The Wetland
The low-lying fields that border the River Arun have likely been subject to regular flooding and, as such, are most likely to have been wetland pasture, rather than used for crop farming.
With careful management, wetland pasture would produce a valuable hay crop along with quality livestock-grazing meadow. The idea was to cut the hay in its fresh flush in late spring and then allow livestock to graze the new growth from late summer. Careful field management would naturally produce a high yield and provide ideal conditions for a wide range of spring and summer flowers.
Today this type of habitat is rare: over the last 100 years the UK has lost over 95% of flood plain meadow. In 2014, a multi-agency project, led by Horsham District Council and the Friends of Chesworth Farm, helped to bring these ancient fields back to more natural flood meadows.
Some of the old features and unwanted trees and overgrowth were removed and new seasonal shallow scrapes and pools were dug to encourage more wetland wildlife. The pond was extended and a boardwalk laid to give visitors a better view of the wetland below as well as protecting the area from erosion and disturbance. With regular management and careful monitoring, the wildlife here is flourishing.
