Working Party Update 17th May 2025

Today saw another split session of working in the woods with clearance of the left hand side of the main ride from the Church continuing and the long awaited replacement of the Back Lane Entrance gate being undertaken.

The old gate has been in position for many years, but had rotted to the point of not return.

On the last working party, Bob & Alan milled two gateposts for the project, using Bob’s mill. Today saw them recover a surplus gate from Alan’s field. 

As is ‘normal’ the new gate wasn’t a perfect first time fit, but with a few new bits from ‘Moles’ and a bit of fettling with the angle grinder and gas torch all went well in the end.

One of the two newly milled posts was used and positioned in a suitable location to allow the gate to open inwards.

The gate isn’t intended for regular access, but will be extremely useful when working at the top of the woods and will save decanting equipment from a wheelbarrow to access working areas.

The new gate also allows for emergency access should the need arise, however the draining ditch maintained by Highways does impede full width access and egress.

Whilst this was being fitted the rest of the working party tackled clearance and tidying from the ‘Bum Tree’ down the main ride to the woods with some serious amounts of pre cut invasive species having been cleared, making the main ride so much clearer and brighter.

Sue discovered a fantastic Beech complete with numerous habitat holes and which although  seemingly hollow in places is quite healthy.

Further work on the main ride is the plan for the next few working parties.

April 2025 Working Party Dates

We’re there - the end of March, the start of bird nesting season and the clearance of area 1C is complete!

A big ‘Thank You’ to all of our volunteers that have turned out in what were sometimes less than wonderful conditions over the last few months. 

Here is the last of area 1c before (left) and after clearance (right).

A job well done but, with the turn in seasons, we now have to grudgingly move away from cutting the green stuff, certain in the knowledge that it’ll still be there (and lots of it) later in the year .

 

For the next couple of sessions, the plan is to address an area up towards the Back Lane entrance that’s in serious need of some attention.

Dates: Saturday 5th and Saturday 19th April

 

If you fancy joining us, pop along any time after 09:00 until late afternoon and we’ll be glad to see you. Follow the smoke and ask for Mike if you have never been along before.

Notice of Annual AGM - 24th April

 CROSS-IN-HAND AMENITIES SOCIETY

Charity Trust Registration No.  269818

52nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

LUCAS MEMORIAL HALL,  WALDRON 

ON 24th April 2025 7.30pm

We are pleased to invite you to join us at the Annual General Meeting of the Cross-in-Hand Amenities Society. Following the meeting, members are invited to socialise with a glass of wine or a soft drink, which will be provided free-of-charge.

If you wish to confirm your attendance, or alternatively to offer your apologies, please send an email to mikefbaker@hotmail.com or telephone 01435 866253.

AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence 
2. Appointment of Chairman for the meeting 
3. Nomination and Appointment of Committee members (Nominations of new members must be sent in writing to the Membership Secretary prior to the AGM)
4. Approval of the Minutes of the last AGM
5. Matters arising 
6. Chairman’s Report 
7. Treasurer’s Report 
8. Membership Status 
9. Darch’s Wood update
10. Forestry Commission Woodland Plan 
11. Possible change of Charity’s legal status to that of Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
12. AOB 
13. Members Questions 

Only one vote per fully paid up member household is permitted.

Working Parties Update.

As it’s been some considerable time since the last update (May 2024), its timely to bring you up to speed on the huge amount of work undertaken since then.

Last May saw us working on the steep embankment to the Church-side of the boardwalk, working slowly to clear the invasive species.

February 2025 has seen us on the opposite side, clearing Area 1c since last May with significant work having been carried out in all weathers; as I write this I think we are all recovering from the muddy and slippery conditions underfoot. The ghylls that cut through the wood in this area (there are two of them) have been cleared and are now free flowing with ‘waterfall’ drops at numerous locations as the main Ghyll runs down to the brick culvert under the boardwalk.

With the removal of invasive species new vistas have been discovered and light now reaches the woodland floor, already we are seeing signs of growth with many bluebell carpets pushing through. Several different types of fungi have been found and the newly cleared woodland appears to be in good health. Several additions to the notable and veteran trees have been uncovered, some for the first time in many years.

