The work parties were busy in January, meeting on the 13th and 19th at Dyke Farm to complete the planting of shrubs and saplings to form hedges. The meeting on Saturday 4th February was at Chantry Hill where shrubs and brambles, which choke the chalk grassland essential for butterflies, were cleared. Shrubs if in the right place are essential for diversity.
On Saturday 4th March the work is to carry out the annual path clearance at The Glade. We meet at 10am and all are welcome to join us – coffee for all workers provided at half time. For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, (no subscription is required, donations welcome) please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website www.storringtonconservation.org.uk.
There is good news to celebrate. Kithurst Hill Carpark is to remain open for public use. Thanks to Horsham District Council for saving it by taking over responsibility for its maintenance and upkeep. Those who live locally and further afield will now be able to continue to enjoy this part of the National Park. Walkers, cyclists, naturalists, the active and less active will benefit from the access the carpark provides. The benefits, not least to our health, cannot be measured but are beyond price. Who puts £ signs on the South Down’s Way, the song of a skylark, a carpet of cowslips, the harvesting of blackberries, fresh air, the breathtaking views across the weald? A cynic, according to Oscar Wilde ‘Knows the price of everything and the value of nothing’. Thanks are due to the owner of the carpark as well as HDC for allowing the facility to be available. When West Sussex County Council decided it would no longer take responsibility, and closure was imminent, there was a quick public reaction. A large number signed a petition seeking to reverse the decision, supported by local dignitaries – with a satisfactory result. Action in a good cause by sufficient people produced positive results. Very encouraging example for those individuals who take action to reduce their carbon footprints knowing their efforts are shared by others and so collectively have an effect. Something to remember as all of the benefits mentioned above are under threat due to climate change. We can all do our bit to conserve them.
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