conduit woods

about conduit woods

Conduit Woods is an 11-acre parcel of semi-ancient natural woodland in the High Weald of Sussex, near Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint.
Rich with oak, ash, hazel and other native trees, it is shaped by a seasonal chalk stream and supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna.In a time of shrinking habitats, these woods are home to many rare and precious species.The land carries both ecological and human history. It has been lovingly tended by a local elder for generations and is now in the care of passionate guardians who seek to support traditional land management practices to sustain thriving biodiversity.Our approach is low impact, with nature connection and education at the core.Entwined with land stewardship is the cultivation of a living, intergenerational local community: people of different ages and backgrounds caring together for the things we value, deepening our relationship with the land, and with one another.We see regenerating the woodland as vital for all the wildlife, but also for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our communities.

Caring for the Woodland

Like much woodland in the area, Conduit has been significantly affected by ash dieback.
We are committed to caring for the trees that can be supported, removing those that pose risks to safety, and encouraging natural and supported regeneration so that a healthy new generation of trees can establish and flourish.We are currently in a major regeneration phase, felling, clearing, and arranging regeneration and restocking from locally sourced, healthy young trees.

Alongside this work, we are passionate about the revival of traditional woodland skills and land management practices. We are bringing the woods back into a living hazel coppice rotation — a practice that supports exceptional biodiversity and reconnects us with materials and rhythms that our ancestors relied upon.We are also creating dead wood habitats and renewing the hedgerow around the whole perimeter, supporting even more biodiversity.Through thoughtful management, the woodland can once again become structurally diverse, resilient, and alive with birds, insects, plants, and fungi.

“The health of the land is in the
balance of the people,
the balance of the people is the
health of the land.”
— Traditional saying from North America

Current Work

• Felling dead ash trees for safety and long-term regeneration
• Restoring neglected coppice areas• Supporting native regeneration and restocking where needed• Creating dead wood habitats• Renewing hedgerows and woodland edges• Improving access and maintaining woodland paths• Baseline habitat and species surveying• Support old oak trees reach veteran status through good management• Creation and installation of owl boxes

getting involved

We have regular volunteer days where you can come and look after the woods, learn skills, and connect with like-minded people.We welcome people of all ages and backgrounds who feel drawn to caring for land, learning traditional woodland skills, and being part of a living local community.Fill in the simple form below to receive news and get involved...

Donations support:

- ash die back management
- native planting and tree guards
- habitat improvement work
- access and path improvements
- tools and safety equipment

• donate

We have had a successful site visit from the South Downs national park planning authority, who are aware of our project and with whom we have clear and respectful communication.
It is agreed that this project aligns with the vision of the park, to protect and preserve nature and support accessibility for local people.

A Living Legacy

These woods represent the legacy of Hannelore Kettle, who passed in January 2025.
She was a deeply kind and generous woman, and it feels fitting that her gift continues in the form of care for
life, land, and community.

Thank you

We are interconnected.
We belong here.
We can tend life well.
Together, when we care for the places around us, our capacity for positive change grows.