Additional works have included the creation of two natural barriers on the lower boardwalk path, which is now out of use due to its condition (signs are in place and a lower alternative path is available), fallen tree clearance in several areas and improvements to the Back Lane entrance, where an interesting standing dead oak has been discovered with a Beech entwined around it in a snake like manner.

The working party is formed of volunteers, attending in their own time every other Saturday, normally we have from 6-12 people working for as little or as much time as they can spare. Remember: you don’t have to be a volunteer to be a member! But every little helps! 

Finally, thanks to all who have mentioned the amount of work completed. There’s still much to be done, but the woods do look so much better now.

A Notable Morning In The Wood

 In January we had the pleasure of welcoming Doug Edworthy to Darch’s Wood. Doug is the tree warden for Brightling and Dallington parishes and he also works as a volunteer for the Woodland Trust identifying and verifying notable, ancient and veteran trees.

One of our working party sessions last winter had uncovered an old tree that was previously completely engulfed by thick rhododendrons. After some deliberation, we were fairly certain this was an Alder tree and, given its size, could well be a unique specimen. 

Committee member Jo set about finding an expert to come and look at the tree; after a bit of Facebook networking she found Doug, who kindly offered his time to come and check it out, whilst also agreeing to check up on our other veteran trees.

Jo and Janet (another committee member), and Janet’s dogs, met Doug and his colleague Julian (tree identifier in training!) on a very cold but sunny morning in January. We spent two hours looking at different trees in the wood. The main aim was to confirm the identity of the tree we had uncovered during the working party and to find out its classification.

Doug showed us how to look at the bark, the buds on the tree, to look for any pine cones or other identifying features. It soon became apparent we did indeed have an old Alder tree (Alnus Glutinosa). Identifiers included the purple tinge to the buds and emerging catkins, as well as the small pine cones and spotted stems on the twigs.

We measured the girth of the tree and found it was 3.34m. Doug estimated it as 100+ years old (a very good age for an alder, they usually last around 60 years). We were pleased to discover this is a maiden tree (of seedling origin and never been coppiced or pollarded), in rude health, therefore not yet a veteran but would be classed as a ‘notable’ tree and would be logged on the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). 

Alder trees are water lovers so it's no wonder this one was found right next to the ghyll. They are valuable to other species too. The catkins in spring provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and the pine cone seeds are eaten by birds such as goldfinch, siskin and redpoll. 

Veteran trees are in the latter stages of life and need to have specific features in order to be classed as Veteran. Features include the hollowing out of the trunk or of branches, increased fungal activity and wood decay and the retrenchment of the crown (it starts to shrink in height). 

We have three veteran trees that have been identified in Darch’s Wood - two large beech trees at the bottom of the wood and one very old Holly stub on the border of the wood along the main ride. They can all be seen on the ATI. Doug spent about half an hour with each tree noting its features and taking photos and measurements to update the ATI. 

There was something magic about spending time with each tree, really getting to know each one in more detail, and learning about its characteristics. Doug was hugely generous with his time and expertise and I think we all left with a new and deeper connection to these trees, recognising their importance and cementing our resolve to protect them!

Doug also reminded us of the importance of dead wood. Large tree stumps being one of the most valuable assets and habitats in any woodland environment. Any trees that fall must be left alone as much as possible as they provide crucial environments not only for wildlife but also for mosses and fungi. Branches should only be removed from trees if they are dangerous as damage to bark and exposing these wounds can make the tree vulnerable to disease or decay. The woodland is a circular system, recycling and renewing all the time and it does this brilliantly, ideally with as little interference as possible! 

As we continue to progress in clearing the invasive rhododendron and cherry laurel throughout Darch's wood, it will be interesting to see what else we uncover. We have certainly allowed a great deal more light into the wood which over time will increase biodiversity and improve the overall health of the trees and the woodland as a whole. There were a lot of new shoots at the bottom of the alder, likely due to the sudden exposure to a lot of new light.

Huge thanks to Doug and Julian for their time.

