We believe that Oldhouse Warren faces many threats, despite the withdrawal of the proposed Center Parcs development recently.
We believe that Oldhouse Warren is in crisis, and predict an imminent and major wave of species extinctions if the Warren cannot be brought into purposeful conservation management. As such, our key aims are:
● Forest Management - to preserve the integrity of the forest and press for conservation management urgently ● Planning – pressing for planning changes and monitoring of the planning process ● Change of ownership – explore the possibility of conservation ownership
Major Threats
Whilst Center Parcs have gone, there may be attempts to build smaller leisure oriented developments or the site could be divided up as lots, limiting conservation management and public access, and any monitoring of wildlife and heritage assets.
There is significant neglect of veteran trees and destruction and neglect of the high value rides system. Most significantly, we predict an imminent wave of extinctions. A whole suite of species which would have been widespread and characteristic in Oldhouse Warren, often dependent on the managed semi-natural rides system, have sunk towards the point of disappearance in recent years.
These at-risk species include: - Betony, Bilberry, Bristle Club Rush, Brook Lamprey, Brown Trout, Bullhead, Chaffweed, Cross Leaved Heather, Dark Stonewort, Devil's Bit, Glow Worm, Green Tiger Beetle, Handsome Woollywort, Harebell, Heath Milkwort, Heath Rush, Least Pouncewort, Lousewort, Marsh Horsetail, Marsh Violet, Pale Sedge, Slender Parsley Piert...and many more. We predict their imminent extinction on-site, if remedial conservation action is not taken rapidly.
AONB’s and Ancient Woodlands are highly protected under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Mid Sussex District Plan. We must ensure that this historic woodland is safe.
Read our Value & Risk statement to understand the threats Oldhouse Warren faces and the case for conservation ownership.