News

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th March 2026

14 Volunteers attended the March session, and with the weather being dry and sunny a lot was achieved.

In summary, the work carried out comprised:-

Litter and rubbish collected. .
Clearing away the overgrowth from around the saplings and cutting back brambles on the side pathways.
Invasive Sedge clearance continued and moved to Amberley Drive for collection and disposal by the council.
One volunteer took home and returned several tools, all duly cleaned.

Regrettably one of the three wooden benches, provided under the Council Infrastructure Levy scheme, and installed last August, was sprayed with graffiti, along with our notice board too.

Our two hour sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive, at the sports field, at 10am. The next sessions are 11th April, 9th May and 13th June. Please do check our web-site for details of any late changes.

New and past volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Gloves and tools will be provided, however do feel free to bring your own gloves ( and even your own secateurs ) if you prefer. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear due to the ever present brambles. A short break is taken at 11am for tea, coffee and very often home-made cake, provided by some of our regular volunteers.

Posted 19/03/26

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th February 2026

A good session was held with the weather being dry and sunny.

In summary, the work carried out comprised:-

Litter and rubbish collected. Large amount of general litter and several large items including; large abandoned tent, small gas canisters, car tyre.

4 wooden old broken/damaged bird boxes replaced with 4 new Woodstone bird boxes.

Drains west of barrier in Amberley Drive cleared of debris.

Work continued clearing ground around saplings and cutting back brambles.Invasive Sedge clearance continued and moved to Amberley Drive for collection and disposal by council. Definitely on top of the out of control Sedge invasion now!

Our two hour sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive, at the sports field, at 10am. The next sessions are 14th March; 11th April, and 9th May. Please do check our web-site for details of any late changes.

Posted 23/02/26

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 14th February 2026

Your usual reminder that it is our task this coming Saturday 14th February, at the usual time of 10.00 am and meeting at Amberley Drive by the container as usual.

The plan this month is to continue with sedge clearance – there is still a fair bit left along the back paths on the right as you head south and along the banks of the stream on the left towards Marine Drive. We will also be doing a litter pick and clearing brambles from around young trees and pathways.

Gloves and tools are provided but please feel free to bring your own if you prefer. After all the wet weather it will likely be very muddy underfoot so please wear suitable footwear.

We will have a break at half time for hot drinks and homemade cakes very kindly provided by some of our members.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 14th. The weather looks ok for Saturday morning at the moment but do keep an eye on the forecast and check our website for any updates.

Posted 10/02/26

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 10th January 2026

The session was well attended and Emily, our Head Ranger also joined the Group and was a great help (even taking the time to run through the risk assessment procedures for all attendees present).

The work undertaken included the continued clearance of the invasive Sedge grass; Litter picking; Clearing of Brambles from around tree saplings; and cutting back Brambles to keep the Plantation pathways clear.

Emily kindly took away virtually all the Sedge grass waste for processing into compost at EuroGreen.

Future tasks will include the annual bird box maintenance and clean. Several of the older original nest boxes are getting to the point of being unrepairable and so we have duly purchased 4 WoodStone next boxes to ensure that there are sufficient homes available.

Our two hour sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive, at the sports field, at 10am. The next sessions are 14th February; 14th March and the 11th April. Please do check our web-site for details of any late changes.

Posted 3/02/26

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 10th January 2026

Wishing you all avery happy New Year! It is our first task of 2026 coming up this Saturday 10th January, at the usual time of 10.00am and usual meeting place of Amberley Drive. We have been making really good progress with the removal of the invasive non-native sedge over the last few sessions and hope, wheelbarrows and ‘muscle’ permitting to continue with this vital work. We will also be clearing brambles from around young trees and along pathways and litter picking as usual.

Gloves and tools are provided but please feel free to bring your own if you prefer. It may still be muddy underfoot after all the rain we previously had so please wear suitable footwear.

We will have a break at half time for hot drinks and mince pies.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 10th. The weather looks ok for Saturday morning at the moment but do keep an eye on the forecast and check our website for any updates

Posted 6/12/26

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 13th December 2025

The weather was excellent and 20 volunteers attended

Their worked included litter picking; removing more of the invasive sedge grass plants and cutting back brambles from around the young trees and the side pathways.

Two volunteers had also planted native spring flowering bulbs ( British Blue Bells ) together with some suitable fertiliser, randomly in clusters of five bulbs. These should get a good start as the ground has remained very soft.

Indeed these present ground conditions will enable the volunteers to remove yet more of the invasive sedge grass in January.

Our two hour sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive, at the sports field, at 10am. The next sessions are 10th January; 14th February; and 14th March.

