“Keeping Chesworth Farm special for people and for nature” was a strong theme to emerge from the Friends of Chesworth Farm 2025 AGM earlier this year.
An audience of around 30 supporters heard Kate Parminter, the Friend’s honorary president, draw on both her local roots and her parliamentary experience to present the Farm’s needs against the bigger picture of national and global threats to climate, wildlife and ultimately people’s wellbeing. Kate concluded by saying to all present, “Please volunteer to do even just one thing to help the Friends flourish this year.”
This theme was echoed by Jake Everitt, ecology and countryside manager for Horsham District Council. He encouraged visitors to record all the wildlife they see over Chesworth and its borders, helping to build up national records showing the diversity and value of the area.
These reports can be sent direct to:
• the warden team via email, using countryside@horsham.gov.uk
• the national database iRecord (via mobile app or PC)
• the Friends, via Chesworth Farm Photographers Facebook group or to info@friendsofchesworthfarm.com
Jake highlighted this need for evidence as part of his review of the Farm’s current Management plan, which officially finishes next year. The Farm was designated a Local Wildlife Site in 2021.
Looking forward, new projects were very much on the mind of his colleague Liz Jordan, Chesworth’s new “linked” HDC countryside warden, as she introduced herself, and explained that she was learning fast about the Farm and the passion people have for it. She looks forward to meeting many visitors in the future.
The year-round practical support from Horsham Green Gym (HGG) for conservation projects, both on the farm and across the district, described by HGG chairman Tony Cook, completed our speakers’ contributions.
Chairman Diane Sumpter summarised the last year’s events and highlights. She also thanked the current committee, the litter pickers and the Wildlife Garden volunteers for all their hard work. Plus she praised the Friends’ modest lottery supporters as we have received an amazing £6,000 plus for our projects since the Horsham District Community Lottery began in 2019.
The committee members were re-elected as a group. Robin Wilson, our current treasurer, presented the FCF accounts, which are currently buoyant. The audience gave thanks as he resigned after a three-year tenure, so this is a post that the Friends are currently seeking to fill.
Questions from the floor included development rumours affecting adjoining Muggeridge Field, progress of the Southern Water sewer project, the water quality of the River Arun, dog control, the pros and cons of introducing new species and drainage issues.
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