Partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust aims to enhance Wealden district

Wealden District Council has formally agreed to launch the Wilder Wealden project marking a major step forward for nature recovery and climate resilience across the district.

The five-year partnership between Wealden District Council and Sussex Wildlife Trust will create a connected network of habitats, helping wildlife thrive while supporting local communities. Wilder Wealden aims to reverse biodiversity decline, restore ecosystems, and embed nature recovery principles into council policies and planning.

This new initiative builds on the successful Wilder Ouse project, which focuses on restoring the River Ouse catchment, a partnership project with Sussex Wildlife Trust and other partners.  Wilder Wealden expands this approach across the entire district, creating a long-term partnership to protect and enhance nature for current and future generations.

To support delivery, the council has committed £1,195,039 of funding, which was agreed by Wealden councillors at a recent Full Council meeting, with Sussex Wildlife Trust contributing additional ‘in-kind’ support. A dedicated project board will oversee progress, and outcomes will be regularly reviewed and reported.

Wealden is home to some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes, including the Ashdown Forest, ancient woodlands, rivers, and farmland. But like much of the country, it faces a biodiversity crisis. The UK government has pledge to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, Wilder Wealden responds to this challenge by:

• Restoring habitats and creating Nature Recovery Networks.
• Using nature-based solutions to tackle climate change impacts
• Supporting landowners, famers and local groups to restore nature and improve access to green spaces

Residents will be invited to take part through:

• Volunteering opportunities
• Citizen science projects
• Local habitat restoration scheme

Wilder Wealden is designed to involve everyone. The project will raise awareness of how communities can improve their local environment, encourage volunteering, and work with landowners to deliver nature recovery at scale

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change, said, “This partnership will work to ensure wildlife can truly flourish across the Wealden district by creating connected nature-recovery networks and expanding vital habitats in response to the climate and biodiversity crises.

“By strengthening the natural environment, the council aims to bring lasting benefits to local communities, enhancing green spaces and securing a healthier, more resilient Wealden for future generations.”