Woolbeding Reimagined

FAQs

• Why is the National Trust changing its land management at Woolbeding to focus on wildlife and biodiversity?

  The United Kingdom is facing a biodiversity crisis. In 2021, researchers at the Natural History Museum placed the UK in the bottom 10% of global countries in terms of biodiversity loss; and we are the lowest in the G7 group of nations.

  The National Trust's founders created the Trust to care for places of historic interest and natural beauty, and to preserve their 'natural aspect features and animal and plant life' for the benefit of the nation. Our land policy priorities focus on this.

  Climate change and the loss of habitat and species represent the biggest risks to the future of the places in our care. As the UK's largest conservation organisation and a private landowner, it is the Trust's responsibility to make a significant contribution to tackling the nature and climate crises. We want National Trust land to be a model for how to offer the best for both nature and people. Woolbeding is one of many places where we are working to do this.

  The UK's position in terms of biodiversity reflects historic transformations to the landscape following the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions and present-day intensive farming and building. Today, over two-thirds of the UK's surface area is being used for agriculture, while another 8% has been built on, leaving little room for more natural habitats and processes.

• Shouldn't farmland be used for food production?

  Over two-thirds of the UK's surface area is currently being used for agriculture, and according to the UK Government's Food Security Report 2021 there is no current food security issue linked with lack of productive farmland.

  Instead, the report states that the biggest medium- to long-term risks to the UK's domestic food production come from climate change and other environmental pressures like soil degradation, reduced water quality and the decline in biodiversity. The steps we are taking at Woolbeding will address some of these issues.

  The land returned by our tenant farmer is classified as grade 3 and 4 land. The combination of topography, sandy soils and land use practices have combined to create significant soil erosion issues, despite the best efforts of the Trust and our tenant. With the farm tenancy coming to an end, we have an opportunity to change the land use. Allowing natural processes to return the land to woodland and wood pasture will significantly reduce soil erosion and the runoff of sediment and chemicals into local waterways like the River Rother.

  Although we will no longer grow crops at Woolbeding, we will be increasing the number of cattle farmed on the estate for beef production, grazing them on wood pasture, woodland and flood plain, which will also help to maintain these habitats.

  This is a return to a more traditional approach to grazing that stretches back for centuries. In fact, a local settlement of Anglo-Saxon farmers is thought to have been grazing in this way as far back as the 9th century, in a landscape much like the one we are aiming to recreate at Woolbeding.

• Why is soil erosion such a concern at Woolbeding?

  Environmental scientists classify the sandy soils of the Rother Valley as at high risk of erosion and are monitoring the impact that sediment and chemical runoff have on the river and other waterways.

  Fields do not have to be next to the river for soil and chemicals to make their way into the water. People who live in the area will probably be aware of muddy floods on roads and in villages after heavy rainfall. Runoff may then overflow into other fields or watercourses.

  Studies in the area have shown that runoff from arable fields a long distance away can connect to the river via other fields, ditches and streams, tracks, flooded roads, culverts – which allow water to flow under the roads – and sunken lanes, which often connect directly to the river.

  Experts have found increasing amounts of sediment in the River Rother, caused by runoff from fields, and this is backed up by reports from local residents and anglers. Southern Water spends lots of money removing sediment from the river water before it can be used in the drinking water supply. Drinking water from the River Rother supplies over 100,000 households in West Sussex.

  Agricultural chemicals entering the water are harmful to plants and wildlife, while the sediment damages their habitats, including the riverbeds that act as spawning and nursery areas for fish.

  Soil erosion also makes arable farming in this area riskier for farmers, requiring more chemical fertilisers, which in turn reduces the health of the soil. Poor quality soil is more prone to erosion and holds less water, creating a vicious circle.

• What changes will I see at Woolbeding?

