Events

Mapping amphibian breeding activity across the UK

The PondNet Spawn Survey maps the sightings of Common Frog and Common Toad spawn across the country to better understand how amphibians use different types of waterbodies to breed.

Freshwater Habitats Trust runs the PondNet Spawn survey from December to May. With your help, we can collect important data on the location of breeding frogs and toads. To take part, record Common Frog or Common Toad spawn spotted in garden ponds or any ponds, ditches or puddles you come across in your adventures in the countryside.

Visit the Freshwater Habitats Trust Website to see how to get involved.

This Saturday at Maltravers Orchard in Littlehampton we will be building a “dead hedge.” While it might sound a bit sinister and lifeless, it’s only called a dead hedge because we aren’t planting living plants, but rather using offcuts from orchard pruning we did earlier in the year. It certainly won’t be lifeless! Creating a ‘dead hedge’ is a great way to provide habitat for wildlife especially in areas which don’t have much hedge or dense scrub. They are particularly loved by hedgehogs, small mammals (mice, voles, shrews), nesting birds (wrens, robins, sparrows), insects (beetles, bees), reptiles, and amphibians. All tools provided, no experience necessary.

Please contact us in advance at littlehamptoncommunitygrowers@gmail.com if you would like to come.

The Sussex Birds Conference brings together bird enthusiasts, conservationists and researchers for a day of talks and knowledge sharing focused on birdlife across Sussex. The event features a range of presentations from experts, students and local projects, covering topics such as species conservation, rewilding, and ongoing research.

It is a chance to learn about current work in the region, hear from leading voices in ornithology, and connect with others interested in birds and their conservation.

Find out more:
https://sos.org.uk/news/sussex-birds-conference-2026/

Come and join a day celebrating the beautiful River Lavant!

With fun family activities including:

• What’s in the Water?

Discover our amazing freshwater life

• Join a Guided Walk

Meet at the WSRT stand at 1pm

• Duck Race – 2pm

Get yourself a quacking friend to win the race from Pot Nore Bridge!

• Refreshments

Provided by Lavant Primary and St Anthony’s School.

Wear blue to support your local river or dress as your favourite river creature!

The South East Future of Farming Conference brings together farmers, landowners and rural professionals to explore the future of agriculture in the region. Through talks from leading voices in UK farming, the event shares practical insights on innovation, technology and sustainable land management.

Attendees can hear from industry experts, learn about emerging approaches in farming, and connect with others working across the agricultural sector.

Find out more:
https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/news-events/calendar-of-events/south-east-future-of-farming-2026/

Join residents in 650+ cities on all 7 continents across the world in an epic, global mission to record as much wildlife as possible. Over the four-day challenge we want you to share your observations of nature, using the free iNaturalist app. Your recordings will contribute towards conservation efforts both locally and on a global-scale.

For more information and how to get involved, click here.

Leave No Trace Brighton crew and Sea Lanes management will be on the beach behind Sea Lanes with all the equipment you will need to get involved – no need to book or reserve a space, we’ll have plenty of equipment for everyone.

Join the Buzz Club for an online talk exploring the results from the Bug Bunkers citizen science project. The project investigates how simple garden “bug bunkers”, made from natural materials like leaves and woody debris, can provide shelter for insects over winter.

In this webinar, project lead Issy Sexton will share what the research discovered, including what worked, what didn’t, and how gardeners can create better habitats for overwintering insects.

Find out more:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thebuzzclub/2098433

Art in Nature: Wakehurst Community Festival, 8–9 May 2026 | Free Event (Booking Essential)

Ignite your creativity at Wakehurst’s two‑day Community Festival celebrating Art in Nature. Enjoy a vibrant programme of accessible, hands‑on activities designed for people who may experience barriers to visiting

Activities include:

• Creative Workshops
• Music, poetry and storytelling
• Performances from your community groups
• Potion making and science workshops
• Guided tours
• Forest bathing and much more!

This year we are including a changing places toilet

Become a citizen scientist, learn the rhythms of the djembe drum, collaborate with local artists, and enjoy delicious food throughout the gardens.

Free tickets and parking — book now at: kew.org/art-in-nature
URL Link: https://www.kew.org/learning/community-access/community-access-at-wakehurst/community-festival

A relaxed outdoor session for families and young people to connect, play, and create music together in Wakehurst’s wild landscapes.

Join us throughout the year to explore the power of sound and nature at Wakehurst. Take part in a two-hour outdoor session designed for families and young people. Each session includes a gentle walk, creative music-making, and moments of mindfulness surrounded by nature. Suitable for ages 5+.

For more information and how to register click here Wakehurst Roots and Rhythm 2026 Poster.

This free, community-led festival celebrates nature, wildlife, and the return of the white stork to the local landscape. It marks Storrington’s recognition as a European Stork Village in partnership with Knepp Wildland Foundation, highlighting the success of local rewilding and species restoration efforts.

The day brings together residents, conservationists, and visitors for a lively programme of activities, performances, and talks. Key moments include a village parade, live music, and expert-led discussions on rewilding, bird migration, and landscape-scale conservation, featuring voices from projects such as the White Stork Project and Weald to Waves.

Across the village and recreation ground, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, wildlife-themed crafts, and hands-on conservation activities. Highlights include birds of prey displays, conservation grazing demonstrations, nature education for families, and opportunities to meet project experts and volunteers.

With a mix of education, celebration, and community engagement, the festival showcases how people and nature can thrive together, while inspiring action to support biodiversity locally and beyond.