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- Summer 2013
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- Autumn 2013
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- Winter 2013
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- Spring 2014
The exciting water meadows project at Chesworth Farm, Horsham has begun. This habitat-restoration project will develop the current dry meadow into a wetland habitat for the benefit of wildlife.
The first phase of the project is to install an all-weather path and fencing to provide improved access while limiting disturbance to the more sensitive areas.
Some informal paths are temporarily closed while these initial works take place. Visitors should bear this in mind when visiting the farm. Access across Riverside Field will still be available, following the mown public footpath which runs between Kerves Lane and the middle gate.
Encouraging flora and fauna
Later phases will include the creation of ‘scrapes’ within the wetland area to encourage flora and fauna, a boardwalk, bird hide, new planted areas and information boards.
The wetland will take time to recover once the scrapes have been excavated and the water levels have settled. It is planned that the project will be complete by next spring.
The project is being funded by developer contributions and grant aid from the Arun and Rother Connections Project (ARC) and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is being undertaken by Horsham District Council, supported by the Friends of Chesworth Farm and guided by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Any questions
Horsham District Council says: “As there will be large machinery on site moving materials around, dog owners are requested to keep their dogs on a lead when walking through this section of the Farm.
“There will be regular updates posted on notice boards around Chesworth Farm, which will keep visitors up to date with path closures, and how the project is progressing. There will also be pictures and other news items posted on Friends of Chesworth Farm website (www.friendsofchesworthfarm.com).
“If you have any queries about the project or any other questions regarding Chesworth Farm please contact stephen.delahunt@horsham.gov.uk Web: www.horsham.gov.uk.”
Photographs of White Gate Lag before the start of the project – through the seasons from top path looking south – Mike Ayling.
Friends of Chesworth Farm 
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