oak 5d; Sycamore 6e; sallow/pussy willow 7c. willow sallow/pussy 6e; Sycamore 5d; Oak 4g; maple Field 3b; Lime 2a; Beech 1f; maple Norway answers: ID Tree