Today In The Woods

Today (27/4/2024) the volunteers returned to an area of the upper woods that was too wet to work on earlier in the year, this being the embankment that drops to the ghyll north of the boardwalk.

The embankment is approximately 25' high and required us to put into place a rope access route to the lower working area and for 'Chainsaw Al' to harness up in order to work from ropes to cut the fallen trees and brash, enabling them to be burnt on the fire.

Mike struck gold later in the day with a discovery of a ‘feral’ goldfish in the ghyll. That makes two discoveries now in this area - Niagara Falls and Moby Dick! As a word of warning: goldfish are a non-native species descended from Asian carp and, if introduced to a delicately balanced ghyll ecosystem, can rend great destruction to the native species as has already happened with koi carp in our pond. 

Because of this, please do not dispose of goldfish, aquarium water, aquatic plants or any other unwanted pets into the woods or anywhere else. Either re-home them or destroy them humanely, but never dump them.

Notice of Annual AGM

 Cross-in-Hand Amenities Society

-NOTICE-

51st Annual General Meeting

to be held at the Lucas Memorial Hall, Waldron

on

25th April 2024 at 19:30.

We are please to invite you to join us at the Annual General Meeting of the Cross-in-Hand Amenities Society.

All members are at liberty to nominate themselves or others for any of the positions on the Committee. We would ask anyone wishing to stand to contact our Membership Secretary, Mike Baker, in advance of the meeting.

Following the meeting, members are invited to socialise with a glass of wine or a soft drink, which will be provided free-of-charge.

If you wish to confirm your attendance, or alternatively to offer your apologies, please send an email to mikefbaker@hotmail.com or telephone 01435 866253.

Coverage in the Sussex Express

We were as pleased as we were surprised to see the hard work of our our volunteers recognised in the Sussex Express today in their 12/01/2024 daily edition.

If you were impressed and inspired about what you read in the Sussex Express article, and you'd like to contribute your time and effort by getting involved, our next working party is Saturday 20th January where we will be continuing with the important clearance work of felling and clearing invasive Cherry laurel and Rhododendron, thus freeing up the woodland to replenish itself naturally with those native species that should normally be found there.

If it is your first time joining us, we work from approximately 10am to 3pm and are currently working at the top of the woods near the St. Bartholomew's Church. Do come down and donate as much (or as little) of your time as you wish; our friendly bunch are always most grateful for any help! We’ll be working in teams of no more than six - bring your own tools (good gloves absolutely essential) but, as usual, we can always loan out loppers, rakes, saws etc. if needed. 

If there are any doubts just follow the smoke and ask for Mike!

Darch's Wood Work Parties: Saturday 14th and Saturday 28th October

After a humungous clearance effort on our last outing, we’re continuing our laser-like focus on clearing brash from Plot 1A. 

Last session we were joined by Nathan and Harry, two army cadets making their voluntary service contribution and who, along with our regular ‘A Team’ helped to clear several large areas and safely manage a total of six bonfires. Well done all! 

Despite all the good work there’s still lots to do, so we can’t rest on our cherry laurels (!) and if you can spare an hour or two, or longer, you’re more than welcome to join us any time after 09:00 on either Saturday 14th October or again on Saturday 28th October 2023. We’ll be working in teams of no more than six - bring your own tools (gloves essential) but, as usual, we can always loan out loppers, rakes, saws etc. if needed. 

Hope to see you there – follow the smoke!

Darch's Wood Work Parties: Saturday 23rd and 30th September 2023

We’ve got a couple of work party sessions planned for the remainder of September if you’d like to join us. 

 After a really hot (and subsequently short) previous outing, we’ve reached the bottom edge of 'Area 1a' at a fairly steep drop-off to a side ghyll that runs beneath the boardwalk. It’s a beautiful area of the wood and one that’s been totally inaccessible for years. We’ll be continuing our clearance efforts along this ridge line for the next couple of sessions. 

Below left, the glowing remains of cut brash and right, what might be mistaken for an elephant on tiptoe but is actually a huge multi-stemmed beech (with bracket fungus) recently liberated from the surrounding evil rhododendron and cherry laurel. 

