Worthing Borough Council

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Conservation Management

01273 263134

parks@worthing.gov.uk

Environmental Community Groups & Participation

Worthing's countryside is important for its landscape beauty, as well as its variety of attractive habitats. The Council's Parks Section encourages community involvement in the conservation management of its countryside areas within the town’s open spaces.

There are three main groups:- Friends of Whitebeam Woods, The Green Gym and Worthing Conservation Volunteers who undertake task days throughout the year to enhance wildlife value, improve access and build a sense of community ownership. The Groups are affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Sussex Wildlife Trust.

In addition to these Groups there are several Forums that meet in Worthing, which all have similar aims and objectives, to improve the environmental aspects of the area.

The Council considers environmental education to be of vital importance in helping to shape the future of the town. Educational programmes encourage the public to be aware of and concerned about, the local environment.

Campaigns have included an Environmental Week Trailer, Buy Recycled and Car Free Day.

Schools are encouraged to maintain and develop their district contribution to sustainable development through waste reduction, energy conservation and promotion of walk to school campaigns. The Council assists the education Authority with school visits, assistance with local projects and student placements.

Downland Open Space

The Council owns about 175 hectares, 430 acres of downland on the outskirts of the town. Various bodies such as the National Trust, Sussex Downs Joint Committee, Sussex Wildlife Trust, West Sussex County Council, The Environment Agency, Natural England and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers are involved from time to time in the management of these sites.

Worthing Conservation Volunteers

A small group of committed wildlife enthusiasts that help to manage countryside areas where the town meets the South Downs.

Their activities include footpath management, pond work and coppicing carried out on fortnightly task days.

The groups details can be obtained from the Parks Section or directly from Peter Bandy on 01903 244691.

Friends of Chalk Pit Woods

Chalk Pit Woods

Inspired by the Woodland Trust and the Trees of Time and Place Initiative a group has been formed that is affiliated to the Sussex Wildlife Trust to continue the development of the 'Chalk Pit' Wood, planted to celebrate the new millenium at Hillbarn Golf Course. The area has been enlarged further with planting on old tip land to the east of the wood. Ash, Oak, Beech, Hazel and various shrub species have been planted. The area provides valuable wildlife habitats and local amenity woodland close to the Town.

The groups also manage an allotment on which tree seedlings and donated trees are grown on for planting in the woodland and elsewhere in the Borough.

On an area of existing semi-natural wooland adjacent to 'Chalk Pit' Woods the group undertakes woodland management tasks.

For details of this group please contact Tony Holmes on 01903 532359.

Friends of Whitebeam Woods

Whitebeam Woods - pond clearing

Please see the Whitebeam Woods page.

Worthing Green Fit Club

What?
The Worthing Green Fit Club is a scheme to help you become physically and mentally healthier by taking part in nature conservation activities to improve your local environment such as tree planting, woodland management, creating wildflower gardens & hedge laying.

Why?
Participating in the Green Fit Club's activities is fun and being outdoors surrounded by green open space is a marvellous way to refresh our minds and reduce stress levels. You’ll make new friends, improve self confidence, learn new skills and know you are helping to make a difference by improving the local nvironment.

Who?
An experienced leader is available to help you choose activities to suit your needs. You must be over 16 but you don’t need previous experience in conservation work. If you haven't done much physical activity lately you'll be able to start at a very easy level and build up as you get fitter.

We are also looking for people who might be interested in training to be a Volunteer Leader so if this appeals please do contact us.

When?
Every Wednesday 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

Where?
At the moment we are working at The Sanctuary, High Salvington, Worthing but we aim to move around the Borough tackling areas that need improving. Let us know if there is somewhere in your neighbourhood that needs a bit of TLC to get it back into shape. Please check where we are working before your first session by contacting us as it does change.

How much?
Free - includes refreshments.

How do I register?
Please complete a registration form and return it to Worthing Green Fit Club, Community Wellbeing, Civic Centre, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6PR

To obtain a form or more information:

Please call Annabelle Trent on 01273 263347 or email Julian Stevens julian.stevens@adur.gov.uk
Visit http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/greengym

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