BLUNTS WOOD & PAIGESS MEADOW PRESS SUMMER 2010
A Brief History
Blunts and Paiges Woods and North and South meadows have been part of a designated nature reserve since 1967 which were then owned by the Council (Cuckfield District Council at the time before it became Mid Sussex District Council). Additional meadows to the south of South meadow were adopted by Mid Sussex District Council from developers in 1995 as an area of amenity open space and have recently been designated local nature reserve along with the existing nature reserve. Paiges Wood and parts of Blunts Wood have been continuously wooded since the eighteenth century and probably longer. For this reason it was decided that the site should be managed and designated as a Local Nature Reserve. The geology of the site particularly influences the range of flora found. The site lies mainly on Grinstead Clay with Ardingly Sandstone outcrops on the slope and iron stone exposed in the valley bottom through Wadhurst Clay.
Flora and Fauna
Blunts Wood and Paiges Meadow is an important site for wildlife. The site consists of Woodland, meadows, hedgerows and ponds. Coppicing in selected parts of the wood has been re introduced during the winter period. Primarily to maintain the rich and varied flora and fauna created by this ancient woodland practice. Trees such as hazel and hornbeam are cut close to ground level every six to eight years on a rotational basis, to allow the light to penetrate to the woodland floor. Woodland flora, butterflies and other insects benefit from the increased light in the early years of the coppice cycle and as the trees grow back the dense growth provides cover for birds and woodland animals.
Getting Involved
People can take an active part in helping to look after the area by carrying out conservation tasks by joining the Friends of Blunts Wood (download the join or renew subscription form).
The friends group was set up in 1997 they have monthly work parties. Some of the activities the group get involved in are:
Vegetation encroachment control
- Coppicing
- Hedge laying
- Path construction/maintenance
- Pond and stream maintenance
- Ragwort pulling
The friends group also organises guided walks through the year, such as evening bat walks, dawn chorus bird walks and a Family Wildlife Safari.
Nature Reserve Leaflet
This colourful and informative leaflet contains location maps and plans of Blunts Wood and Paiges Meadows, and include information on wildlife, history and how the site is managed.
To view a copy of the leaflet click on the links below, to download to your computer right click on the link and select Save Link/Target As.....
Blunts Wood and Paiges Meadows, Haywards Heath - (263KB)
Contacts
Friends Group
Mr Terry Gillard - 01444 451737
Mid Sussex District Council
Day to day management: - 01444 477392 Email:ParksOpenSpaces@midsussex.gov.uk
Tree Maintenance: - 01444 477424 Email: ParksOpenSpaces@midsussex.gov.uk
Leisure Ranger: - 01444 458795 Email: rangers@midsussex.gov.ukDownloads/Links
Contacts
Park Rangers
tel: 01444 477561
Landscapes
tel: 01444 477439
