Silt Traps
Two silt traps have been constructed at the upstream extent of the channel. By being deeper and wider than the channel which feeds them, they slow down the flow and allow suspended particles to drop onto the base of the trap. It is these particles which carry the pollutants into the stream and we will be testing the sediment collected within these and those downstream to ensure that the environment is being cleaned. Many of these pollutants enter via the road drainage network and include petrochemicals, heavy metals and rubber compounds. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
Urban Wildlife
The project aims to raise awareness of urban wildlife and create greater connections between the site and the surrounding area. We have a library of MyNatureWatch camera traps for residents of the surrounding area to borrow and see what is living in their garden. We aim to create to hedgehog friendly streets around the site (where hedgehogs are known to be) to allow movement of this highly endangered species through the landscape. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
Tree Planting
The project wants to work with local volunteers to plant 1000 trees across the site. These will form small woodland blocks linking existing habitats and providing areas of screening. In addition, trees will be planted along the new river channel to provide shade which is increasingly important in relation to increasing temperatures in our rivers. Trees play an important part of river habitat, binding banks together, providing natural woody debris and forming root systems which provide habitat to invertebrates. Along with our hedgerow planting this will contribute to over 11,000 planted trees and shrubs across the site. For more information and to get involved in helping us plant contact us at epic@oart.org.uk
Hedgerow
To connect the existing hedge lines and demarcate the footpath over 2km of new hedgerow will be created on site. This will provide fantastic new wildlife corridors for small mammals, hedgehogs, birds and bats which are found on site whilst allowing conservation grazing to be undertaken on the new meadows. Hedgerows are important landscape features which act as windbreaks, prevent soil erosion and slow the flow of surface water across fields. We need your help to plant the 10,000 hedgerow plants across the site so join our mailing list or register your interest at epic@oart.org.uk
Flint Tools
In collaboration with the Worthing Archaeological Society we are undertaking archaeological walkovers of the site, seeking to find flint tools and other artefacts which can provide more information on the sites history. So far we have found arrowheads, an axe head, scrapers and even a rare pestle. All of this is being collated into a pop-up museum which will be touring around the Worthing area soon. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
Willow Hide
Creating this new environment and its associated habitats is meant to be enjoyed by all, the site will provide access to natural greenspace and, we hope, inspire a greater connection between the urban and rural areas. We want people to be able to enjoy the space and the wildlife that it offers and a living willow hide is being installed to provide a quiet space to watch the local birdlife. Weaving willow is a traditional skill and we will be working with local experts and inviting the local community to come along and get involved in building this structure which will develop and change over time. We are also running other workshops where you can weave garden bird feeders for use at home. Get in touch for more information epic@oart.org.uk
Ecology
We are really keen to see how the new environment improves the biodiversity of the site. From bird and bat surveys to reptile monitoring and bioblitz events there is plenty for everyone to get involved in, see some local wildlife and get hands on with local experts who are providing training in survey methods, species recording and identification. So whether young or not so young, experienced or a complete novice, we want to enable everyone to get involved and learn more about the wildlife on your doorstep. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
The River
The project has re-routed the course of the Broadwater Brook which flows from the village of Sompting to Brooklands Lake on the south coast. For decades this spring fed stream has been in pipes and become degraded by the urban pressures of its location. The realignment has created 950m of new channel and 2ha of wetland habitat and with the provision of silt traps to capture urban pollution this will create a healthy, clean and diverse environment for wildlife. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
The Meadow
Previously used to produce maize, in 2020 the surrounding fields will be transformed into wildflower meadows which will then have low intensity grazing used as a management tool. These wildflower meadows will provide a vital resource for pollinators and we are keen to get people involved in their creation through hand sowing and using the modern day version of traditional seed fiddles. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
Harvest Mice
Our Helping Hands for Harvest Mice project is monitoring the on-site population of this enigmatic and rarely seen species to see how our works impact on their patterns of behaviour. Working with two local mammal experts we are inviting the community to get involved in small mammal trapping and harvest mouse nest searches so we can see how they are moving around the site. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
The seating area
We want the local communities and residents to have a space where they can relax and enjoy time with family and friends. A seating area will be created at the end of the footpath for this purpose. Working with a West Sussex based sculptor we are encouraging local people to come and get involved in the design of a bench which will reflect the natural and cultural heritage of the area. For more information email us epic@oart.org.uk
Wooden Marker Posts
Used to define changes in on-site habitat we are working with local sculptor Janine Creaye to transform the local communities thoughts on local cultural and natural heritage into on-site artworks. The project is running workshops and drop in sessions to hear what people’s experiences are of the local area and to capture stories of days gone by. These sculptures will be placed along the river trail to form an interesting talking point for our visitors.