Posted 20/12/25

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 8th November 2025

Thankfully the weather was excellent and the 14 attendees were able to undertake numerous tasks.

The worked included litter picking; clearing the drainage ditch at the south end of the sports field of debris; removing more of the invasive sedge grass plants; side path maintenance south of Amberley Drive; and clearing leaves from the roadway, west of the barrier on Amberley Drive.

A ticket was duly raised with Adur & Worthing Council so they could take away the sedge grass pile.

Some excess woodchip, left in the Plantation in a small heap, was put to good use as the volunteers spread this on the muddy path adjacent to the storage container. We are always happy to receive woodchip at this time of year approaching winter, when the pathways can get very muddy.

Tasks over the coming months will include planting some native spring flowering bulbs ( British Blue Bells ); pruning Elder shrubs; Coppice Hazel and Inspecting and cleaning the bird and bat boxes.

Posted 14/11/25

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 8th November

Our task this coming Saturday, 8th November at the usual time of 10.00am and usual meeting place of Amberley Drive. Following on from the two very successful sessions which have had a real impact on clearing the non-native invasive sedge we will be continuing with this vital work. The ground should be a bit softer after the rain we have had so the digging round the clumps should prove easier going. We will also be clearing brambles along the pathways and from around young trees; and litter picking as usual.

We will take a short break for tea, coffee and cake, very kindly provided by some of our members at 11.00am as usual.

Gloves and tools are provided but please feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Posted 04/10/25

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 11th October 2025

We held a good session with 16 attendees, including 2 new people.

The volunteers worked on removing more of the invasive sedge grass plants, and finished the area that was started 2 months ago on the North West section near Amberley Drive, and also removed lots more of the sedge grass plants on the Mid East section - where it is a bit more scattered around. These cleared areas do indeed look a lot better and will allow the saplings more space to grow !!.

We piled the cut sedge grass on the plantation near Amberley Drive and duly raised a ticket with Adur & Worthing Council for it to be removed. We also raised a separate ticket for the fly-tipped rubbish & car tyre that is on the side of Amberley Drive as well.

We extend our thanks to the Council who, after pruning some trees in the area, provided us with a large amount of wood-chip on the central pathway. We are always happy to receive woodchip at this time of year approaching winter, when the pathways can get very muddy.

We also did our usual litter picking with 2 people completing this task, and continued to clear some of the brambles along the pathways and around the young trees ( so these are not smothered ).

Our two hour sessions are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive, at the sports field, at 10am. The next sessions are 8th November; 13th December and 10th January. Please do check our web-site for details of any late changes.

Posted 23/10/25

Report on Plantation Progress

Unfortunately our 13th September session was cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions. We did endeavour to reschedule as our volunteers were eager to keep our planned programme of work on track.

In August a great start was made on the removal of the invasive Sedge grass. And this action has already made a really big impact in the Plantation. Our plan is to continue to dig out the Sedge grass, focusing on several areas where it has particularly taken hold.

We will continue to monitor the young trees, removing the encroaching brambles which encircle them, and the pathways.

Forthcoming work will include the removal of sycamore sucker growth; spreading woodchip ( if made available ) and clear the roadway of dead leaves to help prevent flooding.

Our new Leadership comprises four of our regular volunteers who work together to share the tasks. This has resulted in new and fresh ideas and their combined approach is already making a big impact. We now have a simple drawn map of the Plantation, which highlights the different areas and footpaths. This will help to plan and agree the areas to work on.

For those of you who regularly visit this area, you will have noticed three new park benches have recently been installed by the Council, following our successful “ Community Infrastructure Levy “ bid application. So now, those of you who wish too, can sit and enjoy the tranquillity of this wonderful woodland area.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 11th October; 8th November; and 13th December. However do please check our website for details of any late cancellation, or date changes.

New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Report on Annual General Meeting 18th Septeamber

TBC

Stop Press - 09.03am Saturday 13th September

The bad weather has forced us to cancel todays work at the plantation.

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 9th August 2025

Eighteen volunteers attended our August session.

A great start was made on the removal of the invasive Sedge grass. This was aided by the use of a mattock supplied by one of our volunteers, which really speeded things up, along with removal of the dug up clumps by wheelbarrow to a central point on the edge of the roadway. This action has already made a really big impact in the Plantation. Our plan is to continue to dig out the Sedge grass, focusing on several areas where it has particularly taken hold.

We also undertook our usual litter picking and cleared the items left where the camp was. And we also continued with bramble clearance along paths and at boundaries with particular focus on the south end area.

Many thanks to the Council who were duly notified of the rubbish we collected, and the sedge clumps, which they will no doubt remove swiftly from the area.

