Green Space Action Team - Blunts Wood

IT ISN'T UNTIL you retire, or just stop working that you realise how many of your routines are built around work, when do you do your shopping, washing, and many other activities.   You then have to start writing new routines and behaviors, for the first time in 32 years I suddenly understand what "the weekend" means.   Whilst writing those new routines I found The Green Space Team, working with the Mid Sussex Rangers.

The Green Space Action Team work around Mid Sussex reclaiming public green space.   I went on a run around Haywards Heath and decided to go through Clair Park on the way back.   This was when I noticed their poster saying they were going to be there and encouraging community volunteers to help them.   They operate between 10:00 and 12:00 (noon) on Thursdays.

I thought this was an opportunity to network, learn some new skills, and enjoy a few hours out in the morning doing something worthwhile and giving the people of Haywards Heath something worthwhile in the process.   I couldn't do the first event at Clair Park due to working, but was free for the second at Blunts Wood.

You don't know what you are going to do until you turn up on the day.   Blunts wood was to repair fencing around a pond to protect the local Great Crested Newts.   The stakes for the fence had been pulled up, fence destroyed and dogs were having a great time running in and out of the pond.

Nearby there was a footpath that was overgrown with blackthorn, so the aim was to cut it all back, drag the blackthorn to the gap around the pond and use that to build the dead hedge, which explained to me why it's called a dead hedge.

With 13 volunteers all playing an integral part in the restoration we had the blackthorn under control, footpath resorted and usable again, and the new hedge firmly in place to protect the pond and Great Crested Newts in no time (well two hours to be correct).  This type of dead hedge is also a really good home for the Brown Hairstreak Butterfly.

A very worthwhile and satisfying morning, I will be looking forward to the next project.

If you are interested in volunteering to help the Green Space Team, it's once a week on a Thursday between 10:00 and 12:00 (two hours).   You can email them direct for more information and they will send out dates, times, and locations.   You only need to attend the ones you can, there is no pressure.

Email:  rangers.midsussex@glendale-services.co.uk

 

 

 

Rediscovering the Trails: A Muddy Autumn Run Through Lindfield

TRAIL RUNNING isn’t just a sport  —it’s movement through nature, a rhythm of breath and footfall away from the hum of paved roads.   It’s where the air feels fresher, the terrain keeps you alert, and every run tells a story.   Today’s story unfolded in Lindfield.

The Route: Finches Lane to the Golf Course

I set out on a familiar yet long-neglected route, weaving through Finches Lane, crossing the golf course, and looping back into Lindfield. The goal? To reconnect with the trails and scout a link to Ardingly Reservoir — a route I’d recently discovered could be pieced together and allow me to run from my home address.

Despite a week of relentless rain, the mud wasn’t as treacherous as expected.   A few uphill sections had me walking to avoid slipping—especially since I was running solo. Safety first: I always let someone know my route and use Garmin’s live tracking for peace of mind.

Autumn Hazards and Trail Rewards

Trail running in autumn brings its own flavor of challenge.   Slippery mud, hidden roots, and low-hanging branches demand constant awareness.   But that’s part of the joy—adjusting your stride, engaging your core, and giving your ankles a workout they won’t get on tarmac.

The trails had changed since my last visit. Fallen trees that once blocked the way had been cleared, and new plantings hinted at restoration.   Though I lost my bearings briefly, I trusted the terrain and found my way to the golf course without issue.

From Bog to Beauty

The descent from the golf course into Lindfield was a pleasant surprise.   Ash and gravel had replaced the usual boggy mess, making for a smoother run.   But the final stretch - between two fences, downhill — was a reminder of trail running’s unpredictability.   Eroded paths, bricks, roots, and sudden steps kept me on my toes. Literally.

This kind of terrain teaches you to read the ground, react quickly, and stay light on your feet. It’s not just good for your ankles—it’s good for your soul.

 

 

The next chapter of life!

A FEW years ago the title of this blog should have changed from 50+ and running to 60+ and running!   But I think the time for change is here, especially as due to work commitments have left the site distinctly neglected.   Why the change?   Retirement!

All of the people who started working with me have now left, leaving me as the last man standing, sadly a few didn't make it to retirement, so I feel privileged to have done so.

The last working day was due to me being the only person in my role on duty, which meant I couldn't take the day off, and as expected it was a Saturday!   It was an interesting day full of banners, balloons, and food.   I got through the day as planned, but got floored at the end as everybody stood up and applauded when I left the room for the last time, that's nearly 90 people.

Leaving does make you think about your career, I have been in the job for 32 years and there has been a lot in my life over that period of time.    Professionally, there is a lot to be proud of, and I will be taking those memories with me, all of the challenges, achievements and some of the things that have occurred that you didn't plan for, otherwise known as the unintended consequences!

I had to complete the obligatory "exit interview", handing back my uniform, laptop, mobile phone and pass!   All of which makes you feel odd on your last few days, dressing differently and not having my normal presentation for the Daily Management Meeting.  I got the obligatory quick photo against the wall of the Command Team office which was put on the boards for everybody to see. 

I have suddenly realised how many of my routines and behaviors are based around working, 12 hour shifts  with little time between them to do anything.   Having to rewrite them and understanding what people mean by "the weekend".   But the time has come, do I have a retirement plan?   Yes I plan on running!

 Not just running but keeping fit and active in the process.    From here on it's about keeping fit and mobile, later in life and running to maintain that for as long as possible.

I have updated my mental health training, welfare office forum and attended an EA Development Day at Birmingham.   I have also joined the Green Space Team (more about that later).  So, I have been busy networking and doing what I want to do. 

 T shirt opposite is available from "Etsy", just in case you wondered!

I want to try and keep this up to date, I already have more stories, written and being worked on aiming to publish on Sundays.