Over the last year, twenty-five green-fingered volunteers have been working hard in Horley to not only conserve and manage green spaces, but also improve them too.

We caught up with Kevin Lerwill, People and Wildlife Officer, from Gatwick Greenspace Partnership to hear more about this great local group and also find out how like-minded local readers can get involved:

Why was the Horley Conservation Group created?
The Horley Conservation Group (HCG) was set up in 2014 by the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership (GGP), with support from Horley Town Council and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, to improve the existing green spaces in and around Horley and to help manage the Riverside Green Chain, which is the name being given to the new conservation area to the north of Horley.

Can you tell us a little about projects that HCG has been involved in?
In the first year, the HCG has helped to clear invasive rhododendrons from woodland and Himalayan balsam plants from riverbanks, coppice willow and elder trees, plant new native trees, create pond shelters for invertebrates, remove rubbish and plant bulbs at a local primary school, amongst other tasks.

What projects are you planning on working on next?
From September, the group will be concentrating on woodland management tasks, such as coppicing and clearing more Rhododendron in Langshott Wood and elsewhere.

If local residents would like to get involved, can they?
Yes! Horley now has its own group to help look after and improve its green spaces and it’s easy to join in… No special skills or knowledge are required, just a desire to help local wildlife and work with friendly, like-minded people.

To find out more, or volunteer your time, to benefit our community, call Kevin on: 01293 550730 or email: kevinlerwill@sussexwt.org.uk.