Our new Leadership Quartet are working well together and their new ideas and approach is already making a big impact.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 13th September; 11th October and the 8th November. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 30/08/25

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 12th July 2025

Fifteen volunteers attended our July session, and we continued to clear brambles around young trees and where they are encroaching the pathways. We also continued cutting off seed heads from the “ triffid “ grasses that are taking over the area. We also removed several bags of the ever present litter

Regrettably the perspex cover door to our notice board had been damaged, and then subsequently covered in graffiti, by vandals. One of our volunteers was able to source a new replacement cover, and this has now been duly installed by two of our volunteers

Over the coming months we plan to continue cutting back the brambles to keep the pathways and the area around our young trees clear. We will also prepare the ground for wild flower seeds and native bulbs.

Four of our regular volunteers have together, agreed to take on the leadership tasks of organising and planning the monthly sessions etc. Their new ideas and approach is very welcome

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 9th August; 13th September and the 11th October. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 28/08/25

2025 Newsletter & AGM Invite

This years newsletters have been printed and will be delivered to approximately 2,700 households in Goring over the next few weeks. If you have already volunteered to help distribute them you will be contacted shortly. The Newsletter can be found in the Newsletter section of this site.

Posted 03/08/25

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th June 2025

Ten volunteers attended our June session, and continued to trim the pathway edges, remove brambles from around the young trees, and litter was picked.
One of our volunteers repaired a tool, whilst another cleaned off the paint graffiti which had been applied to the Perspex on our notice board
Over the coming months we plan to continue cutting back the brambles to keep the pathways and the area around our young trees clear. We will also prepare the ground for wild flower seeds and native bulbs.

Our many leadership tasks, including organising and planning the monthly sessions; updating our notice board and our website etc., has now been divided between four of our regular volunteers. Their new ideas and approach to the numerous tasks is very welcome.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 12th July; 9th August; and the 13th September. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.
New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Posted 26/06/25

AI Generated Photos of the Plantation

AI Plantation Path Benchbench

AI Generated Bench & Flowers

Report of Plantation work carried out on 10th May 2025

Twenty one volunteers attended our May session, together with our Head Ranger Emily.

Pathway edges were trimmed back, brambles and sycamore spurs cut back, and litter was picked.

We also removed undergrowth from around many of the newly planted trees, and re-staked and applied protective sleeves to several small oak trees.

One of our volunteers cleaned and sharpened some of the tools.

The Hawthorn Hedge around the container is now growing well, and our hope is that it will mask the graffiti, which regularly appears on the container.

We said our farewells to our Team Leader this month, but thankfully, two of our regular volunteers agreed to take on some of the leadership tasks between them. However, if you wish to join us and be involved in managing this wonderful woodland area, then do please contact us.

And whilst many of our volunteers work diligently in the Plantation, there are other duties to perform including organising/planning the monthly sessions; updating our notice board and our website; keeping the container tidy and the tools clean and maintained. We also need suitably trained first aiders to be present at each session.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 14th June; 12th July and the 9th August. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 19/05/25

The real Thing, Wild Flowers in abundance

Wild Flowers

The Plantation session due 10th May 2025

Another month has rolled by and it’s almost time for a bit more of your hard labour please!!

I think this month we need to continue clearing brambles around young trees and away from paths. If possible cut them back as close as possible to ground level. Cut back Sycamore side shoots as close as possible to the tree trunk, and collect litter.

Please be very careful while working as the trip hazards are plentiful; uneven ground, tree stumps hidden in the undergrowth, the undergrowth itself and fox holes to name a few. Please make sure that you always work in groups, so that a shout for help can be quickly be responded to.

Hope to see you Saturday 10th.

Posted 06/05/25

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 12th April 2025

Twenty two volunteers attended our April session, and many people walking through the area complimented us on all our hard work. Such comments are always very much appreciated.

One of our volunteers donated, and planted, five young trees. Another cleaned one of the notice boards, and two removed much of the ever present litter.

Most of the remaining volunteers cleared brambles and undergrowth from around many of the newly planted trees, and cleared several of the side pathways.

One of our wheel barrows was found to be beyond repair, but we were lucky to receive a free replacement from a nearby resident, which was very much appreciated.

Another volunteer prepared a detailed listing of the location of all our bird boxes, using the “ what 3 words” app. So now we will not forget where they all are !!!

Our current “ Team Leader “ is soon to be moving away from the area. So if you wish to be involved in managing this wonderful woodland area, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 10th May; 14th June and the 12th July. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 06/05/25

Persimmons appeal dismissed

Worthing Borough Council refused to give permission to Persimmon Homes to develop the Goring Gap.

