Local Wildlife Sites are identified and selected locally using robust, scientifically-determined criteria and detailed ecological surveys. As a result, these special and often secret spaces have a huge part to play in the natural green fabric of our towns and countryside. They make up a web of stepping stones and corridors for wildlife, forming key components of ecological networks. Hastings is well-endowed with LWS, and in this talk, Andy Phillips will explore the distinctiveness and significance of these sites, from his personal experience and field research.

Andy is a freelance ecologist and naturalist with over 40 years experience studying the natural history of Hastings and the surrounding area, carrying out ecological surveys, biodiversity audits and writing management plans for nature reserves. He is lead ecologist at Great Dixter. Previous roles have included as Sussex Biodiversity Officer, the Sussex Co-ordinator for the British Arachnological Society and Hastings Nature Reserve officer for Hastings Borough Council. While working for HBC he declared 4 Local Nature Reserves including HCPNR, set up the Friends of Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, co-wrote the Hastings Biodiversity Action Plan, wrote or co-wrote three of the previous management plans for Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, and supervised many biodiversity surveys within the reserve.