If you can spare an hour or two, or longer, you’re welcome to come and have some fun AND make a difference in your community! Join us any time after 09:00 on Saturday 23rd and again on Saturday 30th September 2023. We’ll be working in teams of no more than six: bring your own tools if you own any (however, a good pair of gloves are essential) and, as usual, we can always loan out loppers, rakes, saws etc. if needed. 

 Hope to see you there: as usual, just follow the smoke (or use this map...!).

Recent Sightings

This Spring and Summer we have had some exciting new species turn up in the wood! 

• Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) are a species of bird very closely associated with water courses. Absolutely gorgeous and unmistakable in their lemon yellow and grey plumage, they are most often to be seen flicking their tails whilst hunting for insects at a waterfall or weir or relaxing on a lily pad, or else their distinctive, high-pitched "chee-chick" calls can be heard. Darch's Wood is lucky to have become home to a pair which have nested near the pond in recent years.
• Welsh Oak Longhorn Beetle (Pyrrhidium sanguineum) is usually a resident far further west in Britain than Sussex, and even then uncommon, the Welsh Oak Longhorn Beetle appears to be expanding its range significantly eastwards and has recently been sighted in Darch's Wood! This longhorn beetle requires dead wood in which to lay its eggs, and as the larvae hatch they help to recycle nutrients within the wood by breaking down fallen trees. Oak is their tree species of preference, and hence the beetle was recorded where a large oak was felled by strong winds.
• Early Mining Bee (Andrena haemorrhoa) is charismatic, foxy-brown-coloured bee species that can be seen as Winter turns to Spring (hence the name), digging tiny burrows in the bare, drier patches of sandy soil next to the pond. In these burrows they lay an egg, plug the hole with pollen, and then leave the emergent grub to fend for itself! Solitary bees, these lovely ladies are often seen nesting alone, but groups of females do occur, even though these groups are never very big. Don't worry, they cannot sting you!

Have you seen something here in the woods? Are you relatively confident in identifying it? If so, we would absolutely love to know about it!

In the first instance, please consider downloading the iRecord app with which you can take a photo, upload it and have it verified by a professional. Then, once you're done, post your photos to your Instagram account and tag us or post them on our Facebook page. Alternatively email them to us at cihamsoc@gmail.com. We love seeing what you discover in the woods!

Welsh Oak Longhorn Beetle (Pyrrhidium sanguineum) in Darch's Wood.

Volunteers Needed! Darch's Wood Working Party 04/03/2023

The woods have been a hive of activity of late: those venturing into the wood since last Thursday, you might have noticed a few changes.

The guys from Agrifactors have been busy completing non-native invasive Rhododendron ponticum clearance in section '2d' and have given the main ride (i.e. the eastern side of the wood running down from St Bart's Church) a goodly trim. The brash has been left in situ, but the rhododendron is down and on the ground.
 
As such, and it will take a number of sessions to clear, we are able to continue our working party activities beyond the normal cessation date of March 31^st and into the spring months.
 
If you can spare an hour or two, we will commence what’s going to be a massive tidy-up this coming Saturday March 4^th.
 
We'd love to see you there: uphill from the pond at around 10:30.
 
We’ll be working in teams of no more than six: bring your own tools (gloves essential) but, as usual, we can always loan out loppers, rakes, saws etc. if needed.
 
Just follow the smoke to its source!

Non-Native Invasive Species Clearance

As I am sure you will all have noticed, our amazing community of volunteers have been very busy maintaining and improving Darch’s Wood, ensuring its future as a community asset and keeping it open and accessible to the public for all to enjoy.

Those who attended our AGMs in April 2022 and Sept 2021 will already be aware that we have been working with English Woodlands Forestry to shape a new five-year 'Woodland Plan’ that complies with Forestry Commission standards. The plan was approved last year and we are now taking steps to implement it, drawing on grants through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Rural Payments Agency.

The new plan includes both Revenue and Capital items. 