Persimmon Homes, unhappy with the refusal decided to appeal against the decision and take the council to court.

The inspector has listened to all the evidence and has dismissed the appeal.

The Gap is saved.

See Appeal Decision in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 29/03/25

Two of our more enthusiastic volunteers

Old and Young

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 8th March 2025

Twenty two volunteers attended our March session, including one three year old who was very happy to look after the new trees.

We were grateful to see a mound of woodchip upon our arrival, and this was spread over one of the well-used side pathways which had remained very muddy.

We planted the remaining 20, of the 50 trees we received in January from the TCV ( The Conservation Volunteers ) which included Silver Birch; Green Beech; English Oak; Common Alder and Hornbeam.

We also cleared brambles and undergrowth from around many of the newly planted trees, and cleared a side pathway which had become lost under the encroaching brambles and other spreading plants.

After checking and cleaning the bird boxes in February, two of the three damaged boxes were subsequently repaired and three more acquired. These bird boxes have now been placed in suitable locations and we hope they will soon be occupied.

And, as always, we continue to remove some of the ever present litter.

Whilst many of our volunteers work diligently in the Plantation, there are other duties to perform including organising/planning the monthly sessions; updating our notice board; keeping the container tidy and the tools clean and maintained. We also need suitably trained first aiders to be present at each session.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 12th April; 10th May and the 14th June. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 09/03/25

The Plantation session due 8th March 2025

This month’s tasks are:- Finish planting the remaining trees left over from last month, clear brambles and Ivy from around young trees, Litter picking, clean, repair and identify tools which are worn out and need replacing.

Now that we are in bird nesting season we should cease removing ivy on tree trunks, particularly where it has grown into crown. Also my plan to start to clearing the areas where brambles are dense and taking over will also have to go on hold until the end of August again due to birds nesting. This won’t stop us clearing the overgrowth around young the trees though.

Hope this good weather hangs on for us.

Posted 02/03/25

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 8th February 2025

Eighteen volunteers attended our February session and despite the rain and the cold, all worked diligently

We were grateful to receive more woodchip, from the Council, and this was spread over the main pathway.

We cleared an area of brambles and planted 30, of the 50 trees we received in January from the TCV ( The Conservation Volunteers ) which included Silver Birch; Green Beech; English Oak; Common Alder and Hornbeam. We intend to plant the remaining 20 at a later session.

We also cleared other areas of brambles and undergrowth to allow the spring flowering bulbs to be seen from the main pathway. And as ever, we hope these flowers can be viewed and enjoyed by all those visiting this wonderful woodland area.

One of our volunteers cleaned two of the notice boards on Amberley Drive which were very dirty, and another volunteer repaired one notice board concerning litter which had been damaged.

Several of our volunteers, had visited earlier to check and clean the bird boxes. Sadly three had been damaged, but one has now been repaired and a further three acquired. These will be placed in suitable locations shortly as many of the birds are currently actively looking for new homes.

And, as always, we removed some of the ever present litter.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are 8th March; 12th April and 10th May. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 11/02/25

The Plantation session due 8th February 2025

This month we have received a good selection of 50 saplings from TVC (The Conservation Volunteers), Silver Birch, Green Beech, English Oak, Common Alder & Hornbeam. We will first need to clear an area to make space for them, so please make sure you are as bramble proof as possible. Some the woodland bulbs are beginning to show themselves, so we also need to cut back the vegetation around these new shoots to make them more visible and allow them to flourish. And just to keep us really busy we have had another delivery of woodchip which will need to be spread over the pathways.

Last month whilst cleaning the bird boxes, we discovered 3 had been damaged by woodpeckers, so we have bought 3 woodcrete boxes to replace the damaged ones, which should eliminate this problem and make future cleaning easier.

Damaged Bird Boxes

Posted 31/01/25

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 11th January 2025

Despite the freezing cold weather, the sun did shine and 17 volunteers attended our 11th January session. We were also joined by Craig ( one of our Council Rangers ).

Our volunteers worked hard and, with the help of a borrowed “ hand controlled dump truck “ managed to spread the remaining woodchip over much of the central pathway.

More woodchip has been promised by the Council, and if received we will endeavour to spread this over more of the pathways.

We also cleared as much of the mud and dead leaves as we could manage, from the adjoining roadway, to help prevent the area flooding. And as always, we removed some of the ever present litter.

Whilst many of our volunteers work diligently in the Plantation, there are other duties to perform including organising and planning the monthly sessions; updating our notice board; keeping the container tidy and the tools clean and maintained. We also need suitably trained first aiders to be present at each session. If you wish to help with any of these tasks then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on the 8th February; 8th March and the 12th April.

