Nature, Wildlife and Us

Selby Meadow is a Community Green Space, it's whole  persona is to offer free access to all, a small area of Sussex countryside, left wild to explore but managed by local volunteers.

To Access follow the side footpath of Oakley Court Selby Road Uckfield, Selby Meadow lays behind residents properties and boarders a Wildlife corridor to neighbouring Harland's development and Uckfield Hospital grounds.

Over the years the area has developed , providing areas designated for children,  introducing nature and wildlife to young visitors, plus safety and habitats for Wildlife to thrive.

People visit Selby Meadow on a regular basis, parents and guardians who may not otherwise have access to outdoor areas, local residents and visitors to the town come rest, chat, share a picnic and walk the small grounds.

We have recycle bins, seating and a grand central table that's made from fallen timber back in the great storm of 1987. There is no access to running water or public facilities, no room for cycling or mountain biking, no ball games, BBQ's or open fires allowed, so please respect this magical place by following these few simple rules, come prepared with doggy poop bags and clear up behind yourselves when leaving.   

                                       Thank you.

 

Our Volunteers span all age groups and abilities and without their dedication and support this area would not remain open. The land is tenanted on a rolling ten year lease from the Uckfield Town Council.

The great oak tree plus others in the grounds are protected by Tree preservation orders , the trees and hedgerows health and safety are managed by the land owners groundman but the rest of the areas upkeep and development is all done by volunteers, mainly made up from local residents. 

This allows freedom of expression and personal talents and abilities to shine, like the newly and ongoing  gnome garden. 

This is very much a 2025 introduction and it's proving to be a huge hit for visitors. 

We have an area dedicated to growing wild meadow flowers and sow seeds every spring. This year we had assorted seed mixes and added seed bombs for interest and included local families to join us by throwing them into the ready prepared soil.

We hold garden gathers throughout the year inviting locals to join us with general maintenance , upkeep and set projects. Selby Meadow is as much as building the community spirit as the meadow itself.

The area is used for promoting the preservation of nature and wildlife. It's also a great place for community get togethers and nag members try to hold a few seasonal community events throughout the year, it also is happy to support other family groups , charities and local organisations to use the area for small events and celebrations.

 

 

A Helping Hand

Much hard work, digging, planting, sowing, making and managing has taken place over many years to make the area as safe and appealing to all. Grants, fundraising and donations have been our only source of income to help support the Selby Meadow project over ten years ago and to our most recent Going Greener and Wildlife projects still in progress today.

Kind donations in support of our forest school, nature play area has had the most substantial boost from local builders and workers connected to the neighbouring housing development making a huge donation to the Meadow's child play area. With the introduction of a seat and balance wooden cricket, Bee and insect touch and feel finger maze and colour and see totem pole along with raised flower beds of sensory plants to offer a whole new aspect to what the meadow offers to the children and families that visit. Going Greener and Re Wilding has also taken place, supported by grants from The Chestnut Fund and Tesco's Ground Works Scheme.  Cob nut plants and native hedgerow whips have been planted along with fruit trees and ornamental trees also supported from previous grant obtained funding.

Wildlife habitats have been given a boost with the introduction of hedgehog houses, bird and bat boxes, a toad abode constructed and insect hotel built all adding to the connection and need  of the wildlife and people that share this outdoor space. 

Our work continues , there's much that still need's to be done and we are dedicated to achieve as much as possible with the resources available. 

With our Going Greener Campaign we aim to be a close to plastic free as possible and our Re Wilding to balance and repair damage caused through nature and development of the neighbouring area. To restore balance and harmony. Climate change, brings drier springs and hotter summers highlighting a need for a natural water collection point, our work is never done but it's all worth it.  We want generations to enjoy the freedom to explore and be at one with what nature right on their doorstep, just like we enjoy today.

Selby Meadow Wins Community Green Award 2025

Ashdown Radio Awards Selby Meadow Community Green Winner 

Ashdown Radio held a community celebration award night at The National Golf Course , Uckfield on 26th September 2025.

A three course meal, mixed with a friendly atmosphere and flowing wine, the stage was set for an enjoyable evening.

Many volunteer, community and wellbeing groups were represented and recognised for the work and dedication they provide for their community. Three finalists in each chosen category were mentioned and one overall winner, of which Selby Meadow was one.

Much to our surprise and gratitude for this Vote, Kim Scott, Nag Secretary/Colin Brinkhurst, Nag Chair/Chris Goff, Nag Treasurer and Sharon Firth, Nag Volunteer,  collected the Award and said a few words of thanks to all that have helped over the years and continue to do so,   working together to keep this beautiful green space a place for everyone to enjoy, both people and wildlife.

View our latest work

Discover our Latest projects and Future Wishes for Selby Meadow

From Early Spring or as soon as the weather will allow, work begins in Selby Meadow, to improve, mend and repair, add and plan ahead. Nature will do her part but there's plenty to keep the volunteers busy. 2026 starts with lots of rain so it's later than normal work can begin, but the volunteers got together to replace the legs on the main picnic table that dominates the centre of the far end of the area along with flipping the top , sand and preserve the table is renovated and should last for many years to come. The new additions of the play snail sculpture and new mud kitchen was added to keep the area fresh and safe for play. The gnomes got their very own picket fence and the bugs got a new hotel. 

The birds got spring treats in feeders and donated lama fluff to make the softest of nests , Selby Meadow is a sanctuary to all our wildlife. Many bird boxes, bat boxes, hedgehog houses and bug hotels can be found in the area. 

See below just some of the work already achieved this year 

A Bug Hotel adds not only interest for us but a safe environment for many insect, beetle and bug.

Donated Lama fluff makes a lovely nesting material for the birds 

Volunteers put in this lovely wooden snail to complement our child friendly approach to introducing imaginative play to the meadow.

Colin our Chair Person was the first to put Brian the Sculpture Snail to the test.

 

We also replaced the tired mud kitchen making for safe play for kids of all ages. 

 

We raise funds for projects like these from grant applications and volunteers help maintain the area, plants , seating and run events throughout the year to promote and raise funding for more projects and activities keeping Selby Meadow a popular destination.

 

Future projects are to introduce a fun nature trail and possibly a new access point into the Meadow allowing more local residents a direct route to the area from the opposite side to the current entrance. 

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