DOWNLAND THYMES NEWS FOR THE SOUTH DOWNS VOLUNTEER - RANGER SERVICE ISSUE 90 | WINTER 2020 - South Downs National Park Authority
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DOWNLAND
THYMES
NEWS FOR THE SOUTH DOWNS VOLUNTEER
RANGER SERVICE ISSUE 90 | WINTER 2020
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER Fly agaric at Ebernoe Common
EDITOR’S
© Daniel Greenwood
CHAIR’S NOTE
CORNER At the time of writing this we are in the
midst of lockdown number two, unsure
of how December will look and more
importantly Christmas! I hope that this
DEAR FELLOW VOLUNTEERS, edition of Downland Thymes finds you
AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS, ONLY A FORTNIGHT AGO I COMPLETED MY FIRST ‘IN BUBBLE’ well and safe, and brings you some much
needed distraction and entertainment in
VOLUNTEER DAY AND NOW HERE WE ARE LOCKED DOWN AGAIN.
these uncertain times.
It was great to be out with friends again, Recent times have made me acutely positive and forward looking. As a small, but As always we have some excellent articles
although a little odd, with just three of us aware of the need for volunteering hopefully significant first gesture, I have submitted from your fellow volunteers in
plus a ranger. We had beautiful weather to remain relevant and viable in these agreed with the VRS committee for the this publication. I don’t like to pick favourites
for scrub clearance at Chalk Farm near difficult times. I am convinced that the terms of the Conservation Fund be changed but I must say the facts I’ve learnt about
Jevington. I know from talking to Daniel key to the sustainability of the work we slightly. Although the fund is currently earwigs in Roger Kiernan’s piece on page
Greenwood and local rangers that planning as volunteers do lies in adaptability and suspended due to Covid, when applications 5 will stay with me for life! This along with
the new tasking process and keeping us all broader community involvement. The more open again applicants will need to show that UPDATE FROM THE VOLUNTEERING TEAM Daniel’s story about the origins of Santa’s
involved but safe has been arduous. I am volunteering represents and attracts people whilst delivering conservation they will also flying sleigh have given me some cracking
very grateful to the rangers for devising a from the communities around us the wider deliver diverse community involvement. In October, it was a great relief to know images of Father Christmas emerged. dinner party conversation for when we’re
system that aims to get us all back to work. the appreciation for the South Downs and that volunteer groups were able to head I have been doing some research into this allowed around a dinner table with loved
I know that it must feel as though the world
I look forward to the day when it is safe the greater protection for the landscape. out into the National Park again after 6 in my spare time. It’s quite bizarre. It’s said ones again.
of volunteering has ground to a halt but I
enough for us to return to volunteering and My fear is that, if volunteering is seen as months recovering and reacting to the that in both northern Scandinavia and
would like everyone to feel confident that, As it’s getting close to Christmas, and we’ve
connect again. a niche activity that only a small part of Covid-19 pandemic. Of course we have Siberia, fly agaric was once picked and
in the back ground we are still talking and all got a bit more time on our hands this
our community benefit from then the less now spent November back under strict gathered in sacks by shamanic figures. The
I hope, like me you’ve probably got a planning. My very best to all volunteers. I year, we’ve sought out some excellent ways
support there will be for our work when Government measures to tackle the mushrooms were then dried in coniferous
renewed appreciation for the opportunity hope that you are all able to make the most to make your Christmas more sustainable
difficult decisions need to be made. virus and save lives. Whatever happens trees like spruce and fir, the Christmas
we have to work and socialise in these of this period of quiet. Above all, stay safe. and eco-friendly, with links to some great
wonderful green spaces. I am pleased to report that the VRS in December, we have positive news on trees of choice still today. The image of
STEVE BROOKMAN the horizon regarding vaccines which the mushrooms sitting in the trees looked websites with inventive, yet do-able, ideas
committee September meeting was very (see page 13).
