Volunteers needed to help restore rare water meadow habitat at Pierrepont Farm, Surrey

We need you! 

We need volunteers to join us for a series of summer work parties this August to help restore ecologically important water meadows at Pierrepont Farm in Frensham, Surrey.

Working parties will be from 9:30am to 3:30pm on August 8th, 12th, 15th, and 19th  to carry out the work on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at the farm.

SSSIs are among England’s most valuable habitats, supporting many rare and endangered species. The water meadows at Pierrepont were designated for their exceptional wetland flora, including early marsh orchid and devil’s-bit scabious. 

Helena Darragh, the CRT’s Head of Conservation, said: “The Site of Special Scientific Interest at Pierrepont Farm needs attention to ensure the rare flora that exists at the water meadows adjacent to the River Wey can flourish.  

“The plan is to cut and reduce the amount of lesser pond sedge and general grassy vegetation that currently dominate the low-lying areas of the SSSI.” 

Once the work is complete, we will be able to better manage the SSSI with careful conservation grazing, where sheep and cattle keep the dominant plant species under control, allowing orchids, meadowsweet, water mint and other damp-loving vegetation to grow through. 

Helena added: “The working parties are essential to give us a good starting base for the conservation grazing, and we need lots of volunteers to help at four working sessions at the farm.” 

No experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved. Volunteers will help cut and stack vegetation using lightweight tools. All equipment will be provided. Our staff will be on hand to guide the work, and tea, coffee and cake will be available throughout the day. 

Please sign up to register here Practical Conservation Volunteer (Help Restore Pierrepont Water Meadow) | Countryside Regeneration Trust Volunteering or just let the CRT know by emailing: [email protected] 

Wearing a pair of wellie boots or another similar waterproof footwear is recommended. Please meet at Pierrepont Farm farmyard, The Reeds Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 3BS W3W: ///albums.locator.magnum  
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If you want to help us protect local wildlife and habitats, you can join as a CRT Friend, attend our in-person and online events and volunteer on one of our farms. You can also sign-up to our monthly newsletter 'CRT News' for regular updates from our farms, straight to your inbox.