This event is a part of the South Downs GeoTour. You can earn 2 bonus points per person for attending this event and helping to support the conservation of the National Park. Don't forget to bring your GeoTour Passport.
What is it all about?
The challenge is to remove this invasive non-native plant from our rivers and wetland areas. The task is to hand pull Himalayan balsam before it seeds. Himalayan balsam has very short roots which make it really easy to pull up - it's also immensly satisfying and can be quite addictive!There will be moderate physical effort and bending and lifting involved, so here’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet new people and help conserve your local patch.
We really need the local community to help us carry out this important and valuable work.
What do I need?
No specific skills are required just enthusiasm for the task and a willingness to work with others - it’s a team effort and we want you to have fun! You will be joining the ARC team, Horsham District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority in helping to conserve your local area whilst meeting new people and enjoying a day out too.
We will provide all training on the day and travel expenses will be reimbursed so you won’t be out of pocket.
You will need to bring old clothes, sturdy footwear (preferably wellies), waterproofs or sun protection depending on the weather, plenty of drinking water and packed lunches. We will meet in Monkmead Wood car park (grid ref. TQ077168) at 10am.
Bring along any geocaching trackables to share with the rest of the team - we'll put out a treasure chest
How do I sign up?
Log your attendance here on the event page - please give us an indication of how many people will be coming. If you can only spare the morning or a little time please join in for as much as you can, just let us know when you intend to arrive and leave, thanks.
Complete the basic volunteer form and email it to Kate - this allows us to work under the RSPB's insurance. We will also have some with us on the day.
For further information or to get involved with other opportunities please contact the ARC Volunteer Co-ordinator on 07725 319419 or email kate.whitton@rspb.org.uk
For more information on the South Downs GeoTour please contact Hannah Norton, Education Officer (SDNPA) on 01730 819249 or email geocaching@southdowns.gov.uk
More information...
Invasive Species Mapping
Spotted an invasive species while out caching? It couldn't be easier to report it with Plant Tracker's new App. Simply turn on location services on your phone, take a photo and upload it. No need to register. Very simple and quick. Help to complete the map of invasive species so that we can work on eliminating them.
Arun and Rother Connections Project
The Arun and Rother Connections (ARC) Project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is a partnership between a number of conservation organisations including the RSPB. It’s aims are to improve local rivers for people and wildlife. Part of this project is to help remove non-native invasive species from the river catchment. There is a new ARCExplorer website showcasing the progress of the project, places to get involved, walks to explore the area, and an App to record your finds and collect badges. Can you find enough species to become a "Guardian of the ARC"?
There are lots of Volunteering Opportunities and Events that you can support throughout the project. We would really appreciate any help you can provide.
Monkmead Wood
Monkmead Wood is a site rich in history. From a Roman Road which disects the site, to its connections with World War 2, it's a fascinating place and home to many species of wildlife too. At just under 28.5 acres it can boast both wet and dry heathlands, a SSSI and varied broadleaf deciduous tree species (some of which are featured on this site).
The woodland itself is owned by Horsham District Council and it has been working closely with MWVG for the past 7 years to continue to preserve this site for many generations to come.
Some clues as to the woodland's past ownership are still visible today. Ornamental tree planting of huge pines are thought to have been planted by the owners of Monkmead Place, a large residential house opposite the woodland, back in 18th or 19th Century.
Remains of the Candian Army camp from World War 2 are visible throughout the woodland even today, these range from ceramic telephone lines to brick foundations from administration buildings. The next time you're walking in the woodland see if you can spot those ceramic phone lines from World War 2!