Leaky dams with the Wilder Ouse project

Jane Wigan

Events and Courses Officer

This autumn half term, some of our Sussex Wildlife Trust Family Members had the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of leaky dam building, as part of Wilder Ouse, a project that is bringing together people from across the Ouse catchment to restore natural processes and create a robust Nature Recovery Network.

On a sunny Friday afternoon, the group made their way to a shallow stream found in a secret woodland location.

After a brief introduction from our Project Officers, Mike Murphy and Lydia Baxter, they got straight to work coppicing Hazel trees, using loppers and saws, hammering supports into the bed of the stream and adding tree branches and brash to slow the flow of water. It was lovely to see everyone working as a team, supporting each other and having fun.

The group managed to complete an impressive four leaky dams during the afternoon, whilst also finding time to make the most of their woodland playground; climbing banks and playing in the stream.

Sussex Wildlife Trust would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended for all their hard work. This important conservation work will make such a difference to the area. It will reduce the likelihood of flooding further downstream and provide ponds and pools to support a variety of local wildlife.

This day was organised as part of our programme of free membership events. If you are interested in attending similar events and would like to become a member of Sussex Wildlife Trust, please visit our website