The British White cattle are now in Gravel Pit and Spring Barn fields, as the start of their winter field grazing rotation. As these fields are crossed by footpaths and bridleways please keep your animals under control when passing through.
Posted in Nature, Public | Tags: British White Cattle, Gravel Pit, Spring Barn
News from the HDC parks and countryside team: “Farm users please be aware that a number of the hedges on the Farm will be flailed starting tomorrow and be mindful when walking your dogs and children around the Farm.
“The maintenance of the hedges is vital for ensuring the longevity of the hedges themselves as well as providing thick cover for nesting birds next spring. You will notice that not all of the hedges are cut each year, and they are in fact cut on a three year rotation. This is to allow the birds and small mammals to feed on the bounty of berries and fruit from species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Crab Apple all of which are common around the Farm.
“The more observant visitors may also notice that not all three sides of the hedges will be cut. This leaves one side of the hedge to keep its fruit later into the winter as well as protect the rare Brown Hairstreak butterfly which lays its eggs on the tips of the Blackthorn twigs.
“If you have any questions about the Farm or its management then please do email us at parks@horsham.gov.uk”
Posted in Activities, Nature, Public | Tags: HDC, Parks and Countryside Services
All being well, there will be a contractor on farm-site from today (Monday 15 October) for the next few days, repairing gates and fences.
We know you will accommodate them and please look out for their fencing equipment.
Photos clockwise from left by Steve Knight, Wendy Petersen and Hazel Bockh
Posted in Activities, Gallery, Nature, Public | Tags: Hazel Bockh, Steve Knight, Wendy Petersen
The hay cut is underway in this glorious, unexpectedly hot, October weather. The countryside warden team say the contractors expect to be bailing by the end of the week, hoping to have the wrapped bails off the farm by the weekend – but this may spill into next week. Photos: red tractor at work by Lisa White; cut field and Kestrel looking for newly-exposed prey by David Verrall
Posted in Activities, Nature, Public | Tags: David Verrall, Lisa White
A cake ‘n’ cuppa, Chesworth-inspired chat, and nearly £140 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support at our World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Thanks everyone!
Posted in Activities, Events, Public | Tags: Chesworth, Macmillan Cancer Support, World's Biggest Coffee Morning
Chesworth Farm is a Hidden Gem, it’s official! See the announcement on the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019 ( HDYOC19) website.
Sunset July 2018, Penny Fewings
Thank you to all of you who voted Chesworth Farm onto the HDYOC19 selection list. Its hidden charms did the rest.
Posted in Public | Tags: Chesworth Farm, HDYOC19, Hidden Gem, Horsham District Year of Culture 2019, Penny Fewings
Posted in Activities, Events, Public | Tags: Chesworth Farm, Friends of Chesworth Farm, Macmillan Cancer Support, Volunteer Centre
Hay cutting almost underway! This was confirmed by Horsham District Council (HDC) this morning as follows: “Farm machinery is expected around the farm from the afternoon of Sunday 16 Sept and at various times during the 2 weeks after. This is to allow cutting of the grassland, turning, baling and then removal of the bales.
“Please take car around the hay cutting machinery. We advise that you keep dogs on leads during this period.
“…If you have any comments or questions please contact Parks and Countryside Services at parks@horsham.gov.uk or tel 01403 256890.”
More details can be found on HDC notices round the farm.
Posted in Activities, Nature, Public | Tags: Chesworth Farm, hay cut, HDC, Horsham District Council, Parks and Countryside Services
Latest Horsham Green Gym task on the farm: around 20 hardy volunteers dug ditches and reinforced the bank on Pedlars Way and Occupation Road.
They also pruned back vegetation on gateways, particularly at lower Spring Barn-Pedlars Way bridleway gate. We hear it’s now to spec for a 16-hand stallion and rider to pass through. Thank you!
Photos: Ryan Allison
Posted in Activities, Nature, Public | Tags: Horsham Green Gym, Occupation Road, Pedlars Way, Spring Barn
Mike Ayling reports from a weekend bird survey on Chesworth Farm: “As September was upon us and winds were southerly I thought a visit may produce some temporarily halted migrants, and I was not mistaken.
“All the usual birds were seen but as I approached Little Horsham Hill field I noticed a small passerine perched on top of the highest part of the hedge. It was a very smart Whinchat. The hedge seemed to be alive with birds and included both a male and female Redstart.
“As I approached Platt pond I heard and then saw a Reed Warbler which was actually in the hedge opposite the pond. Nice to see a family party of Bullfinch also.”
A record photo of the Whinchat by David Verrall
Posted in Activities, Public | Tags: David Verrall, Little Horsham Hill, Mike Ayling, Platt Pond, Whinchat
