Wild East Chiltington

Location: East Chiltington, East Sussex

Use of land: Private land acquired by The East Chiltington Trust (TECT), a registered charity who host regular events throughout the year to celebrate the great community spirit of East Chiltington parish and the beauty of the landscape.

First planted: November 2022

Species of trees: Field Maple, Holly, Hornbeam, Crab Apple, Willow, Oak, Alder, Aspen, Hazel, Rowan, Elder, Wild Plum, Sweet Chestnut, Scots Pine, Small Leaf
Lime, Wild Cherry, Silver Birch, Hawthorn and Blackthorn.

About the project: The Children’s Forest was planted in coordination with the East Chiltington Trust (TECT) who secured funding for the project and involved children from a local community group. Numerous tending events are held throughout the year to involve the local community and protect the trees. Two of the members trained as Children’s Forest facilitators to enable the project and are deeply passionate about caring for their land and giving hope for future generations by planting trees.  As part of this process they are also building a ‘Forest from Seed’ tree nursery – located in a tucked away corner of the TECT field. Children and the community will be invited to gather seeds in autumn to start to grow their very own trees on the community land, protected until they are ready to plant out. 

From the Landowners:
”As a parent and Trustee of The East Chiltington Trust (TECT), I am delighted at the establishment of the Children’s Forest on the TECT land. Improving the
wildlife value of land in our care is critically important to help reduce the loss of biodiversity and to address the climate crisis. It is also fantastic to involve children
at all stages in the development so they have both an understanding of the importance of our natural environment and have ownership of this important new
habitat.” ~ Land Guardian & Trustee – Andy Gattiker

Contacts: 

Email [email protected], http://theeastchiltingtontrust.org/community-projects/

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