Posted 23/01/25

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 14th December 2024

12 volunteers attended our December session ( plus two extra little helpers aged 3 and 4) and thankfully the weather was kind to us.

We managed to spread quite a lot of the woodchip, recently provided to us by the Council, over several of the pathways. We intend to spread the rest of the woodchip, over the following months, along with more which has been promised by the Council.

We used a strimmer and cleared an area of overgrown; continued cutting back the ever present brambles; and litter picking.

We finished our session with coffee; tea; cake and sweets !!

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on the 11th January; 8th February; and the 8th March 2025. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 18/12/24

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 9th November 2024

17 volunteers attended our November session and we planted several young oak trees, on the boundary of the plantation, where they should do well.

We also continued cutting back the brambles; cleared several of the side pathways; and many of our tools were cleaned and sharpened.

And, as always, we removed some of the ever present litter.

We do need some wood chippings ( not green ) as we have received none from the Council, these past two years. If there are any local tree surgeons who can help, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on the 14th December; 11th January; and the 8th February 2025. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 16/11/24

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 12th October 2024

14 volunteers attended our October session and we planted Wild Native Bulbs ( including Bluebell; Daffodil; Snowdrop; Wood Anemone and Snakeshead Fritillary ). We collected several large pieces of deadwood and cut these to create a perimeter to frame the area planted.

We also cleared several overgrown areas; cutting back brambles and Sycamore spurs.

And, as always, we collected several bags of the ever present litter.

We do still need some wood chippings ( not green ) as we have received none from the Council for well over a year. If there are any local tree surgeons who can help, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on the 9th November; 14th December and 11th January 2025. However do please check our website for details of any late changes.

Posted 15/09/24

The Plantation session due 12th October 2024

Last October our volunteers planted wild flower seed which then suffered the long wet winter, and has resulted in a failed crop. This October we have a selection of native wild flower bulbs to plant, which could now go in the same area. Our hope is that these will survive whatever the winter throws at them.

As well as the bulb planting, we will also carry on with our usual tasks of clearing around the young trees; cutting back overgrowth from pathways to keep them open; and of course litter picking.

Whilst many of our volunteers work diligently in the Plantation, there are other duties our volunteers perform, including organising / planning the Plantation sessions; keeping our notice board in the Plantation updated; keeping our container tidy and the tools clean and maintained.

We also need suitably trained first aiders to be present at each session. In the past we have had four such volunteers, but unfortunately we currently only have two such volunteers. This can cause us a problem if both are unavailable

So if you are willing and able to help with any of the above tasks, then do please contact us

Posted ??/10/24

Goring Gap Latest

A statement on behalf of the Group provided to the inquiry commencing 17th September 2024.

I am Bob Niall, Secretary and Acting Chairman of the Goring and Ilex Conservation Group which has over 300 members in the Goring-by-Sea area and this statement is an objection on the Group’s behalf.

The Group has responded to previous applications and inquiries, and I will try not to repeat all our earlier comments although some are worth repeating.
Mr Dixon and our MP today mentioned the amount of personal green space per person in Worthing reported (in 2018) by the Ordnance Survey as 3.9 square metres with the 2021 census showing that Worthing was among the top 20% most densely populated English local authority areas and the 6th most densely populated of the 64 local authority areas in the south east.
West Sussex County Council’s Local Economic Assessment of 2010/2011 noted that, when considering the natural environment, Worthing’s score on the tranquillity measure was particularly low, despite the beach, South Downs National Park and the remaining open spaces. This may well reflect the population density and to our minds highlights the importance of our green spaces.

Worthing now has its Local Plan, approved by the Planning Inspectorate and adopted by the Council in March last year which includes Chatsmore Farm as a Local Green Gap. Formulation of this plan very much embodied community involvement noting a high proportion of respondents at each consultation stage, particularly in Landscape and Ecology, again reflecting the importance that the local population puts on this aspect. The Planning Inspectorate, in the discussions on the Local Plan also recognised the limitations for housing provision in Worthing from the sea, the National Park and other factors and their effect on the annual target for provision of dwellings for the years 2020 to 2036.

When considering the Local Plan submission, the Planning Inspector noted that “In the case of Chatsmore Farm, the local community benefits from the access it provides to the open countryside, the value to the character of the area by providing welcome physical relief from a fairly dense built-up area. It also allows the countryside to penetrate south of the A259, which creates a clear physical and psychological barrier to the South Downs National Park to the north.”