In September I visited the conservation CHAIR OF THE VRS COMMITTEE are proving effective in their advanced much like decorations.
site at Truleigh Hill, near Shoreham. I was trials, and breakthrough treatments that As you will have seen in a recent volunteer
elected VRS Chair just as we went into lock The shaman is said to have visited families
will mean the virus is less potent in society email we are hoping to get lots more video
down for the first time. I was full of good in winter, arriving on a reindeer-led sleigh.
going forward into 2021. Let’s hope the content included in Downland Thymes now
intentions - I wanted to visit and understand He entered via the roof – what would have
Steve on a walking meeting with Amanda Elmes hardest part is behind us now and we it is an online-only publication. This means
more of the National Park and the been a smoke-hole in a yurt made from
© Daniel Greenwood can look forward to being able to get on that when you are out and about in the
volunteering work that is being undertaken. animal skins. In some cases the shaman
with the important tasks that make up a National Park, whether for personal reasons
Like a lot of people my plans were may have climbed down a birch timber
National Park’s volunteering programme in or eventually on site when volunteering
suddenly put on hold. So, in September, as used to keep the yurt upright.
the not too distant future. begins again, you can now get creative
restrictions lifted, I decided to go to the Fly agaric is extremely toxic, but when with filming on your phone for Downland
reserve at Truleigh Hill, near Shoreham Its shows how things have changed for
dry it was consumed and shared by the Thymes stories. Daniel Greenwood recently
as a first tentative step on my road of us in 2020 that we are not expecting to
shaman as part of a tribal ritual. I have no circulated some top tips for using your
discovery. I invited a couple of my fellow be able to hold the normal Christmas
idea if this still happens today, but it’s very smart phone for video – if you’d like to see
committee members for a socially distanced social events. It’s unclear what December
unlikely. The visions people experienced these again, or have any other questions
walk. We had, until then only met through will look like in both social life and
were said to be that the shaman and his about filming, please contact Daniel directly.
Zoom. What a beautiful location and some volunteering, so I hope that there can be
reindeer herd would fly away.
fabulous work has been undertaken there. some chance to meet and reflect on the Thank you to everyone who has contributed
achievements this year. Now, of course I am not proposing that to this year’s run of Downland Thymes, it
See Jeremy Nason’s article on page 6 for a
anyone ever follow this tale and consume wouldn’t be the fascinating and engaging
full write up. In the wilder side of the National Park, this
a toxic mushroom, or any other such thing publication
A couple of weeks later, in October, I was has been a bumper year for the iconic, red
in this way! But in some way it gives sense without you.
able, for the first time since becoming and white fly agaric mushrooms. I visited
to the origins of Father Christmas and Stay safe
VRS Chair, to meet in person with Daniel Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Ebernoe Common
his epic journey on Christmas Eve. I will and have a
Greenwood and Amanda Elmes. I found in October to undertake some fungi ID
certainly be keeping an eye out. very Happy
the meeting very informative and hugely training with apprentice rangers Rachel,
Gemma and Maddy. Fly agaric was out Wishing you all well this Christmas. Thank Christmas.
beneficial. I’d like to put on record what
in force, as well as many other species. It you for all your effort in 2020 and let’s REBECCA
highly professional, dedicated and
was incredible to see. It got me thinking look forward to kicking on in 2021.
supportive people we have looking after SAUNDERS
our interests within the SDNPA. about stories I’ve heard of the mushroom’s EDITOR
DANIEL GREENWOOD
unusual cultural history.
VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
This famous red and white mushroom is
thought to have a role in how the early
2 3
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
Evening at Saddlescombe Farm
© Edward Mills
PHOTO COMPETITION
Common earwig EARW GS
THERE ARE AN ESTIMATED enough to pinch through our skin. Earwigs The body appendages of most creatures
are harmless as they have no venom and come in pairs, e.g. legs, arms, ears and
2,000 SPECIES OF EARWIG
cannot bite us. They have simple chewing antennae, but rarely the penis. However,
GLOBALLY. mouthpieces and are omnivorous. Although some earwig species are an exception to
Easily identified by their conspicuous pincers, considered a pest by gardeners as they eat this, including one of our established alien
earwigs are not well studied in the UK, but young leaves of plants and flowers, they can species, the striped earwig (Labidura riparia)
seven species have been identified of which be beneficial to fruit growers as they will eat which has two functional penises. What
four are considered native and three are pests such as aphids. evolutionary advantage was gained by
established aliens. Most of these can be having two penises will probably never be
Common earwigs mate in the autumn. The
found on the Downs. known for sure. This feature has been studied
female digs a tunnel in the soil and then
quite extensively in universities in Japan and
Identifying the species can be difficult but lays about 50 eggs. She will carry the eggs
Australia and it has been established that only
sexing them is easier as male pinchers are up and down the tunnel to keep them at an
one penis is used during copulation. In some
distinctly curved and those of females are even temperature. They have a simplified
cases, the penis snaps off and is left inside the
much straighter (see photos). Earwigs are metamorphosis in which they transfer in one
unfortunate female so perhaps the second
nocturnal and hide under stones and in dark step from eggs to nymphs, that look like little
SEASONS OF THE SOUTH DOWNS
penis, which remains functional, is a backup.
