Meet some of our new volunteer Woods Mill Nature Reserve Wardens

Since late 2025, a small team of volunteers have been covering shifts in new roles as Nature Reserve Wardens at Woods Mill - Liz, Tony, Lynne and Colin. They have been patrolling the reserve in high-vis tabards, checking everything is okay, picking litter, dealing with or reporting any issues, as well as chatting to visitors. We are pleased that the team is being expanded with the addition of new volunteers, featured here as well.

We hear a bit more from some of the team: 

Liz

I retired two years ago after working for Horsham District Council and have volunteered for the Trust since then, with the Hit Squads, with Wilder Horsham District and is as a Woods Mill Wardens. I enjoy the fresh air and exercise, getting to know the reserves, learning about nature management and expanding my knowledge of flora and fauna, as well as being with like-minded, friendly people. My favourite wild space is Levin Down Nature Reserve. I've enjoyed work parties where we've removed scrub to improve the chalk grassland to encourage more diverse wildflowers and insects. It's quite a climb to the top but it's worth it for the stunning views.

Tony

I’m a retired teacher and have been a volunteer with the Trust for the past couple of years, with the Hit Squads, and now as a Woods Mill Warden. I like doing something useful for nature conservation and I like the camaraderie. My favourite wild spaces in Sussex are Levin Down and Ebernoe. It’s exhausting volunteering at Levin because of the steep slope, but the views are very special. And at Ebernoe Common Nature Reserve, by the Brick Kiln, we were once surrounded by Nightingales singing all day long as we built a dead hedge.

Lynne

I’m semi-retired, live in Hove, and am a keen sailor and hiker. I’ve been a volunteer for the Trust for three years, helping with Adult Education, as a Lookerer at Ditchling Beacon, plus I’m a Woods Mill Warden. I'd be outdoors anyway, so why not help out while I'm at it? I also believe strongly in the vital importance of the Wildlife Trusts and am happy to do my small bit. Ditchling Beacon is my favourite wild space in Sussex, because it is my ‘local’ and was always such an easy place to escape to when work/childcare and the world in general threatened to overwhelm me.