Horsham’s much-loved Horsham Park is now set to be protected for future generations to enjoy after being designated a ‘Field in Trust’.
The park will be protected in perpetuity in a legal agreement between Horsham District Council and the charity, Fields in Trust.
Fields in Trust is a British charity which was set up in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association. It protects parks and green spaces and promotes the cause of accessible spaces for play, sports and recreation in British cities and towns.
The Council will now work with them to explore how best to preserve the Park for the benefit of local residents and how to protect the natural environment in order to tackle climate change.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Green Spaces Cllr David Skipp commented: “As a council we are extremely pleased to be securing this partnership with the Fields in Trust charity.
Local people are passionate and protective about this open green space which is a vital community hub in the centre of Horsham town. Securing Fields in Trust status means that the park will always remain so and will be safeguarded for generations to come.
“Not only will this partnership bring reassurances for recreational use of the park, it also ensures that the park will be managed to protect and enhance the natural habitats there and boost biodiversity in the most sustainable ways possible.”
Chair of the Friends of Horsham Park Sally Sanderson added: “Horsham Park is central to the identity, wellbeing and attractiveness of our town.
“That’s why the Friends of Horsham Park have campaigned for nearly 10 years to protect it for future generations.
We are proud to have worked with the Council to achieve this and thank them for securing this wonderful community asset at the heart of Horsham.
“This marks a significant milestone in the Park’s history. It is a moment of reassurance and pride for the many communities who use and cherish this wonderful space, and one we will be celebrating together."
The partnership is set to be receive final approval at a Cabinet meeting on 25 March 2026.