crevices during the day but can be spotted adults. After about 70 days and five to six
by lifting stones, looking under loose bark, or moults, they become adults. What is unusual Like so many insects, the lives of earwigs are
examining plants at night with a torch. Most for an insect is that the female provides some both complex and fascinating. Sadly, earwig
written consent if taking their photo for earwigs have a pair of large, delicate wings maternal care. She defends the eggs against populations are declining like those of most
WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH
this competition. We, the Downland that they seldom use and are rarely seen as predators, licks the eggs to keep them mould other insects. So please think twice before
OF A BRAND NEW, VRS PHOTO COMPETITION! they prefer to run. Their wings are cleverly free and initially cares and feeds the hatched spraying your flowers.
Thymes editorial team, will be judging
the entries and sharing as many of them folded and concealed under small leathery nymphs with regurgitated food. However,
We know there are lots of great in the South Downs National Park you ROGER KIERNAN
as possible, as well as the winner, in covers (see photo). by the time the nymphs have reached their
photographers in the VRS – be it with are free to photograph anything which SEVEN SISTERS VOLUNTEER RANGER
Downland Thymes. Any suitable photos second moult they have to run to avoid being
a big fancy camera, or a simple mobile you think showcases the winter season The pinchers are used in courtship, fighting,
entered will be added to the Authority’s eaten by their mum. They live for about a
phone. So we have decided it’s time to here in the stunning Downs. It could be defence and prey capture but are not strong
photo library to be used on the website, year from hatching.
run a photo competition just for you! your favourite view, a beautiful cultural
heritage treasure or your family enjoying in publications, on Instagram and other
Running throughout the year we press – crediting you fully of course.
a day out on the Downs.
are challenging you to take photos
showcasing the ‘Seasons of the The winner will walk away with an annual Email your photo to dt@southdowns.
South Downs’. membership to the Sussex or Hampshire gov.uk by midnight on Sunday 28
& Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. February to enter our ‘Winter’ category
To kick the competition off we’re of the Seasons of the South Downs
now accepting entries for the ‘Winter’ You don’t need to have a fancy photo competition.
category. Send us your snowy snaps, camera – phone pics are welcomed
your wintery wonders, your frosty too. See the full terms and conditions GOOD LUCK!
frames – as long as the photo is taken here. Please remember to get people’s
Common earwig, male Common earwig, female Wing covers
4 5
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
TRULEIGH,
TRULEIGH STUNNING!
IN THE SEPTEMBER EDITION OF THE DOWNLAND THYMES, STEVE WOOLLY VISITORS
BROOKMAN MENTIONED IN HIS CHAIR’S CORNER PIECE THAT We turned the corner and there nestling
under the trees were a small flock of rams,
WE WERE INTENDING TO VISIT A SIGNIFICANT SITE WITHIN THE
of varying size, colour and horn. As it
NATIONAL PARK. AUTHORITY STAFF SUGGESTED THERE WAS AN happened they, like the ewes we walked
OBVIOUS #1 VENUE – TRULEIGH HILL. amongst later in the day, were ‘on holiday’
from Mudchute City Farm, the largest
A vision had been created to protect this Leading off down the path towards the city farm in London with over 32 acres
part of the National Park and to structure its newly created features, we came across of countryside in the middle of the Isle of
development and future through combined a dew pond bathed in sunlight with the Dogs with a wonderful collection of British
engagement between the local community surface shaded by vegetation, reeds and rare breeds. In front of us on the day of our
and the National Park. It was this different bull rushes. Such ponds are a notable visit were representatives of the Southdown,
approach that attracted Steve and me to feature of chalk downland, essential for Oxford Down, Norfolk Down, Castlemilk
meet up with the project manager Phil Paulo
and local resident, and fellow committee
watering livestock, sheep particularly, in
years gone by. Further on a butterfly bank
Moorit and Black Wensleydale breeds. Yet
another reason to visit Truleigh! AN EPIPHANY OF WILDFLOWERS IN
SUSSEX – PART TWO – THE RESULTS!
member, Helena Lewis to experience the had been created by the volunteers from
Hill first-hand. scratch and was now regularly maintained, When we departed we realised the day
although on the day no butterflies could had been an overall success and had
For those of you, like me who are not triggered a variety of thoughts and ideas
(THAT SOUNDS LIKE STRICTLY!)
