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. . . . . .
A few years back WAG took on the conservation of a disused gravel pit that was last used to provide
material for the elevated part of the Littlehampton bypass. It aimed to conserve the wildlife interest in a site of natural
importance.
. . . . . .Slindon Common Sandpits are situated just to the north
of the main A27 trunk road. Extraction of sand and gravel ended in 1998 and,
since then, conservation bodies have become aware of its importance as a wildlife
site - especially for its populations of solitary bees and wasps. A survey in
1999 recorded 10 Red Book species - i.e. nationally rare - and 34 nationally
scarce species, plus one species never before recorded in this country.
. . . . . .
The site is suitable for these insects because there is
a good supply of food and, principally, because of the areas of open sand in
which they can burrow to form their nests. If no management were to take place,
the whole site would eventually scrub over and revert to woodland.
. . . . . .
Walberton Action Group drew up a Management Plan
which set the priorities for management. They included the cutting and pulling plants
invading the open areas, control of unauthorised use of motor bikes, creation and
management of woodland glades to encourage flowering plants providing nectar, and the
the coppicing of birch woodland to create a cycle of ages to create habitat piles for amphibians.
. . . . . .
However, for these proposals to be realised, the site needed to be protected on a long term
basis and major resources (both money and manpower) would be needed. Initially, the landowners
cooperated in the carrying out of conservation tasks by groups of volunteers organised by WAG
and supported by BTCV and the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. Unfortunately, it has not been
possible to secure the necessary funding, despite the importance of the site.
. . . . . .
In 2002, the landowners expressed the need to find some profitable use of this land and have
now leased the site to an organisation which organises trail driving for 4X4 vehicles. This has
proved popular and the concentrated use of the site for this purposed has resulted in considerable
erosion and there is the danger that the inherent conservation value of the site may be compromised.
Local residents have also voiced their concern over the noise, dust and increased volumes of
traffic on event days.
. . . . . .
Working closely with the Sussex Downs Conservation Board, WAG have succeeded in ensuring
that the more sensitive parts of the site will be protected from damage by the 4X4s. The two
groups continue to visit the site from time to time to conserve the more important areas by
keeping the scrub at bay. In due course it may also be possible to coppice some of the woodland
areas to enhance the value and diversity of the site.
. . . . . .
If you would like to help with the work on site, please contact Angela Shepherd of the SDCB
on 01243 811533.
. . . . . .
Regular working parties were arranged, with support
from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and the Sussex Downs
Conservation Board.
. . . . . .
Unfortunately the owners of he land accepted an offer to allow the land to be used
for training for 4-wheel drive vehicles so, for the time being, the scheme is in abeyance.
Peter Brown.
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