Another green space saved in Polegate as Jubilee nature reserve ready to receive visitors

This lovely piece of ex-railway land was acquired by Polegate Town Council in May 2021.

The council spent time considering the site with support and guidance from Action in Rural Sussex and Sacred Earth, as well as consulting with local residents to determine a name and focus for the site.

A Friends group was subsequently set up, and its management committee formed in October 2022.

A working group has been actively looking after the land since then, working closely with the council who retain full responsibility for the overall running of the site.

The Friends plan to conserve the nature reserve as a habitat for local wildlife, encouraging and maintaining biodiversity, whilst providing a natural green space for residents to enjoy.

At the first open day (on Saturday April 22). Friends welcomed 24 members of the public.

The site looked beautiful with spring growth starting to show through, primroses flowering and the blossom on trees such as willow. There’s also plenty of soft moss covering fallen branches.

The Friends group would welcome more volunteers to help plant trees, erect a shed, keep paths clear, publicise the Reserve or undertake nature observations.

Upcoming events include:Birdwatching Birdsong ID session facilitated by Sussex Wildlife Trust – 10am - 11.30am on Monday May 15. Places are limited, please book by email, giving your name, contact details and number of places requested.Saturday July 29: Stall and site visits as part of the Polegate Town Council festival in Brightling Road Recreation Ground.

Sussex Wildlife Trust Bat Walk in September – precise date and more information in our Autumn newsletter.

Contact the friends of Polegate Jubilee Nature reserve by emailing [email protected]