THE WILDLIFE TRUST
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust aims to inspire environmental sustainability by bringing nature to the heart of Lewes.
We do this through:
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Running the Linklater Pavilion as a community-based hub for the understanding of a sustainable environment
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Providing inclusive outdoor learning using innovative approaches
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Supporting the local authority in managing the Railway Land nature reserve for the whole community
The Trust was founded by local people in 1988, passionate about preserving this beautiful, tranquil place. It is based in the Linklater Pavilion, a purpose built environmental education centre on the
edge of the nature reserve and a stone’s throw from the shopping centre of Lewes. The Railway Land was formally a railway marshalling yard and was declared a nature reserve in 1995. The site covers almost 40 hectares and is situated in the South Downs National Park and the Brighton and Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Region.
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​The Trust runs a programme of schools visits for both primary and secondary pupils, a range of community events and holiday clubs, as well as a variety of projects that enable people from all walks of life to benefit from this wonderful natural environment. It provides a thriving ‘Friends of the Railway Land’ scheme and accessible volunteering opportunities – volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation and are encouraged to get involved at every level.