  Woolbeding Common

  There will be some new fencing, with gates at access points, and some cattle grids. Where possible, we will use existing fences rather than putting up new ones and much of the fencing will be hidden by existing hedgerows and trees. Cattle will graze across the common but will wear cattle collars. These allow us to control where they go so they can graze different areas at different times. Using the collars also means we can check the cattle more quickly and ensure they stay healthy.

  Grazing will restore wildlife habitats so that, as time goes by, you'll be able to see a wider range of plant and animal life, including the return of many local native species. Increased grazing will also help to restore countryside views and keep them open. It may help to keep paths clear too.

  The farmland

  Arable farming will come to an end, although you may continue to see some of the historic crops while we transition to a more varied natural landscape. We will take a variety of approaches to managing the land, including creating permanent pasture, wildflower seeding and in some areas a temporary crop of radish, mustard and fine grasses to hold the soil together over the winter, which we hope will provide a foundation for future habitats.

  Some fences will be taken out and what were once arable fields will gradually become a mosaic of grassland, scrub, wetland, wood pasture and woodland, with grazing animals roaming across the landscape.

  Thanks to these new habitats, as time goes by, you'll also be able to see a wider range of plant and animal life, including the return of many local native species.

  In some areas where we want to see more woodland, we will need to install deer fencing. This will include access points for walkers. We will also look carefully at the impact of the fencing on the wider landscape and will set it back, or design the route of the fencing, to reduce the visual impact. The fencing will not be there forever. Our experience is that within about ten years the developing trees are usually robust enough to survive and the fencing can be removed.

  The River Rother

  Over time, the River Rother will be restored to its natural course, and the impact of the weir and flood banks will be reduced. Ponds and wetlands will reappear on the floodplain, and wildlife will start to flourish there.

  Structures like weirs within rivers create areas of still water behind them. As the water slows down, silt sinks to the river bed. This creates an environment that is more like a pond than a river. Removal of the weir will return the river to its naturally flowing state, keeping the gravel beds clear of silt and providing places for fish to spawn. Clean gravels also provide habitats for invertebrates like dragonfly larvae, caddis fly larvae and other animals that are typical of faster flowing, natural river beds.

  Removing the impact of the weir will help restore the natural character of the river, making it livelier and more dynamic, connecting up habitats to make them more resilient and allowing species like sea trout and eels to move more freely.

• How long will the project last?

  We expect the initial work to fence areas, establish trees and hedgerows, grow and reintroduce some plant species and improve access to happen in the first few years. However, this work will also continue throughout the course of the project. We will be monitoring, reviewing and adapting as we go along.

  As part of the National Trust's project management framework, the project is formally reviewed after 5, 7 and 10 years. However, there is no formal end point to the project and the changes made in the early stages, along with ongoing management, will continue to improve and maintain the landscape, wildlife and nature at Woolbeding for years, decades and beyond.

• Can I get involved in the project?

  We want the local community and visitors to feel part of this project. We'll be providing engagement opportunities to help people understand the changes we are proposing and, as our ideas and plans for the project develop, there will be plenty of chances to get involved. We'll also be taking steps to make sure there are volunteer roles to suit as diverse a range of people as possible.

  Volunteers currently support the work we do at Woolbeding by assisting the Countryside Team with a range of conservation management tasks, including bird and butterfly surveys, scrub clearance, invasive species control, rights of way management and more. Another potential opportunity for green-fingered volunteers could be propagating locally sourced seeds. The plants produced are likely to include rare and endangered species or those that haven't been recorded at Woolbeding for 50 years. This will help increase the diversity of plants in the newly establishing habitats. 

  As the project progresses, we hope to provide more chances for visitors and volunteers to learn about, and help to support, the recovery of plants and animals. There could be opportunities to act as a guide or to lead walks and talks in the area. These might be wildlife orientated or focus on wellbeing and health. There may also be chances to get involved in the physical management of the site or to help with monitoring or research. Or perhaps writing education packs, leading a cycle ride or taking fixed point photographs. The possibilities are endless.