be spotted. Fortunately, we were in luck
familiar with Truleigh Hill, it is a high point to contemplate in the weeks and months
in the afternoon as we strolled along the
on the South Downs (216m) with a history ahead. I wish to thank Phil for the time
Monarch’s Way and were treated to the
that goes back to the WWII when its radar he spent with us and for the hospitality
sight of many Adonis blues. I REPORTED IN THE SPRING EDITION OF DOWNLAND THYMES It is now October and I have just weeded
installation was part of our defences. generously given by Helena and her
patches of purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea)
husband. THAT LAST AUTUMN WE CONVERTED OUR DRY, SOUTH-FACING,
A NATURE MENU which had naturalized rather too well and
ON THE DAY STEEP GARDEN BANK ON THE SIDE OF THE SOUTH DOWNS IN
The developments at Truleigh provide JEREMY NASON, planted some plugs of blue round-headed
The September day dawned bright and clear
both diversity for nature and attractions for WEALDEN HEATH VOLUNTEER RANGER EASTBOURNE, TO MAINLY NATIVE CHALK DOWNLAND FLOWERS rampion (Pride of Sussex) thanks to a kind
with a strong blustery wind that had cleared
the sky of any remaining clouds. We all
visitors. They provide a range of activities, TO HELP WILDLIFE, AS WELL AS TO REDUCE MAINTENANCE AND donation of seed from fellow volunteer
a form of ‘nature menu’ to schools and ranger Kate.
met in the car park of the YHA hostel and WATER USE.
colleges in the surrounding area in terms of
Phil told us about the project to date and It is early days but we are thrilled with the
educational opportunities and the chance Truleigh Trio Following weeks of preparation, we sowed By August most annuals were a mass of
showed us what had been created in the results to date! As Pam Lewis says “every
to engage young people directly with the seed and a few naturalizing bulbs and then brown stems but a smattering of perennials
past year or so. little helps when we make our gardens
outdoors. Equally they offer others in our waited with bated breath to see what would began to come through such as pale pink
wildlife friendly” and another bonus is that
community the physical and mental health appear in 2020! Colin Reader, wildflower musk mallow, a few ox-eye daisies and bird’s
our knowledge of native chalk downland
benefits that arise from time spent in close consultant, advised that we would see foot trefoil. Hopefully next year the latter
flora and fauna is increasing so making dog
association with nature. mostly annuals the first year or two whilst will multiply and attract common
walks and my recently re-started work as a
the perennials lie dormant or grow good blue butterflies.
VRS ranger on the South Downs even more
root systems... and he was right! enjoyable. Colin Reader says that “No two
So the next decision was when and how
A few crocus began to push through in often to cut? Key to this is when the most years will be the same as different species
early spring as well as LOADS of green important plants have ripened and shed will bloom at differing levels of abundance,
seedlings and then great excitement in late their seed, invertebrates have completed producing an ever-changing feast of colour
March as a solitary common spotted orchid their life cycle, bulbs are safely below and form for your enjoyment.” Yes please!
appeared! Over the next three months I ground and the weather is dry, so clippings
LIDDY DAVIDSON
cut back leaves of bulbs as they went over are easier to collect (to prevent increasing
EASTERN AREA VOLUNTEER RANGER
(so they didn’t shade the stars of the show soil fertility). After removing the now
beginning to come through) and the gloom redundant drip hosing (yay!) we strimmed Images: Liddy Davidson
of Lockdown was lit up by a sea of bright the bank in September and left the clippings
red poppies! They were interspersed with for 10 days so the seed dropped through
the steady march of scattered colourful onto the soil and then raked them off on a
annuals including magenta corncockle, dry day.
