First stage of Chailey Commons restoration complete

The commons support many endangered birds, such as breeding Nightjar and Dartford warbler.

But their natural heathlands habitat is at threat as it is being invaded by birch scrub and bracken, which is slowly squeezing out the heather, a process which has been repeated on heathlands throughout the UK for around two centuries.

The work by East Sussex County Council involves clearing birch trees by machine and scraping away bracken.

The cleared areas were then seeded with heather collected from other parts of the commons.

Councillor Matthew Lock, Lead Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: 'I am delighted to see the completion of the first phase of these works. It will will help to protect this valuable habitat and the endangered species of birds that rely on it'

Around seven per cent of the Britain's heathlands are in the Weald and the county council will soon be embarking on a large scale consultation process to re-introduce grazing to help maintain the commons. The Council is also intending to promote guided walks.