• Won't the landscape start to look untidy?

  By allowing nature to return to former farmland, we'll expand the amount of countryside that visitors can enjoy. This will lead to significant increases in biodiversity, healthier soils and reduced carbon outputs. We'll also be planting some trees and hedges, but in many areas we will be letting trees and woodland establish naturally. Grazing will help to manage the heathland and maintain other important wildlife habitats.

  As these habitats develop there will be a transition period when pioneer species like ragwort may appear. We aim to be good neighbours and will create weed control areas along boundaries. However, it will also be an exciting time as we don't know exactly what plants and animals will appear.

• Is Woolbeding Reimagined one of those modern 'rewilding' projects?

  The National Trust is the largest conservation charity in Europe with extensive experience of managing the countryside for landscape, wildlife and public enjoyment. We see room for many different levels of 'wildness' and domestication on our land and will always seek to apply these different treatments in a locally appropriate and considered way for the benefit of biodiversity and people.

  Creating woodlands and wood pasture may lead to parts of the Woolbeding Estate looking 'wilder' than they have done in the past but many areas will be grazed by cattle, which will be managed across larger ranges.

  This is just part of a long-term strategy to increase biodiversity at Woolbeding and create more access and connection to nature for people. It is being carefully planned and will be closely monitored for years to come. We will be able to change our management to suit the developing habitats. We'll also be creating new walking routes and modernising footpaths, making the estate more accessible and easier to navigate for everyone.

• What will be the benefits for wildlife and nature?

  By increasing the range and size of habitats at Woolbeding, and restricting agricultural chemicals going into the land and water, we'll give all kinds of plants and wildlife a greater chance of thriving here.

  Allowing trees, grasses and other plants to grow on former farmland will not only provide new habitats but will also prevent soil erosion and the runoff of sediment and chemicals into local waterways, making the River Rother a healthier environment for wildlife.

  The overall mosaic of habitats on the estate will support breeding, commuting and over-wintering for many birds and animals.

  As the land becomes healthier, and the landscape more diverse, the growth in the range and number of plant, insect and animal species should start to gather pace and you may begin to see local species that were here in the past returning to the area.

  We are developing our understanding of species that have been lost from the landscape in recent years. When we have restored habitats but think a species may be unlikely to return on its own, we will consider a reintroduction programme. This may include species such as sand lizards and water voles but also a wide variety of native plants, which we will grow from local seed sources.

  Part of the project involves managing Woolbeding Common differently. We would like to install a perimeter fence so that cattle can graze across the common. Cattle will continue to wear collars that allow us to control where they go so that they can graze different areas at different times. Using the collars also means we can check the cattle more quickly and ensure they stay healthy. Grazing will restore wildlife habitats so that, as time goes by, you'll be able to see a wider range of plant and animal life, including the return of many local native species. Increased grazing will also help to restore views and keep them open. It may help to keep paths clear too.

• How will you measure improvements for wildlife and the environment?

  Monitoring the species of plants and wildlife found on the estate will help us to understand how the changes we make are affecting nature. We are establishing a baseline for the project by surveying to see which species are already at Woolbeding and in what numbers. This will allow us to chart progress as we carry out regular surveys in the years to come.

  We have created a list of 50 species including plants and wildflowers, butterflies and other insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals that we believe are good indicators of nature recovery. If they can be returned to Woolbeding, or their numbers increase, it will give us a good idea that the changes we've made are having a positive impact.

  Some of the first species on the list are silver studded blue butterfly, smooth snake, sand lizard, meadow ant, nightingale, turtle dove, hedgehog, hare, purple emperor butterfly, otter, water vole, sand martin, marsh fritillary butterfly, swift, sea trout, eel, golden eagle, white tailed eagle, devil's bit scabious, marsh gentian, ragged robin, bog asphodel, marsh clubmoss, round-leaved sundew and black poplar.