In this appeal, core document O13 – Appellant Planning Proof of Evidence Addendum - refers to the photo montages in Document A11 of the 2020 planning application. What these documents do not show, however is the building having taken place, taking place and applied for since then in the smaller gaps between Ham Manor Golf Club and the appeal site. This is again reducing the green spaces available to people for their mental and physical wellbeing and emphasises the growing importance of those spaces left such as Chatsmore Farm and also the views to and from the sea from Highdown.

Last weekend I spent viewing the Sandbanks spit in Poole Dorset. Football manager Harry Redknapp is having another house built there and last year a bungalow there sold for a reputed £13.5 million. There is the desire to build there but is there the need? Moving to the appeal plot, there is certainly the desire by the owners and developer to build, there may be the desire of people to move there for the views of Highdown but is there the need to build there?

The appellant notes in Document M3 that the housing mix will include 40% of affordable housing but as we know, this is subject to viability – something that developers have exploited to avoid building them. Planning consultants Lichfields say it is “highly unlikely” that most schemes will comply. In fact, there is currently a local application from a neighbouring authority to omit 43 affordable homes from a local 191 dwelling development. To our minds, the compensation offered to provide these elsewhere is usually nowhere enough. What guarantee do we have that 40% of affordable homes would actually be built here if the scheme were to be approved?
To sum up, Chatsmore Farm is important to the local population for their mental and physical wellbeing, the amount of green space is shrinking, pressure on it is increasing and to quote a Joni Mitchell song “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone.”
Thank You.

Posted 18/09/24

Note: Refer to our 'Newsletters & Archive' section for background information of representations our Group has made regarding development of the Gap over the years.

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 14th September 2024

18 volunteers attended our September session and we concentrated our efforts in cutting back brambles and overgrowth from several of the side pathways ( some of which had been so overgrown they were not visible from the main path ) and cleared several sections where many young trees are flourishing.

We also cut back many of the larger Sycamore spurs.

One of our regular tasks is to collect the ever present litter. This session we encountered a large Workman’s metal barrier and a large orange cone; a car battery ( which we left untouched and the Council have been notified ); lots of paper and cardboard; a great many KFC coffee cups; many tin cans, bottles of wine ( possibly a party was held !! ) and other glass. One of our volunteers, who lives nearby took the glass, tin cans and paper home so these could then be recycled.

As ever we still need some wood chippings ( not green ) as we have received none from the Council for well over a year. If there are any local tree surgeons who can help, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on the 12th October; 9th November and 14th December. However do please check our website, especially before attending for the first time, in case we have to change the date.
New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Posted 16/09/24

Annual General Meeting - 19th September 2024 at 07:15pm for 07:30pm

With the help of volunteers we have just distributed approximately 3,000 Newsletters in Goring advising of our forthcoming AGM to be held at as usual in the Methodist Church Hall, Bury Drive, Goring. Along with the Newsletter there is a tear off slip that can be used to renew your membership.

Members & Non-Members are cordially invited to attend.

Posted 26/08/24

The Plantation session due 14th September 2024

Although our 10th August session was cancelled several volunteers attended, along with one of our local Councillors, and several large bags of litter were collected.

Litter is always a problem, which does spoil everyone’s enjoyment of this wonderful woodland area. For those of you who dispose of your litter properly, many thanks, and for everyone else, please do use the bins provided, or take your litter home.

Since the brambles and other undergrowth, is still plentiful, our main task, on the 14th September, will be to concentrate on cutting these back.

Our following sessions will include preparing the ground and then planting wild native bulbs; checking the young trees; removing Sycamore sucker growth; picking up dead wood and placing into heaps ( which the wildlife then use ); monitor our bird boxes; spread wood-chip ( if we are lucky enough to receive any ) and collect as much of the ever present litter as we can.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 14th September; 12th October; 9th November and 14th December. However do check our website for details of any date changes.

New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).
Posted 11/09/24

Take Note - There will be no work in the Plantation in August

The next time we will be working in the Plantation will be Saturday 14th September

Posted 25/07/24

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th April 2024

21 volunteers attended our July session, where we concentrated our efforts in removing the ever present brambles from around the young trees and clearing the edges of the pathways. We also cleared several of the larger sycamore spurs. Our efforts do make a difference in managing this woodland area, so do please take a walk through this lovely area which is there for all to enjoy.

We cleaned the inside of our metal container and constructed some shelving to create more room, and provide easier access to our smaller tools and our first aid box.

Our volunteers also collected the ever present litter, and we know that other groups, and indeed many local people also regularly undertake this task.

Regretfully the Perspex on our notice board was vandalised and so one of our volunteers temporarily repaired the hole to prevent water damage to the notices inside. In due course the Perspex sheet will be replaced.

