2021 Environmental work by Friends of Midhurst Common

The Friends of Midhurst Common

·         Metis Homes have submitted a Planning Application for 75 new dwellings at the Bepton Road, WSCC depot and old Brickworks site.  On 22 Dec we submitted a response to this, showing our concerns that we feel that this development would be detrimental to the stability and existing ecosystem within the contiguous area of quiet natural beauty and habitat particular to the Common in this area.  Our full response can be viewed in the Chichester District Council Planning Application website

·         On 19 Nov, Kate from SDNPA was thrilled to spot 2 stonechats and a Dartford Warbler on the heathland

·         Heathland – on 1^st Dec we were fortunate to have some input from the South Downs National Park Ranger Kate with heather management.  She used a RoboFlail – a remote controlled Flail Mower – to cut back an area of heather in the middle of the heath area with meandering paths from that central area.  These maximise the ‘edge’ habitat between mature heather and new fresh growth.  This is particularly favourable to basking lizards and provides areas for ground-nesting birds which remain fairly secluded, especially from the many dogs which are walked nearby.  See photo

·         COVID-19 Govt. restrictions are again significantly curtailing our volunteer activities on heathland management.  We managed a couple of bonfires to clear the silver birch and conifers removed earlier in the year.  We will be out again when permitted with our ever enthusiastic leaders, Jean Hicks and Wendy Pegler

·         Heathlands Reunited Sculpture Trail – we now have visited all 7 sculptures.  See photo of Sian and Bertie with the Wiggenholt Cricket

·         Thanks go to the Cowdray Estate who on 2 recent occasions have responded quickly to a request to remove large bits of potentially hazardous rubbish.  Also to members of the public who continue to collect litter as they walk around the Common, despite the few who persist in creating it.

More information on The Friends of Midhurst Common:   www.friendsofmidhurstcommon.co.uk

Email:   friendsofmidhurstcommon@yahoo.co.uk

Andrew Mitchell  -  Chairman