• Revenue items include such things as: Opening up some of the rides to attract more birds, insects and butterflies, and to allow wild flowers to thrive. Freeing up some of our biggest ‘Veteran Trees’, by clearing the undergrowth around them. 

• Capital items include: Works to drainage and clearing Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron, which have run rampant in certain areas of the wood! (This work would be undertaken jointly between English Woodlands Forestry, the Amenities Society and a woodland contractor).

During February (commencing from Thursday 23rd) and later in the Autumn, we will be working with a contractor to clear the Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron ponticum from a number of areas in the wood to deliver on commitments in the Forestry Commission approved plan. This work is vital in enabling the removal of highly invasive, non-native species, and will enable us to replace them with native trees and shrubs that will enhance the biodiversity and therefore the future of Darch’s wood.

If you would like to know more, please contact us via email.

CHAS Chair – Steve Thompsett

cihamsoc@gmail.com

It's Funghi Season!

It's funghi season, and after the driest summer in many, many years the recent rains have caused the funghi in Darch's Wood to really start putting on a show (they love wet weather!). 

We are by no means experts, or even amateurs, but via both the Collins Funghi Guide and the Woodland Trust's website we think we have managed to tentatively identify one or two of these as:

• Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida),
• Yellow Stags-horn (Calocera viscosa),
• Blusher (Amanita rubescens).

If you know better which of these are which, please feel free to comment below; we're only too happy to learn!

MINUTES OF THE 49TH AGM OF THE CROSS IN HAND AMENITIES SOCIETY

 MINUTES OF THE 49^TH AGM OF

THE CROSS IN HAND AMENITIES SOCIETY

HELD ON 7^TH APRIL 2022

AT THE LUCAS HALL, WALDRON

1.    Apologies for absence: Lynette Baker, Jenny Wakefield-Warren, Kevin Benton, Gillian Child, Ruth Gibson, Jean Grafham, Colin & Liz Guthrie, Amanda Hamblin, Simon & Jane Leney, Mark & Cam Nichols, Anne Oliver, Mike Pickard, Alan & Gwen Pugh, Howard & Toni Hills-Page.

2.    Appointment of Chairman: Steve Thompsett was nominated by Lin Plant and seconded by Janet Reader and accepted by all present.

3.    Nomination and Appointment of Committee: There being no new nominations, the present committee of Lin Plant (Vice Chairman), Janet Reader (Treasurer),  Mike Baker (Membership Secretary), – all Trustees – Jenny Wakefield-Warren (in her absence and with her agreement), Jo Eaton-Brown, Philippa Pigache and Nicky Thompsett were accepted.

4.    Approval of the Minutes of the Last AGM: Held in September 2021 (delayed due to Covid)  These were accepted by all present.

5.    Matters arising: No actions were outstanding.

6.    Chairman’s Report: ST reported on all activities that have taken place in the last six months. 

The work in conjunction with the Parish Council has all been completed and the Contractor, Chris Davis of Agrifactors, continues to support us. Dangerous trees have been removed, steps rebuilt at the lower end of the wood and much needed drainage work has been carried out, as well as the spraying regrowth of rhododendron that will start shortly.

 
We have new green signs at all entrances, reminding visitors that the Wood is owned by the community and managed by a Charity committee. 

ST thanked Mike Baker and volunteers, who have done a sterling job of working parties clearing rhododendron and laurel. 

Jo Eaton-Brown continues to provide seasonal posters showing what to look for in the Wood.  

We have planted another 200 saplings, donated via the Countryside Volunteers, along with a further 100, all planted by MB, J & J Eaton-Brown.

ST & LP met with representatives of the High Weald AONB, who wanted to see the work carried out under grants given by Sussex Lund, which were secured by our late Chairman, John Plant.  They were very impressed with the work completed, and took lots of photos to include in future information.

Following the donation of over £10,000 from the Co-Op. along with smaller amounts from members, work on replacing the boardwalk should start in the near future.  Our contractor has the sleepers in preparation and should begin when the weather is suitable.

The Woodland Plan was discussed later in the meeting.

 
7.    Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer gave her report, which was accepted by the members.