white and yellow corn chamomile, egg-yolk
yellow corn marigold and the stunning blue
REFERENCES:
of a few cornflowers. We were incredibly
fortunate to enjoy such an uplifting sight Christopher Lloyd, Meadows, Cassell Illustrated 2004
and the accompanying bugs and butterflies Colin Reader – check out his luxury chalk seed mix at wildflowerlawnsandmeadows.com
during such a challenging time. Pam Lewis, Making a Wildflower Meadow, Frances Lincoln Ltd 2003
Truleigh Hill, June 2019
6 7
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
TRADITIONAL SUSSEX FIELD GATES
THERE WAS A TIME, REALLY NOT SO LONG AGO, WHEN West Sussex found some of these gates
GATES FOR A
FUNERAL
surviving in places like Saddlescombe Farm
PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING WAS MADE LOCALLY BY A LOCAL
and, notably, the Slindon Estate where
CRAFTSPERSON BE IT THE WEAVER, POTTER, BOOTMAKER, Freddy Wooton Issacson, the donor, was
COOPER, WHEELWRIGHT, BLACKSMITH OR CARPENTER/ clearly a fan as he apparently had the gates
CABINETMAKER ET AL. specially made and they were marked with
This led to regional variations and the and a curtain of five bars with the lower his initials. The National Trust, at that time,
evolution of local distinctiveness as each ones being closer together to prevent lambs continued his practice, ensuring that all
apprentice learned the “proper way” squeezing through. The distinctive Sussex their new gates installed on their South
to make something from their master Gate is now rarely seen as most of our Downs properties were made to the
craftsman. Later on in their career they may countryside furniture is mass produced in traditional design.
LYING ON THE EASTERN TIP OF THE SOUTH DOWNS ARE JEVINGTON
have added small personal “improvements” some remote region to a common design Wouldn’t it be a fine thing if the South AND FRISTON VILLAGES. BOTH HAVE VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND
and these very slowly evolving designs were (known by me as the Double-Cross-Braced Downs National Park Authority also
passed down from generation to generation. Eurogate) which can be found from Lizard encouraged and facilitated their continued
INTERESTING CHURCHES, EACH WITH A KIND OF GATE WHICH
So it was with agricultural gates; each Point to Cape Wrath robbing us of high use today? The Friends of the South Downs I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE.
locality had its own distinctive design that quality design and damaging our local has a current project to replace difficult
would be almost identical to its neighbours’ sense of place. These are wide gates capable of swivelling The first record of a Tapsel gate is in the a wall, it effectively halves its width, which
stiles on the South Downs with kissing gates
but which did change noticeably if you around a centre post. A 90 degree turn of churchwarden’s accounts book from prevents passage by large animals, but allows
This may not seem really important to some and we will ensure that our gates are made
travelled far enough. the gate creates two entrances, side by side? St. Pancras Church in Kingston near Lewes. people to pass through on either side easily.
of you but surely within the South Downs to the proper traditional Sussex design.
An accounting entry in 1729 notes that 1s. This characteristic is especially beneficial in
A study of photo archives will reveal what National Park we should be preserving such After several years of walking through these
GLYNN JONES 6d. was paid by the church for the installation churchyards, enabling pallbearers to carry
our gates used to look like. They have a iconic features and celebrating our own gates, I finally decided to consult with my
SOUTH DOWNS SOCIETY MEMBER of a gate in its churchyard. a coffin through the churchyard without
single diagonal brace supporting a top rail local distinctiveness. The National Trust in volunteer friends to see if they could shed
difficulty.
any light on the purpose of this unique To my great surprise, only six genuine Tapsel
design. It did not take long to get the answer! gates exist and they can only be found in the Knowing all this, every time I pass through
They are called Tapsel gates and are named very eastern end of the National Park. They one of these gates I imagine a group of
after a Sussex family of bell-founders, one have many advantages. They can be opened pallbearers in the 18th Century resting the
of whom invented it in the late 18th century. easily, in either direction, with a small push; coffin on the central post to have a quick rest
Only six examples survive, all within a 10-mile they therefore are much easier to negotiate before continuing to the graveyard.
(16 km) radius of Lewes. Tapsel gates have than more typical gates. Common problems
You can find more information on Tapsell
the dual advantage of keeping cattle out of side-hinged gates — heaviness and
gates here.
of churchyards and allowing the efficient susceptibility to breakage, for example — are
passage of coffins carried to and from the avoided. Also, a Tapsel gate can be opened ALAN JONES
church during burials. The name sometimes in a smaller area than would be needed EASTERN AREA VOLUNTEER RANGER
is used more generally to describe swivelling for a side-mounted gate. Because the gate
Traditional single diagonal brace supporting a Double-cross-braced Eurogate
gates of a similar design elsewhere. is mounted in the centre of the opening in
top rail and a curtain of five bars gate
A WORD ON GATES FROM THE SDNPA
The SDNPA takes its responsibility for our have a smaller ecological footprint than The SDNPA is always looking to innovate
cultural heritage and its remit for public treaded softwood or metal gates. and find better ways of doing things.
