Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, recently met with the Woodland Trust in Brede High Woods to learn more about their work in environmental conservation.
During the visit, Kieran was given a tour around the beautiful landscapes Brede High Woods has to offer by the site manager, Helen Osario. Kieran also learnt about the process of restoring ancient woodland: firstly, removing invasive species to prevent further decline, then recovering the wider ecosystem through introducing a greater diversity of plant species within that area, and finally working to ensure that the ecosystem can begin to self-regulate.
The visit highlighted the importance of human intervention in natural regeneration to the environment. Restoring ancient woodland is a long-term process and needs to adapt as things change. The aim isn’t to recreate the past, but to help these special woodlands become healthier and more resilient for generations to come.
Kieran also heard about work the Woodland Trust do in protecting urban trees and woodlands, to ensure everyone has access to nature.
Speaking after the visit, Kieran said:
“It was a pleasure to walk round the site at Brede High Woods, taking in the scenery and learning about all the hard work that goes into environmental conservation. I believe that access to nature is so important for health and wellbeing, and I am proud to support organisations like the Woodland Trust who protect areas of natural beauty so they can be enjoyed by visitors for decades to come.”
Dr James Cooper, Head of External Affairs at the Woodland Trust said:
“The Woodland Trust has a proud history of land management and community engagement in East Sussex, and appreciated the opportunity to take Dr Kieran Mullan around one of the best demonstrations of ancient woodland restoration in England. We look forward to working with Kieran in future to raise the profile of important sites like Brede High Woods, and the need to protect and restore ancient woodland more widely, amongst parliamentary colleagues and in parliament where possible.
