Tag: trees

“Tremendous Trees” at Lewes Climate Hub

From 5th June to 15th June, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

All events at Lewes Climate Hub, Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2LU

The Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes manage the Lewes Urban Arboretum Project, which has led to global recognition of Lewes by ArbNet as an “arboretum town”. Since 2012, the Committee has been working with the community, local councils, and schools to increase tree canopy cover in Lewes – both for wildlife and for their beneficial ecosystem values.

Their i-Tree Ecosurvey suggests that Lewes needs to almost double the existing number of trees to become resilient to climate change. Drop into the Climate Hub to find out more about their work, the importance of trees for wildlife, and browse their suggestions of trees you might grow in your garden.

  • Add to our “Taking Steps for Wildlife” collage by sharing your ideas for improving biodiversity in Lewes.
  • Have a go at our Tree Quiz for a chance of winning a £25 garden token – you may check all your answers by looking at the displays!

PLUS: Saturday 8th and Saturday 15th June: Make your own tree medallion to celebrate the wildlife that depends on trees.

Saturday 8th June, 11.00 am-3.00pm, Join Rustic Tim to learn how to make your own beautiful flower decoration out of wood, (£2 a flower).

Saturday 15 June, 1.30pm, “Trees for your garden and how to look after them”, a talk by Keith Sacre, arboriculturalist and member of the Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes. Keith will share his knowledge to help us all know what to think about when choosing a tree for our gardens and the different steps to take to help it thrive.

The Benefits of Trees – a talk by Keith Sacre

Coffee Time Talk: Laughton Greenwood – Our Local Community Woodland – 19 March 2024

Tuesday 19 March, 10.30 am, Eastgate Church Hall, Eastgate Street, Lewes, BN7 2LR

Steve Lewis of Laughton Greenwood

The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe. Trees bring us beauty, mindfulness and carbon capture. Within Lewes town we have the excellent work of Lewes Urban Arboretum, planting trees on the verges. But the nearest community woodland to Lewes is Laughton Greenwood, just beyond Ringmer. This is one of the few volunteer-run woods in Sussex. Whereas most of the surrounding woods have signs that say ‘Private – Keep Out’, Laughton Greenwood has signs that say ‘Welcome’. Volunteers try to manage the wood for three purposes. One, to develop the ancient trees and English broadleaf wood, two, to increase nature and biodiversity, and three, to increase opportunities for the public to visit. Regular nature walks and bird or butterfly transects bring the chance to learn more about nature, and we would love to offer visits for local schools. 

Come and hear Steve Lewis, current chair of the volunteer committee talk about Laughton Greenwood and the challenges and opportunities. 

Tree-planting group at Laughton Greenwood, photo: courtesy of Laughton Greenwood

This talk is free for Friends of Lewes. Non-members can pay £4.00 on the door to attend or join here.

See the Diary page for a list of forthcoming events organised by the Friends of Lewes

Blake’s Walk – New Tree Management Plan

FoL’s Trees committee has been working closely with East Sussex Highways and others to develop an improved approach to the management of the trees along Blake’s Walk in South Malling. There had been a proposal for the poplar trees to be removed, but the new agreement is for the poplars to “be managed by pruning on a three yearly basis or as necessary” beginning with those on the east side in February 2023, with management of those on the west side planned for next winter.  More details are attached.

BLAKES WALK future tree managementDownload