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.
REFERENCES
Abraham, F., Briggs, M., Harmes, P., Hoare, A., Knapp, A, Lording, T., Scott, B., Shaw, M., Streeter, D. and Sturt, N. 2018. The Flora of Sussex. Pisces, Newbury. Bangs, D. 2018. The Land of the Brighton Line. Bishops, Portsmouth. Bannister, N. 2022. Oldhouse Warren, Worth Forest, West Sussex summary historic landscape character and a heritage asset statement. High Weald AONB Partnership. 37p. Mallalieu, M. and Scott-Ham, M. 2022. 2020-2021 Honey-buzzard survey. Sussex Bird Report 2021, 232-242. Sussex Ornithological Society. Rose, F. 1999. Indicators of ancient woodland: The use of vascular plants in evaluating ancient woods for nature conservation. British Wildlife, 19, 241 - 251. Sussex Fungal Group. https://www.sussexfungusgroup.co.uk/fungi-of-worth-forest