CPRE Sussex Director’s column written for West Sussex Gazette March 2024

As we move into the longer days of spring, now is the ideal time to take a moment and reflect on the beauty which surrounds us in Sussex. From the rolling landscape of the Downs to our valuable river and coastal habitats, life is bursting forth wherever you look.

At CPRE Sussex we want to help everyone enjoy green spaces, whether that is the unique mixture of habitats in Chichester Harbour or a small corner of your local park.

Our free Signs of Spring guide is a great way to start learning more about the changes you can expect to see happening all around you at this time of year.

It includes guides to bird song, tree quizzes, tips on identifying spring flowers and guides to the bees and butterflies which are so important to the health and wellbeing of our precious ecosystems.

You can view the guide, along with suggested walks and a copy of the Countryside Code, at cpresussex.org.uk/discover-your-countryside.

Looking for free activities to do with the kids? Our free tree activity sheets are suitable for primary-school-aged children and are aligned with learning for Key Stage 1 and 2.

The sheets were originally developed as part of our Plant Your Postcode project in Brighton but can be used anywhere to help get children passionate about the trees around them.

Download factsheets and activity sheets from cpresussex.org.uk/what-we-care-about/nature-and-landscapes/plant-your-postcode.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the history and nature of the Sussex countryside, why not join us for one of our upcoming walks and talks?

The first is an opportunity to explore Binsted with Dr Geoffrey Mead, a Sussex landscape expert.

Geoffrey has been leading walks with us for three years and we always benefit from his amazing knowledge, not to mention his stories about past communities and some of Sussex’s most notable residents.

Binsted is an idyllic spot of huge fields, hidden streams and dense woodlands. In short it is English landscape personified. But it is under threat from A27 road expansion.

This walk, which takes place on Sunday, 14 April, is a chance to explore the fields, copses and dells on the West Sussex Coastal Plain and find out why it is so vital to protect it.

Other upcoming events include tours of Falmer, the Winchelsea Cellars and a Rampion Wind Farm Boat Tour. You can view all our upcoming events at cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved/events.

Of course, we wouldn’t have many of these fantastic green spaces to enjoy and explore without the work of dedicated teams of volunteers who fight to protect and promote their local landscapes.

This includes our own fantastic members and supporters, as well as those of our partner charities and other local organisations.

If you are interested in getting involved in protecting and promoting the Sussex countryside, you can find out more by visiting cpresussex.org.uk/get-involved.