8.    Membership Status: MB reported that we currently have 144 members, some of whom are still due to renew their subscription.

9.    Darch’s Wood update: ST showed some slides of the work done in the Wood, including some maps.  There are links on the Website to the 1947 map from the air. 

10. Forestry Commission Woodland Plan:  ST gave details of the application for funding for the total removal of rhododendron and laurel in the Wood.  This is considered necessary, as the Wood would be overwhelmed if we do nothing.  There are two parts to the grant: the first is to do various things yearly, such as widen the rides (paths), squirrel catching and deer management. The largest part of the grant, £40,000, is for the eradication of the non-native species (rhododendron and laurel). Josh Diplock, from the team who will help manage the works, answered various questions from members and a vote was taken, and it was agreed to go ahead with the grant.

11. Jubilee Picnic:  LP said that it had been suggested to hold a low-key picnic in the Wood for the Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5^th June, as there were many other events taking place.  People should bring their own picnics, no disposable BBQs allowed, any time from 12pm to 5pm.  LP will arrange bunting and perhaps a few simple games for children – helpers welcome.  It was agreed to go ahead with this picnic. 

12. AOB: Two metal detectorists came along and brought a box frame containing some of their finds in the Wood.  They were unable to detect anything under the paths, due to metal in the planings. They also found some badly damaged George III coins. 

LP mentioned that a glade of Rowan trees had been purchased, using the last monies from the memorial collection for John Plant.  These were due to be planted any time now.  N.B. – The trees were actually planted the day before the AGM by the Pond.

13. Members questions: A member suggested that we could have a stall at the French Market and/or the Heathfield Show.  We would need volunteers to man such stalls. 

A question was raised about what happens to trees chopped down.  These generally should be left in situ to help diversification in the Wood. Josh Diplock said that the contractors would mulch any leftovers when removing the rhododendrons, etc. It was also asked if the 'Spiney Forest' could be kept. JD said that the Forestry Commission were highly unlikely to agree to this, as they could cross pollinate and cause more regrowth of the unwanted rhododendron.  Another question was raised about solitary bees losing habitat.  ST said that a bee expert, Martin Jenner, had given a talk at the previous AGM, and he said that clearing the wood in non-native species and opening the rides would be highly beneficial to bees. Therefore the longer term benefit would outweigh any initial impacts. 

However, we would make every effort to ensure contractors removing the non-native species do so in a manner that minimises impacts as far as possible. 

The meting closed at 8.45 and guests had the opportunity to have refreshments, look at information displayed at the back of the hall and talk to the committee, Josh Diplock and the detectorists.

Bringing Winter 2021/22 to a Close

As spring approaches, we have one last Saturday session before the bird nesting season brings a
halt to our clearance operations. The weather is set to be glorious, so, if you can spare an hour or two to help us clear Cherry laurel and Rhododendron, we’d be super-glad to see you this coming

SATURDAY 26TH MARCH 2022

 
As usual, we’ll be working in teams of no more than six - bring your own tools (gloves essential), although we have loppers, rakes, and saws to loan out if required.
 
See you there - meet at the pond around 10:30 - follow the smoke.

We're Nearly Finished! (Nearly...)

First of all, a big thank you to all who turned out last Saturday – we've got our compartment finished and it's looking good! This large area, from the pond up to Back Lane, has been cleared of Rhododendron ponticum and Cherry Laurel as per the photograph below taken by our chairman Steve Thompsett. The regrowth will soon be sprayed by Agrifactors and we can then continue with the replanting of native species later in the year; bluebells are already starting to push through and should be a sight to see in a few weeks time.

 
Although we’ve completed this section, it’s no time to sit on our 'cherry laurels' (sorry) and, with a few Saturdays in hand before we need to stop in time for the start of the bird nesting season, we propose moving our focus slightly south across the path and again working uphill from the pond.
 
If you can spare an hour or two, come and help us out  this coming Saturday 12^th March 2022.
 
We will be working in teams of no more than six - bring your own tools (gloves essential), although we have loppers, rakes, and saws to loan out if required.
 
See you there - meet at the pond around 10:30 - follow the smoke!