Community Group Focus: Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group

By James Tulley

Guest blog

Continuing a series of blogs focusing on community wildlife and conservation groups across Sussex, James Tulley tells us about the great work being undertaken by the Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group

The Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group (BWCG) was set up to protect and promote Benfield Hill, located on the urban fringe of Brighton and Hove. This year, marks the 30th anniversary of Benfield Hill being designated as the city’s oldest Local Nature Reserve.

Widely recognised as a ‘hidden gem’ in the South Down’s National Park, it is popular with ramblers, walkers and their canine friends. One of the richest surviving remnants of old chalk grassland in the area, it is home to more species of wildflower per square meter than most other green spaces in the city. Keeping it that way, and supporting its rich bio-diversity has been a key focus of the group for the last thirty years.

Indeed, if left unchecked and not maintained, this wonder of the South Downs would quickly become overgrown and lose its unique characteristics. To prevent this, the group’s volunteers regularly help to remove invasive species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood, and privet. Volunteers are also active in keeping track of the flora and fauna, with regular surveys on key species. Updates on the Dormice and the Slow Worm colonies are especially popular. The group also works closely with local Rangers and other interest groups to ensure best practice, knowledge, and expertise. Maintaining the site, putting up bird boxes, clearing scrub, and seed collecting is an ongoing process.

Such efforts have been rewarded. This year the hill has revealed some exciting species finds from a very rare, Nationally Notable Orange Conch moth to Hornet Robberflies. It has also received extensive local and global news coverage of its thriving Hazel Dormice population and the conservation work it undertakes to protect them. An established and proactive group, we are always on the lookout for people who want to get involved and make a difference.