  While some improvements to habitats will happen quite quickly and will hopefully lead to an increased variety of plants and wildlife, others, like establishing trees, are likely to take some years to reach their full potential.

  In terms of the wider environment at Woolbeding, we will also continue to monitor soil erosion and the quality of the water that enters the river after heavy rain. Fewer erosion events, cleaner water and healthier waterways will tell us that what we're doing is working.

  The health of the soils will be monitored as new habitats are established, to understand how much carbon they are storing to help tackle climate change. We have already carried out initial baseline soil surveys across the estate.

  Like the National Trust as a whole, Woolbeding has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Reaching this target will be another hugely important marker of environmental improvement on the estate.

• What will the project mean for public access to the land?

  One of the main aims of the Reimagining Woolbeding project is to increase access to nature for as many people as possible.

  By returning nature to farmland, we'll increase the amount of accessible land and wildlife habitats that the local community and visitors can enjoy. Some areas will still be prioritised for recovering wildlife, or cows with calves.

  Over time we'll make the landscape more accessible by creating new walking, riding and cycling routes across the whole estate, including a new easy access route, and by improving existing routes with better surfaces, fewer stiles and better signage and information boards.

  Although there will be some new fencing to keep grazing cattle in place, and to keep deer out of establishing woodland, there will be gates to allow access.

• Will there be a new fence around the common?

  Woolbeding Common once had a boundary wall and possibly some fencing on top of this. It was grazed by commoners more extensively in the past, which created the rare heathland habitat. Although the Trust has tried to graze the common using temporary electric fencing this isn't creating the same habitats and landscape. The most effective way to graze the common is to use a perimeter fence around the boundary. We are working on a draft plan to include gates where there are existing access points and where new access would link up routes.

  We don't want to restrict people's access to the common. We want people to continue to enjoy it and the open views. In many places the fencing won't be visible, hidden by existing hedges and trees. We are consulting with all the commoners and our neighbours. Fencing on a common is subject to a formal process with an application to the Secretary of State for approval. This will include a full public consultation and possibly a public inquiry.

• What about all the weeds?

  Much of what are considered 'weeds' by some people are part of our native flora and have significant benefits for wildlife.

  One expert study found that the abundance and diversity of pollinating insects visiting these native 'weed' species averaged twice that of the plant species recommended for pollinator-targeted agri-environmental schemes. Where these native species labelled 'weeds' grow as part of a naturally regenerating community of plants, they indirectly support farming by supporting pollinators.

  Ragwort is a weed that some people are particularly concerned about. Its negative reputation is in part because it can in some cases be toxic to livestock. However, this is only when it's eaten in large quantities, which is rare and only likely to happen when animals have very little else to eat due to over-grazing. Ragwort germination and growth happen in gaps in vegetation that are free of competition. In well-managed, dense grassland, the amount of ragwort is controlled naturally by competition from other plants. For more information on ragwort and the common myths surrounding it see: https://www.ragwortfacts.com.

  At Woolbeding, we will be grazing our livestock strategically, moving them around the estate to ensure no areas are over-grazed and that a wide variety of plant species can thrive. This will reduce the opportunities for ragwort to colonise.

  In the early years, we know that ragwort may be an issue and we wish to be good neighbours. We are therefore developing a strategy to ensure we can control the impact of ragwort and other potential problem weeds along our boundaries.

• What will the changes to the estate and cattle grazing mean for walkers and their dogs?

  Overall, the project will create a larger area of countryside for walkers and dog owners to enjoy.

  Extra fencing used to keep livestock contained will include gates so that people can access the common.

  However, there will be some areas where dogs will need to be kept on leads or away from livestock.

  Our cattle have been fitted with trackable collars. We are hoping that in the future, walkers and dog owners will be able to access the No Fence website on their smartphones to track where livestock are currently grazing. We are also considering putting up temporary signs so that people know which area the cattle are in.