A key aspect of the Fritillaries for the Future project has been guiding the management of the BC reserves in Sussex, with the aim of creating and maintaining suitable habitat for the re-introduced population of Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and, looking ahead (given the necessary consents), the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Last winter we focused all of our efforts on Park Corner Heath, clearing a huge amount of scrub and reinstating a much more aggressive Bracken management regime.
This year we have turned our attention to Rowland Wood, which, given its size, has required the services of a contractor (Ian Hampshire), to take care of the heavier forestry operations. We are very grateful to BC Reserves Officer Jayne Chapman for setting up this contract at short notice. Ian’s work, which has fundamentally restructured Rowland Wood, has been conducted to the highest possible specifications, in an environmentally sensitive manner. We are delighted with the results.
The much wider and extensive ride system is now in a condition which will facilitate an ongoing programme of management by machinery, ensuring that top quality habitat for fritillaries and other species can be maintained more easily. This work also allows us to meet our obligations to the Countryside Stewardship grant system, which will provide financial support in the future. However, the considerable upfront costs of this restructuring work have been met by the BC Sussex Branch; I can’t imagine a better use of Branch funds.
This does not mean that we will be become less reliant upon the work of volunteers; far from it. Some areas are too wet and ecologically sensitive to drive heavy machinery over, so it is vital that we manage these by hand. Volunteers will also provide the means of fine-tuning the habitat management work; it is often the attention given to small areas which creates the perfect breeding conditions for the more fussy species.
Examples
The first image shows widening work along a wet ride which we know is highly suitable for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, but which had become choked with Bramble, sallow and saplings. We are very fortunate to have hosted several visits by the Brighton Conservation Volunteers, who have done a fantastic job of clearing this area with scythes, loppers, rakes and saws, while I’ve put my Fritillaries for the Future training with the chainsaw to good use. Just around the corner, in the ride known as ‘Dead Man’s Gulch’, BC Sussex volunteers have been performing similar work, and are creating an open, boggy area just below the lake; again, very suitable for the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary.
Don't let the Council see it; it might give them ideas 
