We are delighted to announce that the Sussex CLA AGM and social event is being held at Warnham Deer Park.

About the estate

Formley Warnham Court, the Warnham Park Estate has been home to the Lucas family for 160 years, and was first bought in 1865 by Charles Thomas Lucas. Today it is run by his great-great-great grandson, also called Charles (John) Lucas, who has recently taken over from his father Jonathan (Charles) Lucas.

The 215-acre park is famous for its red deer which graze at the heart of the estate. The herd comprises 25 breeding stags, 80 breeding hinds and approximately 110 young. The estate also runs an in-hand deer farm that focuses on antler genetics, and semen or live sales of breeding stags and hinds to improve other herds’ bloodlines. Warnham genetics can be found all over the world with a particularly strong presence in New Zealand.

Warnham Park is also in the process of restoring a further 50 acres of park land, from its current arable use, along with the promotion of a 60-dwelling allocated housing scheme.

About the day

During the day you will hear from Charles Lucas who will give a brief overview of Warnham Park and host the tour.

The tour will include trips to the antler museum, pinetum and of course, the park deer herd – and during the rut no less!

We will then retire to the newly restored Drew’s Barn for a glass of fizz and lunch, where we will get to try the Warnham Park venison (vegetarian alternative available).

Programme

09:30  Registration and refreshments

10:00  Sussex Branch AGM

10:15  Update from Victoria Vyvyan, CLA President

10:45  Host talk

11:00  Tour starts

12:30  Drinks reception

13:00  Lunch

14:30  Depart.

Further information and the minutes and chairman's report can be found here