Our August session is unfortunately cancelled due to holidays and illness, resulting in there being insufficient first aiders / organisers. Our apologies for this unusual occurrence. It is usually the weather that makes it necessary to cancel sessions.

At forthcoming sessions we will be preparing an area for bulb planting; spreading woodchip ( if we are lucky enough to receive any !! ) and monitoring our bird boxes.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 14th September; 12th October and 9th November. However if you are attending for the first time, do check our website for details of any date changes.

New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Posted 25/07/24

St Barnabas House

2024 Night to Remember Walk - Ilex Way 13th July

Please be aware that we have been advised by the organisers of of the above that a sponsored walk will be taking place overnight on the 13th passing through Ilex Avenue.

The plan is that the walkers will walk through the tree covered canopy which will be decorated to create a sparkly illuminated woodland surprise end to the walk. I will create this by hanging light (weight) fixtures (willow lanterns or similar) from the trees and projecting lights onto glitterballs. All fixtures will be temporary (set up Saturday 13th July and removed 14th July) and it will be stressed that there should be no damage to any trees or the path.

Note all necessary permissions have been obtained from WBC

barnabas

For more information visit either of the sites as below (link above does not work) :-

www.stbh.org.uk
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

July Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 13th July 10.00 till 12.00

It looks like the brambles in the Plantation have been having a growth spurt, and we hope that the same goes for all our young saplings trying to compete with them.

On Saturday 13th July we propose to continue clearing the ground around as many of our young trees as possible, as well as cutting back the edges of the pathways.

And no doubt there will be the usual litter problem needing our attention as well.

Our August session is unfortunately cancelled due to holidays and illness, resulting in there being insufficient first aiders/organisers. Our apologies for this unusual occurrence. It is usually the weather that makes it necessary to cancel sessions.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 13th July and 14th September.
New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing and footwear. Neither shorts, nor short sleeves, are suitable due to the ever present brambles. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 9th July 2024

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th June 2024

TBA

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 11th May 2024

TBA

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th April 2024

17 volunteers attended our April session, and whilst the conditions on the ground remain muddy ( primarily in the area around our container and on the main pathways ) the sun shone and a lot of work was achieved.

We delayed planting the few remaining trees and concentrated our efforts in cutting back the Sycamore spurs and Brambles.

We have now ceased removing the ivy on the tree stems, where it has grown into a crown, because of the birds nesting, and other fauna in the tree crowns.
One of our main tasks is to collect the ever present litter, which, at this session, included a wheel ( complete with tyre); two microwave ovens ; a 60” TV; half a car dashboard; some car insulation foam; and boxes of crockery !!.

However on a very positive note we were pleased to receive six excellent bird boxes constructed, and decorated, by the Year 10 students doing Design and Technology at the Oscar Romero Catholic School. These will grace the Plantation, in suitable nesting locations, later in the year.

We do need some wood chippings ( not green ) to spread on the muddy pathways (especially those leading onto the sports field) to help these dry out. If there are any local tree surgeons who can help, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 11th May ; 8th June and 13th July.

New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear. We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Birdboxes

Rubbish Bags

pots

cone

Posted 15/04/24

April Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 13th April 10.00 till 12.00

The main pathways in the plantation are still very muddy so appropriate footwear is recommended.

We intend to continue planting trees and clearing brambles.

As the ground is very soft, digging the bramble roots out is the only way to prevent regrowth, and this will give the new trees the best start.

And naturally, we will remove as much litter as we can.

We always have first aid trained volunteers at each of our sessions. However if any of our regular volunteers would be interested in acquiring this life skill by attending a first aid course ( provided free by our Council ) then do contact us for details.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 11/04/24

Marine Conservation Society - Beach Clean

Active Ilex Conservation Group Member and Local Green Councillor Claire Hunt has drawn our attention to a beach clean and litter survey between 10.30 & 11.30 on Sunday 24 March.

'This beach clean and litter survey is organised by Claire Hunt and Ian Davey, Worthing Green Party - anyone is welcome to take part. We will be on the beach near Sea Lane Cafe, wearing high-vis jackets so you can spot us, and ready to start at 10.30am. We will collect litter within a 100m stretch of beach (marked by a couple of small flags), for an hour, and record the types and amounts of litter. We will then weigh everything, collect your data to send the Marine Conservation Society and pack up. Finish by 12 noon'.

If you would like to sign up for the event and/or get further information, follow the link:-

https://www.mcsuk.org/beach-cleans/goring-by-sea-24-03-2024/

Posted 13/03/24

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 9th March 2024

15 volunteers attended our March session, and despite the very muddy conditions a lot of work was achieved.