access very seriously. The design of gates Recently we have changed the design of
The actual design of our gates is the result of
has always generated a lot of debate and the the hinges we use to allow for a better and
tweaks or an evolution from the traditional
design of gates that we install or fund is given smoother closing action. So it is possible
Sussex design. This is necessary due to the
a lot of thought. All of our gates are made by that we can move back closer to the original
increase in recreational use of routes and the
local craftsmen from within the National Park, Sussex design (also found in Hampshire and
need for gates to self-close. To achieve the
using timber from local sawmills. We only the west country) and we’ll be asking our
swing, gates are hung with hinges slightly ‘off
use handmade oak gates for a number of craftsmen to trial a new South Downs design.
set’ from each other. This can result in the
reasons. One, to reflect the long tradition of
top of the gate sometimes hitting the closing The evolution continues, but the
using oak gates across the South Downs, two,
post fractionally before the bottom of the principles remain.
to support our local craft men and women
gate, causing the gate to twist. The natural
and our local sawmills (that in turn support ANDY GATTIKER
drying of the timber can also make the
sustainable woodland management across NATIONAL TRAILS & RIGHTS OF WAY LEAD,
gates twist slightly. The second cross brace
the National Park) and thirdly, because they SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL
reinforces the gate against this twisting. Tapsel gate closed Tapsel gate open
PARK AUTHORITY
8 9
The finished product.
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
A NEW PROJECT LOOKING TO CREATE A
GET NETWORK OF WALKING ROUTES THAT
CONNECT ALL OF GREAT BRITAIN’S TOWNS
AND CITIES AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF
INVOLVED VILLAGES, IS ON THE HUNT FOR VOLUNTEERS.
During lockdown around 700 volunteers across the country
BROOM MAKING WITH SLOW
collaborated to produce a first draft of existing footpaths that
people can use to walk between neighbouring settlements or
combine for longer journeys.
AT IPING COMMON
WAYS
The project is now looking for more volunteers to walk, test and
review all of the routes that have been drafted, and in some cases
design new routes too. This work will help develop a map of
walking routes which will be published online.
BACK IN JANUARY 2020, WHEN THE WORLD WAS IN A Find out more about the project and sign up to help at
slowways.uk.
DIFFERENT PLACE AND COVID-19 HAD ONLY JUST APPEARED
IN CHINA, A GROUP OF 12 PEOPLE GATHERED ON IPING
COMMON TO COLLECT BIRCH FOR THE FUTURE MAKING
OF BESOM BROOMS. THE BIRCH WAS BUNDLED AND DRIED
(SEASONED) IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
RANGERS WORKSHOP IN MIDHURST. Happy broom makers
I, Chris Letchford, a keen broom maker or the knots on handles proved challenging
‘Broom Squire’ to use the traditional term, for some but is essential to end up with a
guided proceedings ably assisted by Beth smooth handle.
Nicholls and Kate Dziubinska from the Socially-distanced broom making
Then came the satisfying bit of putting the
Heathlands Reunited Project and SDNPA
broom head and handle together. Trying
respectively. By just after lunchtime when
to get the pointed handle into the centre
the rain set in we had around 20 bundles.
of the broom head can be a challenge.
I set the attendees homework by asking
Sticks in the head bundle don’t always do
all to come back for the broom making
what you want them to do but in the end,
sessions later in the year with a handle
with a little assistance, heads and handles
they wanted to use for their broom. It was
became united. All that remained was
important that handles were gathered and
putting in a nail, tying a string around the
allowed to dry out before they were used
centre of the head and trimming any stray
for brooms.
bits.
On October 10 and 11, in the new Covid-19
The whole experience was enjoyed by
world, we undertook socially distanced
everyone that attended. Locating ourselves
Besom broom making sessions. Each
where we did for the making sessions
individual had a set of tools to use, a shave
added to the experience. It was only a few
horse to sit on and work with and all were
feet away from where the birch had been
spaced at least 2 meters apart. After I
cut back in January giving attendees a real
demonstrated how a broom was made the
sense of the value of resources available to
attendees each made their own brooms,
them from what many would consider as
some made two. All attending learnt how
invasive heathland birch.
to create the head of their broom(s), bind
it very tightly with wires and tidy the end We also had lots of real interest from those
of it ready to receive the handle. They enjoying a leisurely walk on Iping common.
then set about shaving the bark from their Many expressed interest in attending future
handles and smoothing them, which is sessions so keep eyes peeled
quite a challenge for someone who has for advertisements!
