Crowborough Country Park LNR
Crowborough Country Park is a 7.15ha (18 acre) Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in the Jarvis Brook area of Crowborough.
It is a perfect escape for a peaceful dog walk or a magical place for a family picnic.
The history of the park
The park started life as a clay quarry serving the brickworks that closed in 1980. Evidence of its industrial past can still be seen by the interesting topography on the site. The site of the brickworks was developed into an industrial estate and housing and the quarry was left to natural regeneration.
The quarry was largely unmanaged until 2008 when Crowborough Town Council acquired the site. It has been the council’s priority to open up the park for public access and to ensure appropriate conservation: Tracks and bridges were installed and an ecological survey was commissioned.
What is happening now?
In June 2008 a Ranger was appointed to manage the park and a 5 year conservation management plan was put into action. During 2009 £40,000 was raised through grants to support the development of the park which resulted in new benches, interpretation boards, a circular way-marked trail, a new leaflet, a new pond and pond-dipping platform. A great deal of volunteer work was also undertaken including a 2 week project where 16 – 25 year olds were taught how to fell trees with bow saws. Numerous guided walks, presentations and events were also held.
Emma has worked hard to involve the local community by helping to establish a Friends group for the site. In March 2010 this group evolved to become “Crowborough Conservation” changing their remit to support not only the Country Park but also other natural sites in the town.
What can you I see there?
A diverse mosaic of habitats are present in the park including dry and wet woodland, remnant ancient coppice, wet marshy areas, streams, grassy and heathy glades, ponds, rock outcrops & slippages. The main stream on site runs through a steep rocky gorge before flowing through areas of ancient hazel and ash coppice and there is also a carpet of bluebells in the spring. These habitats form homes for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
For information please contact:
Emma Newman, Ranger
Tel. (01892) 652907 emma@crowboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk
with thanks to British Dragonfly society - Sussex Group and Ben Rainbow for allowing us to use the photograph of the Golden-ringed Dragonfly