Plans to restore Cuilfail habitat after more than 30 mature trees felled

The trees were felled along the border between Cuilfail and Lewes Golf Course last month.

They grew alongside the footpath leading from Chapel Hill to the top of Cliffe Hill and Glyndebourne beyond, and provided a habitat for many species including tawny owls and bats.

The felling of the trees caused an uproar from residents and walkers who took to social media and emailed their concerns to Lewes District Council, SDNP and the golf club.

Adrian Ross, Lewes District ward councillor, and Matthew Bird, LDC cabinet member for sustainability, met with residents, the district council tree officer, the SDNP ranger, the golf club, and the owners of the Cuilfail property.

Mr Ross said: “As a Green Party councillor, I’m deeply saddened by this loss of habitat. But unfortunately, none of these trees were protected and the Cuilfail residents were within their rights to do what they have done.

“Although they didn’t order the work – and none of the large trees in question were on their land – Lewes Golf Club has committed to me to work with the SDNP ranger and restore this habitat as quickly and sensitively as possible.

“They have also promised to alert me and the ranger to any future requests for work on or adjacent to their land.”

Mr Ross and the golf club are now in discussions with the SDNP ranger, Jan Knowlson, to look at ways the wildlife corridor can be re-established.

Mr Ross added: “I’m delighted that the golf club will restore and replant this area for the benefit of wildlife and future generations. We might even be able to get local residents involved!”

Stephen Olliver, chairman of Lewes Golf Club, said: “We are looking forward to continuing our projects with Jan Knowlson and the South Downs National Park which has already seen the restoration of an area of ancient woodland on part of the course.

“Two years ago, we planted a number of disease-free Elm trees. We are fortunate to have many species of wildlife living and nesting over our land and we also produce honey from our own bee hives.

“Next summer we plan to hold open walks across the course to demonstrate the work that has been undertaken by the club with the help of SDNP.”

Mr Bird said: “I will explore whether there is more that we could do to protect other trees like this around the town and district. And we are hoping to undertake large-scale tree planting as part of our Climate Action plan and biodiversity objectives.”