never used a shave horse, draw knife and
CHRIS LETCHFORD Pre-pandemic birch collecting
rounding shave before. Cutting down
BROOM SQUIRE
© Mischa Haller
10 11
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
FESTIVE UPCYCLING
TREATS
HOWEVER WE END UP No one really likes tinsel do they? One of the biggest curiosities of
The planet certainly doesn’t, so the human kind (proven fact from
SPENDING CHRISTMAS THIS why not make this the year of google…) is that we spend money
YEAR, HERE ARE A FEW RECIPES sustainable festive decorations. Not on wrapping paper – a product
FOR SOME FESTIVE TREATS TO only will you be cutting down on that’s sole purpose is to be ripped
GET YOUR CREATIVE IDEAS unnecessary plastic in your home, apart in seconds and thrown in
you’ll be able to sit back smugly the bin. It just doesn’t make sense.
FLOWING – ENJOY! looking at your beautiful creations
KALEIDOSCOPE SKY
But you don’t have to follow this
Ditchling Beacon knowing it didn’t cost you a penny environmentally damaging tradition.
Simple but effective (and even healthy!)
and you had fun doing it. Here Get creative with your wrapping.
Cucumber Christmas trees, click for link
are a just a few suggestions of the Save up your brown bags from the
Driving early through woods and That seemed to lurch, Beige of dried, dead straw and grasses. many things you can make from bits grocers, save your old maps and
Mottled Sussex lanes to see you. Across the road. Nature declining in the shining sun. gathered on walks, in your garden or
Cucumber christmas trees newspapers, better still flatten out
Dawn rising. Trees leaves. Winter approaching with a White. round your house. the stuffing paper from your recent
Sun brightening the Autumn sky. Colours of green, red and yellow. And a Black night.
Make a pine cone mouse to adorn online purchases and decorate them
Shafts and beams of flickering light Adding to the aureole display. To wipe out.
the window sill or tree, click here. with red and green dots of paint for
In places surprisingly, White clouds disjointed and askew. The Kaleidoscope Sky.
some homemade charm. Once you
Blindingly bright. Black tarmac and brown trunks. Have a go at making your own
ROGER P. READ start looking, you’ll see wrapping
Steam rising from green frosted fields. Purple, pink and blue Cyclamens. Christmas wreath using an old wire
EASTERN AREA VOLUNTEER RANGER possibilities everywhere! Here are
Colours of purple, magenta and blue. Soft yellow of Winter Rose. coat hanger as the base. Fir, holly, some top ideas.
Pale Silver Birch Grey of a squirrel. ivy, old man’s beard and berries can
be collected – just remember to
only take what you need and always
leave some (especially berries) for
the birds. You can even make the
base from flexible wood like in this
video demonstration.
An excellent family festive baking
opportunity: Christmas cornflake wreaths,
click for link
AND IT WOULDN’T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT SOME
DID YOU KNOW?...
THE VOICE OF THE BEEHIVE
Christmas cornflake wreaths FESTIVE JOKES…
Place names are strange things and none more so than What do Why does What did the What do angry
Empshott, that unassuming village between Selborne and Santa’s little Santa have stamp say to mice send to
Greatham. The first reference to the name is given in 1086 helpers learn three gardens? the Christmas each other at
when it is known as ‘Hibesete’ and by the 13th century it was
at school? card? Christmas?
‘Imbeschate.’ But what does it all mean? The name stems from
the Old English ‘Imbansciete’ which means ‘corner of the bee
swarm’ which makes it probable that the village was once part
of the Greatham estate and that the bit of land the village
took was where the estate kept their bee hives. Simple really!
BENJAMIN BRUCE
A festive twist on a British classic: Christmas The elf-abet! So he can ‘ho ho ho’! Stick with me and we’ll go places! Cross-mouse cards!
spiced Victoria sponge, click for link.
12 13
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
KEEPING Thank you for HANDS: Practice good
SAFE Volunteering for the hand hygiene
SOUTH DOWNS
NATIONAL PARK
WHEN WE WERE BRIEFLY ABLE TO
START UP VOLUNTEERING BACK IN HOW TO
OCTOBER WE CIRCULATED THIS STAY SAFE:
POSTER TO HELP VOLUNTEERS
UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ALL TOOLS: Sanitise and DISTANCING: Keep a safe
THE HEATHLAND
don’t share distance
NEEDED TO DO TO KEEP SAFE.
