NatureLinks is a National Lottery funded project providing young people with opportunities to:
Gain skills, knowledge and experience connecting with nature and wildlife
Make new friends and enjoy a range of nature-based activities
Enhance wellbeing by spending time outdoors
We offer FREE sessions, courses and work experience for 14-25 yr olds
There are plenty of ways you can get involved depending on your areas of interest, whether you like practical, scientific, creative or media related activities
"It has given me new skills and a newer outlook on life which has benefitted my mental health"
“It has given me major opportunities to do things I would never have experienced otherwise”
“Perfect low-pressure fun out in nature!”
“I really enjoyed the social aspect and to hang out with friends and make new friends"
Current projects to get involved in
THE HEART OF REEDS
The Heart of Reeds is our much loved landscape scale art installation, and a thriving wildlife habitat – but it needs some care! We will work out the best ways to look after it, do lots of practical work to help the creatures who call this rare habitat their home, and share what we are doing through art, social media and celebration events.
THE SIGNAL BOX
The old signal box on The Railway Land is feeling a little tired and unloved....
We will be redesigning and renovating both the interior and exterior of the building to bring it back to life so that it can be used as a wellbeing and arts space for people to enjoy again.
PRACTICAL CONSERVATION
We run regular practical conservation sessions on three sites in Lewes - the Railway Land, the Cockshut Wetlands and Landport Bottom. There is always a variety of tasks for everyone to enjoy, from coppicing to scrub bashing, planting trees and wildflowers, or repairing steps and fences.
Upcoming dates for the diary
Tues 29th Oct. 4 - 6pm - Signal Box project session
Sat 2nd Nov, 10am - 1pm - Art Trail + Film project session
Sun 3rd Nov, 10am - 1pm - Practical Conservation session
Tues 12th Nov. 4 - 6pm - Signal Box project session
Sat 16th Nov, 10am - 1pm - Practical Conservation session
Tues 19th Nov, 4 - 6pm - Monthly meet up - every 3rd Tues of the month
Tues 26th Nov. 4 - 6pm - Signal Box project session
Sat 7th Dec, 10am - 1pm - Practical Conservation session
Tues 17th Dec 4 - 6pm - Monthly meet up - Xmas session!
TO BOOK YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF THE ABOVE OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ALI :
BY EMAIL: naturelinks@railwaylandproject.org
BY TEXT: 07579 852 961
Free courses for 14-25 yr olds
Each year we organise free courses based on the suggestions made by participants of the Youth Action Project.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR OUR NEXT SERIES OF COURSES!
or
Contact Ali to be kept up to date!
BY EMAIL: naturelinks@railwaylandproject.org
BY TEXT: 07579 852 961
Last year's courses included:
Traditional Craft Skills - Basket weaving/Upcycled clothing/Natural Dyes
Come and make a basket, learn how to turn old clothes into new ones and use plants to dye your materials.
You can mix and match the skills to create your own unique project.
Gardening for Wildlife
Learn how to create a nature-friendly garden and encourage more wildlife by creating welcoming habitats.
Film and Photography for Nature
Learn how to use different lenses and video equipment working with professionals to improve your photography and film making skills. Make a short nature film and take lots of photos on the Railway Land.
Wildlife Discovery series - Botanical surveying/Bird watching/Rewilding/Pollinators
We invite specialists to come and share their knowledge about a variety of species in these informative and experiential sessions. Come and discover the delights of the abundant wildlife here on the reserve.
Whether you are looking for work experience for a particular week, need a certain amount of volunteering hours for your course or award, or a placement, then we will do our best to help. We can create a tailor-made schedule for you depending on your needs and interests.
If you would like to be invited for an informal interview to discuss what we can arrange for you, please contact Ali:
BY EMAIL: naturelinks@railwaylandproject.org
BY TEXT: 07579 852 961
"I learnt a lot about the environment and how land can be managed for wildlife's welfare, and it led me to change my path towards zoology which I am really excited to study in future" - Railway Land work experience particpant
Work Experience and Youth Volunteering
Underpinning the project is the concept of Blue and Green Infrastructure and the many benefits it brings to our local communities.
Blue and Green Infrastructure - What is it?
BLUE – refers to the water body elements in our local environment. Examples include: rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, ponds, rainwater collection butts and raingardens.
GREEN – refers to the land-based elements: Trees, fields, parks, woodland, hedgerows, street verges, soil, community gardens, window boxes, compost heaps, green walls and roofs to name a few.
INFRASTRUCTURE – is how these elements are designed to interconnect within a multifunctional network providing multiple uses and benefits such as:
Increased biodiversity, severe weather adaptation, carbon capture, active travel facilities, wildlife habitat and wellbeing.
