News from the Friends of Markstakes Common
NEW PAGE
A new page has been added to the Markstakes Friends page to show Reports and Records that are now being collated by the Friends and Rangers as part of the extensive database and surveys which are now being done on the lovely wood pasture habitat.
UPDATE FROM RUPERT HALL
Friends of Markstakes Common: Pausing for Thought after Three Years.
The Friends of Markstakes Common was formed approximately three years ago and following survey work drew up a management plan for the site with action points focussing on clearing glades on the edge of the woodland, clearing the mire and restoring the High Pond. The long term aim was to restore a more open mosaic of woodland, grassland and heath rather than the current dominance by bracken, bramble and birch.
Through regular task meetings on Mondays and one Sunday a month , the Friends of Markstakes Common have made good progress and the initial action points have been now been achieved. The Lewes District Council have provided invaluable assistance and organised work by other volunteer groups and contractors leading to the restoration of the High Pond and regular mowing of a large part of the northern bracken field. There is now a need for the management plan to be reviewed.
The last three years has increased our understanding of the site. Most notably it has been established that there is a healthy population of Dormice, a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species. Two other BAP species, Great Crested Newts and Adders have also been confirmed as being on site.
The presence of these species is an exciting discovery and the revised management plan will need to adapt to this new information. However, the original objective of restoring wood pasture (Identified by Natural England as a priority habitat) remains valid and the Friends of Markstakes Common are liaising with The Lewes District Council to ensure that the revised management plan reflects an appropriate balance between competing conservation objectives.
In the meantime, following a temporary cessation of work during the winter, the Friends of Markstakes Common are once again going out on Mondays doing surveys and practical conservation tasks.
ILLUSTRATED LEAFLET
We have produced a 'Friends of Markstakes Common' leaflet giving Membership details and other Information, including a Map of the Common. and this can be downloaded form this Link:-
http://www.chaileycommons.org.uk/leafletFINAL.pdf
Rupert Hall