As we navigate the next few months, hopefully
starting volunteer bubbles up again when
restrictions allow, please familiarise yourself with this
SCULPTURE TRAIL
poster and what we each need to do to keep safe.
Resting Reptiles
SYMPTOMS: Report VEHICLE USE: Follow the
symptoms to protect vehicle use
others policy
INTRICATE PIECES OF ART THAT TELL THE STORY OF THE HISTORY,
WILDLIFE AND PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH DOWNS HEATHLANDS WERE
UNVEILED IN SEPTEMBER AND ARE NOW READY TO BE EXPLORED.
Inspired by stories from communities and Plantation, Shortheath Common, Graffham
drawing upon sources as diverse as the poet Common, Black Down and Woolbeding.
Tennyson and a 391-year-old local map,
The project has been spearheaded by the
the educational trail links seven precious
lottery-funded Heathlands Reunited Team,
southdowns.gov.uk heathland sites in the National Park.
working alongside the RSPB, National Trust,
The Heathlands Sculpture Trail aims to Hampshire County Council and Sussex
encourage people to visit their local Wildlife Trust. Dragonflies Rest
heathland and learn more about them –
The tactile artwork created by award-
as well explore other heaths in the area.
winning sculptor Graeme Mitcheson, has
The beautiful sandstone carvings tell the been inspired by information and materials
JOIN THE SOUTH DOWNS story of why heaths are so important – as
commonland enjoyed by local people
gathered from site owners and managers,
local communities, school workshops and
MONTHLY eNEWSLETTER throughout the centuries and as a rich
haven for biodiversity, including rare insects,
volunteers conducting oral history interviews
and researching archived material.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT’S birds and all 12 of Britain’s native reptiles and
To add to the experience each sculpture has
amphibians.
HAPPENING IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK? a coded plaque that can be used to watch
The trail, which includes a downloadable a fascinating video about each heath on
Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest South
leaflet for walkers, links up heaths at people’s mobile phones.
Downs news, stories, ideas for days out, competitions, to
Wiggonholt, Stedham Common, Lavington
hear about our ranger and volunteers’ work and much, Enjoy!
much more...
southdowns.gov.uk/join-the-newsletter
14 15
DOWNLAND THYMES WINTER
Red admiral on ivy
PLANTS IN THE PARK: IVY
THE HUMBLE AND OFTEN MUCH MALIGNED IVY IS ONE OF THE MOST
IMPORTANT PLANTS FOR BIODIVERSITY, HELPING TO MAINTAIN 50 OR
MORE OTHER SPECIES OF WILDLIFE, PARTICULARLY INVERTEBRATES.
Only the juvenile growth of ivy has the The flowers are a rich source of nectar for winter including the small tortoiseshell,
familiar adhesive roots which allow it to grow a huge range of bees, hoverflies, wasps, peacock, red admiral and brimstone.
up trees and walls. The mature or ‘tree’ ivy moths, flies and other invertebrates, and you
The lack of grass in the drought this spring
loses its clinging habit and develops simple cannot fail to notice how attractive they are
and summer has seen the local sheep on the
elliptic leaves rather than the triangular to red Admiral butterflies.
Seven Sisters stripping all the ivy they can
lobed leaves its starts life with. It develops
Come the autumn, the fat-rich black reach as alternative forage, so the old saying
dense, bushy growth and, in late summer,
berries are a welcome feast for blackcaps, is true ‘little lambs eat ivy’. It’s hard to think of
produces wonderful umbels of scented
blackbirds and other thrushes. Also, the a common plant that has more uses in
green and gold flowers which are followed
beautiful holly blue butterfly lays the eggs, the world.
by globular matt-black berries.
only for its second brood, on the developing
KATE FRANKLAND
The dense foliage provides hiding places for berries of ivy.
EASTERN AREA VOLUNTEER
small insects and spiders which are sought
Later on, the dense foliage is a safe winter
after by small birds such as tits, goldcrests
haven away from predators for those
and chiffchaffs. The dense cover also
butterflies which hibernate as adults over
provides safe nesting sites for birds.
Downland Thymes: News for the Cover image: Freshly Frozen © Clive Blott
South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service. All images © SDNPA unless stated
Issue 90, November 2020. © SDNPA.
Design: The Way Design (2123)
The information contained in this newsletter was,
as far as known, correct at the date of issue. Web version only.
The South Downs National Park Authority
cannot, however, accept responsibility for
any error or omission.
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