Brighton Ecological Society visit the Deneway

Seniz Mustafa

Vice-president, University of Brighton's Ecological Society

Recently at the Deneway nature reserve in Brighton, I came along to visit with a group of us from the University of Brighton's Ecological Society. 

I had spoken to the lovely Mya [Bambrick - Communities Intern] to arrange a visit with our members, which we feel went exceedingly well, despite the wet weather. 

On the day we began by splitting into three groups, with each group having the opportunity to carry out pond dipping, where we saw Smooth Newts, dragonfly nymphs and Ramshorn Snails. In addition, we did some practical conservation by sawing wood and digging to create a hibernaculum.

We were fortunate enough to see some beetles, which may have been a Rain Beetle (genus Pterostichus) - appropriate for the day - although I suspect it is rather early for them.

We ended off the session with Young Futures group member, and wildlife film maker, Amy King, explaining to the group how mammal video cameras work, and we are now looking forward to seeing what it has recorded. The great day was all finished off well with some lovely veggie stew. Overall I am really refreshed to find what is a rare example of youth-led conservation work in Brighton, and something I'd like to see more of in the future.

The Deneway is a youth-led reserve. Find out more about Young Futures and how to join them here