Who we are
Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Woods are a group of volunteers who include, nature lovers, walkers, dog owners, and family groups all interested in caring for the woods.
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As well as the friendly volunteers, FoABW activities are organised by a small committee and we would like to expand representation within it. The committee keeps up to date via email and group messages as well as coordinating information for our social media posts and public noticeboards. We occasionally meet up face to face and always have an Annual General Meeting, usually in March each year.
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AGM Minutes March 2025:
FoABW AGM Minutes 9 March 2025
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We are obviously keen on protecting and enhancing the biodiversity within the woodland inline with its designation as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). If you would like to find out more about joining our committee and what it involves then please contact Lorraine Maynard, our Chair via this link
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Conservation Activities
​Patrick Burke, the conservation lead organises a yearly rota of a habitat maintenance and ecological enhancement in liaison with the District Council.
The committee discuss and plan the free events and we maintain contact with other nature groups, to ensure that our resources are best applied to match latest guidance and environmental science as it evolves to mediate climate change effects.​ We also keep in touch with the Lost Woods Team, as Ashenground and Bolnore Woods are part of The Lost Woods Project which aims to reconnect and regenerate the fragmented ancient woodland across the Weald and South Downs, both public and private woods.
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On the third Saturday of each month we follow a seasonal schedule of activities, so at the beginning of the year we might be coppicing to open up the canopy, allowing wildflowers to flourish and refresh the life of the trees. Or we may be mowing, streaming and pruning in the early of late summer along pathways to keep them defined and safe. Each month is different, responding to the weather and seasonal growth as well as the conservation plan.
Our sessions run from 10 am until noon, every third Saturday of the month, but we always have time for a cuppa and biscuits half way through to chat and catch up.
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This year, for the third year in a row, FoABW volunteers were presented with an Outstanding award for our conservation in the community as part of the Britain in Bloom Awards. ​​​​​We were also part of Haywards Heath bid for an award, as part of Britain in Bloom and the town was given a well deserved gold medal by the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) in the Britain in Bloom finals.
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