NEWS RELEASES
Get out and enjoy the countryside this summer
4th June 2004
WE are so lucky to live in an area that offers endless opportunity for activities in the countryside. And now is a great time to start planning what you might do.
Thousands of people go walking across the Horsham district every year, gaining much pleasure from the fascinating network of ancient paths that crisscross our district, including, of course, the spectacular South Downs Way and Monarch’s Walk. Not only is walking an enjoyable past-time, but it is a sensible way to help improve health and to learn more about nature.
I would like to commend to you some important countryside sites managed by the council where there are lots of opportunities for families and individuals to take part in a programme of exciting activities. These are Warnham Nature Reserve, Southwater Country Park, Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods and Chesworth Farm. Each of them is maintained by our countryside wardens who undertake a variety of duties which include guided walks, school visits and a range of special events between April and September.
At Warnham Nature Reserve you will find a new 320 metre boardwork and nature trail, financed partly by a grant from English Nature, which gives visitors much improved access and a better chance to observe the abundant wildlife there. The bird hides are a special attraction here whilst the numerous special events include learning about the dawn chorus, the world of moths, a nocturnal safari, and a walk with an expert on twigs, trunks and leaves.
Water sports such as canoeing, windsurfing, dinghy sailing and model boats are available at Southwater Country Park where visitors can also enjoy an adventure style play area, orienteering and fishing. It is also a useful start point for walks along the Downs Link, a former railway track which provides perfect conditions for non-strenuous walking.
Among the special events this year is a two hour walk entitled Belloc to Jonathan Creek which takes visitors through wooded countryside to the smock windmill at Shipley once owned by writer Hilaire Belloc and used more recently in the popular TV series Jonathan Creek.
Adventuresome woodland walking is available close to the heart of Horsham at the 85 acre Leechpool and Owlbeech Woods where two self-guided trails of one and two miles will whet your appetite for longer walks later on.
There is also the chance to explore a network of footpaths and bridleways crossing the 90 acre Chesworth Farm where in June there will be an opportunity to find out how the council manages this site during a two hour guided walk.
Especially for children we run Wildlife Explorers at Warnham Nature Reserve, in conjunction with the RSPB, which gives young people the chance to learn about wildlife through taking part in games, walks, talks, crafts and fieldwork whilst in August the Countryside Crew is available to take youngsters on three day explorations which cover three of our countryside sites.
Full details are available in a council leaflet or you can contact our Countryside Services Unit on (01403) 731218 or 256890. Here’s wishing you a good summer.
Ends
Councillor Sheila Van Den Bergh, The Chairman, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RL.
E-mail: contactchairman@horsham.gov.uk
CONTACT:Richard Morris, Communications Manager
(01403) 215549