Bexhill Wild

Aim

To conserve and enhance the environment and wildlife of Sidley Woods and to reduce flooding in Egerton Park, Bexhill-on-Sea.

Planting this lovely old wood is going ahead in stages. With the help of Bexhill Environmental Group (BEG) we have planted Yellow Flag Iris and Marsh Marigolds (see main pic) in the Egerton Stream, We have also planted Grey Willow trees on the banks and many Red Campion and other seeds to enhance pollination and nectar availability.

 We have a licence from Rother District Council to develop these woodlands for the next five years - including three large dragonfly pools, bird and bat boxes, trees, shrubs and seedlings. Please carry on giving to this great project. 

At present the so-called Sidley Stream which runs through the woods is actually the Egerton Park Stream. When this is in full spate and the tide gate is shut, flooding occurs in Egerton Park. Following advice from the Environment Agency, permission has been sought from East Sussex County Council (ESCC) Watercourse Consenting for leaky dams. High Weald tried to help us see this through and gave expert advice to ESCC. We paid for the licence but the County Council refused permission.

An expert-level survey of plant life has already taken place to be used as a base for biodiversity improvement. To supplement existing flora, then in the early winter period we will undertake more planting of bird-friendly hawthorn and blackthorn bushes and the planting of black poplars and alder trees will enhance this small but beautiful woodland. 

All the wildlife found here is being logged on Sussex iRecord to make a baseline survey ready for identification of biodiversity net gain in future years. However, due to the lack of food for birds - especially berries, bird species variety is very low and the only butterflies seen regularly are Speckled Wood. Flowering plants are limited mainly to English bluebell and Three-cornered Leek (which is invasive).

This project is supported by Bexhill Town Council and is for and by the people of Sidley who can volunteer to join the team and all volunteers will be covered by £10 million public liability insurance. The policy is in place and has been paid for.

The Chief Constable of Sussex and Bexhill Town Council have already donated £1,000.00 each to this project and we now hope to continue to raise more through crowdfunding. Our overall target is £5,000.00 and our long-term target is £30,000 to enable footpath improvements.

Please donate and help us to cut flooding, conserve wildlife and make Sidley Woods the rich and diverse valley environment that should enhance and conserve wildlife and plant life. Thank you.

 See more images below.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made