Our Parks and Countryside team continues to deliver excellence in their work enhancing habitats, supporting biodiversity, and advancing climate-friendly practices across the district. This work supports our Greenspaces Strategy 2024-2029:
"To ensure that Horsham District Council’s Greenspaces are protected for future generations and managed to provide good quality public greenspace for amenity and leisure use, as well as maximising its value for biodiversity, nature recovery, climate mitigation and adaptation."
Read our Green Spaces Strategy
Examples of our achievements in 2025
- Restoring special habitats
At Middle Heath in Owlbeech Woods, one of our most important heathland habitats, we have worked with Gatwick Greenspace Partnership to undertake careful clearance work as part of our land management strategy. The return of our British White cattle also played their part, with their grazing helping to keep this rare habitat healthy. - Fighting Ash Dieback, encouraging renewal
Our proactive tree programme is paying off. Where diseased ash trees have been removed, native species and wildflowers are regenerating naturally, enriching local biodiversity. - Building sustainably
At Warnham Local Nature Reserve, the new Woodpecker Bridge was crafted from recycled plastic — a durable, eco‑friendly choice that reduces waste and sets the standard for future projects. - Path and footpath improvements across recreation grounds and Horsham’s Riverside Walk has encouraged low-impact access to green spaces, supporting active travel and reducing environmental wear.
- Wetlands for Wildlife
The Bramber Brooks project brought new ponds and shallow pools, offering safe havens for birds, dragonflies, and fish. Wetlands also help store carbon and manage floods naturally — a win for both wildlife and climate resilience. - Boosting biodiversity in our parks
From colourful flower beds in Horsham Park to eco islands at The Tanyard pond, our green spaces are bursting with pollinator‑friendly blooms and habitats that support everything from insects to waterfowl. - Wildlife conservation
Surveys continue to place across our sites recording birds, moths, butterflies, wildflowers and more, with tens of thousands of records returned to the Sussex Biodiversity Record Centre each year. One recent success we were delighted to record was at Chesworth Farm which confirmed the presence of Hazel Dormice, a protected species. Their presence highlights the success of ongoing habitat management and the commitment of Horsham Green Gym & Friends of Chesworth Farm volunteers who play a vital role in safeguarding the rich biodiversity of the farm. These tiny dormice are a symbol of the rich biodiversity we’re safeguarding together. - Community connections
Our events programme continued throughout the year and included guided walks, den building, bird ringing, bat and moth walks. These popular activities all help to encourage residents to connect with nature and learn to appreciate and find ways to protect our countryside and wildlife. - We were pleased to celebrate with The Friends of Horsham Park when the park was announced as the winner of three awards in the Royal Horticultural Society South and South East in Bloom 2025 awards – including overall winner in the Best Large Park category and the Outstanding Award for the It’s Your Neighbourhood category. These awards covered a wide range of criteria including horticulture, environmental sustainability, conservation, access, maintenance and community involvement. This year the Friends of Horsham Park volunteers contributed 3500 hours – that’s a big investment and a big thank you is due to everyone involved for all their effort and enthusiasm.
It's impossible to mention all the projects and people who have helped us over the past 12 months, but we are truly grateful for all the help and support we receive. This collaboration with conservation groups and volunteers will help us to ensure the long-term protection of our precious habitats and species.
Find out more
1. Volunteering: Find out about volunteering in our parks and open space to explore the range of options available to you.
2. Visit our sites: Visit these web pages to explore all our parks and countryside sites across the District.
3. Stay informed: Sign up to receive our Climate and Environment and/or Parks and Countryside newsletters to hear the latest news and event information.