Your Nature News Bulletin: October 2025

Hello there! Pull up a chair whilst we catch up on what’s been happening in the world of woodland and habitat conservation. From local Sussex developments to national planning debates and even a Swedish forest rebellion, there’s plenty to discuss over our virtual cuppa.

Sussex Gets Serious About Nature Recovery

Right on our doorstep, some really exciting developments are taking shape. Following the Environment Act 2021, both West Sussex and East Sussex counties are now developing Local Nature Recovery Strategies to safeguard existing wildlife havens and map out where new habitats could deliver the greatest benefits.

What makes this particularly interesting for those of you managing land in Sussex is that you have the choice about whether your farmland appears on the strategy maps, which matters because these strategies influence planning decisions and funding allocation. This is especially important given the connections between LNRS, planning, and future grant opportunities.

The draft strategies will go out for public feedback during the summer months, with information sessions planned to help people understand what’s in the documents. If you’re managing any land in Sussex, it’s worth keeping an eye on the Sussex Nature Recovery website for updates. Your voice matters in shaping how nature recovery happens in your area.

You can find more information and share your priorities here.

The Living Coast Gets UNESCO Recognition

Wonderful news for our region! UNESCO has extended The Living Coast Biosphere’s status for another decade and broadened its boundaries to encompass more than half a million Sussex residents, now reaching from Worthing westward to Seaford on the east coast, extending northward across the South Downs.

Our region first gained this prestigious UNESCO Biosphere status back in 2014, originally covering the Brighton and Lewes Downs area. This recognition puts our local chalk grasslands, vegetated shingle beaches, and chalk reefs on the world stage alongside other globally significant landscapes.

What does this mean for you? Well, being part of a UNESCO Biosphere can open doors for sustainable businesses, tourism opportunities, and partnership working. It’s a badge of honour that says our area is internationally recognised for balancing human needs with nature conservation.

Swedish Activists Win Battle Against Deforestation

Across the North Sea, something rather inspiring has been happening. Swedish forest activists, organised under the movement Skogsupproret (The Forest Rebellion), have been challenging their country’s industrial forestry practices.

This grassroots campaign brings together Sámi Indigenous people and other activists to defend mature forests and uphold Indigenous land rights in northern regions where traditional reindeer grazing forests face clear-cutting. Their work has brought international attention to Sweden’s forestry model, which, despite its green reputation, has come under scrutiny.

Why should we care about Swedish forests? Because over the past seventy years, Sweden has converted most of its natural forest ecosystems into single-species plantations, leaving only a small percentage of the original forests intact. It’s a reminder that sustainable woodland management matters everywhere, and that speaking up for our woodlands can make a real difference. You can follow their work on Instagram at @skogsupproret.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Time to Make Your Voice Heard

Now, this is a big one that affects all of us who care about ancient woodland and nature. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, and conservation organisations are raising serious concerns.

Leading conservation bodies, including the Woodland Trust and RSPB, warn that the bill’s current wording risks significantly weakening longstanding safeguards for ancient trees and woodlands, which already need stronger protection rather than less. The bill has been described by some as “an application to demolish wildlife.”

A key worry centres on the absence of clear requirements to avoid harming precious ancient oak woodlands and other irreplaceable habitats before considering other options. Without this framework, there’s worry that developments could proceed without properly considering alternatives that would avoid damaging these precious habitats.

Here’s the good news: there’s still time to lobby your MP. Organisations like Sussex Wildlife Trust, the South Downs National Park, the Woodland Trust, and Friends of the Earth all have information and resources to help you understand the issues and make your voice heard.

Remember, public outrage over the felling of treasured trees like the Sycamore Gap has shown just how much people care about nature. Your MP needs to know that ancient woodlands and veteran trees matter to their constituents.

Farm Diversification: Opportunities Ahead

If you’re thinking about diversifying your farm or rural business, mark your calendar! The Farm Business Innovation Show is taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 5-6 November 2025.

As Britain’s sole dedicated farm diversification event, the show brings together rural landowners and farming businesses to explore new income streams, from tourism ventures and green energy projects to selling directly to customers.

The show has also published a diversification white paper exploring the latest trends, opportunities, and financing options available to farmers and landowners. Whether you’re thinking about setting up a campsite, tapping into the staycation boom, or hosting events on your land, it’s worth a read. In uncertain times for the farming sector, diversification isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s becoming essential for many rural businesses to thrive.

Take Action: Adopt a Plot

Feeling inspired to do something positive for nature but not sure where to start? The National Trust has launched a brilliant initiative called Adopt a Plot.

With a monthly contribution starting at seven pounds fifty, you can support nature recovery work at specially chosen sites across Britain that offer exceptional potential for landscape-scale habitat restoration.

Your contribution funds practical conservation work such as creating new wildlife habitats through tree planting and bringing back locally extinct species to strengthen ecosystems. It’s a lovely way to contribute to nature recovery, and you’ll receive a digital certificate and regular updates about your chosen plot. Find out more at the National Trust Adopt a Plot page.

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