We planted many more trees including Beach and Hornbeam, having first cleared and prepared suitable areas.We cut back Sycamore suckers, Brambles and Ivy; cleared around the earlier newly planted trees; and cleared the drainage ditch behind the container.

We also collected several bags of the ever present litter, including a complete lorry wheel ( thankfully minus the tyre !! )
Next month on the 13th April, we will continue tree planting; cut back the brambles; and litter picking.

If there are any local tree surgeons reading this, we do need some wood chippings, not green, to help dry out the muddy paths, especially those leading onto the sportsfield. If you can help, then do please contact us.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 13th April, 11th May and the 8th June.

New, and past, volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear. We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Further information can be found on the notice board at the Plantation, and on our website.

Our e-mail address is: - ilex.conservation.info@gmail.com

Posted 12/03/24

March Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 9th March 10.00 till 12.00

The weather forecast is uncertain, but it will still be very muddy underfoot.

Last month despite the muddy damp conditions we managed to get through a lot of work between us. Thanks to everyone for their hard labour and cheerful spirts. Also thanks to Babette for supplying the hot water for our Tea’s and coffee as well as Pauline and Teresa for supplying the cakes, which gave us a good boost to carry on after our break. And last but not least thanks to Paul for repairing the owl box, this will now be re-sited in the area where the Owls set up home last year. Unfortunately the rotten tree which they used previously had to be felled.

This month Saturday 9th March we will continue much the same as we did in February, as we have quite a few Beech trees to plant as well as our usual tasks.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 07/03/24

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 10th February 2024

Despite the very muddy conditions, 18 volunteers attended this session.

We planted over 50 trees including Hornbeam, Horse; Sweet Chestnut; and Oak that include some raised by members.

We cut back Sycamore suckers, and Brambles, and also removed a rotten, a fallen tree stump from the pathway.

Our container was given a good tidy, and more floor space was created by installing some shelving.

We also collected several bags of the ever present litter, with the glass and plastic being placed in the recycle bin.

The owl box has now been repaired and will be installed in a suitable tree, at a future session.

Next month on the 9th March we will complete tree planting and continue cutting back the ever-increasing undergrowth.

If there are any local tree surgeons reading this, we do need some wood chippings not green to help dry out the muddy paths especially leading onto the sportsfield. Contact Phillip on 01903 ?????? to arrange delivery.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 9th March; 13th April and the 11th May.

New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Plantation work on the 13th January and scheduled work for the 10th February

Unfortunately our January session was cancelled due to the poor weather conditions.

However on a very positive note, we recently requested volunteers to make some replacement bird boxes. This call has been answered by Year 10 students doing Design and Technology at St Oscar Romero Catholic School. We wish to thank the Head teacher and staff for their support, and indeed the Year 10 students. We look forward to placing these boxes in suitable nesting locations later in the year.

Each year, we usually, spread woodchip on the pathways. Unfortunately we no longer receive this from the Council. We would be grateful if a local tree surgeon were able to provide some.
We recently received 100 trees, which were donated by OVO Energy to The Conservation Volunteers. As they aren’t as small as expected it should be safe to plant them directly in the Plantation. Therefore we propose to commence tree planting at our 10th February session and continue this gradually over the next few months until they are all planted. Wearing wellingtons is recommended as it is currently very muddy in the Plantation. We will also remove any dead and dying trees; cut back the Sycamore spurs and brambles, and remove as much of the ever present litter as we can.

Do join us, if you wish to help with any of the above tasks.
Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 10th February; 9th March and 13th April.
New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits, and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Message to Persimmon

There was a good turnout to the Demo on the 3rd February.

The message is quite clear !

no to persimmon

Probably the best view of Highdown

Whilst we are rightly concerned about Goring gap (North) we must also be ever vigilant that no development is permitted on Goring Gap (South).

There can't be many places on the urban sprawl that is the the West Sussex coastline that has such a clear uninterrupted view to the the downs from the sea.

Any development of the land would interrupt the peaceful enjoyment of the space and would mar that precious view.

hihdown1

highdown3

Here We Go Again

There is a public enquiry starting on the 6th February where the Planning Inspector will reconsider plans submitted by Persimmon to build on the Goring Gap (North). Our committee have made strong representations to the Inspector opposing the proposals.

Please show your support by attending a peaceful Community Demonstration as per the flyer below.

Stop Press - Plantation Work 13th January Cancelled

Once again the weather has dictated that it is too cold to work in the Plantation this Saturday (13th). So we have decided to cancel this one. If the weather improves then we may be able to reschedule a session later in January, and get started on planting the new trees. Watch this space.

Plantation work in 16th December and scheduled work for the 13th January

Due to the bad weather on the 9th we postponed our session to the 16th December and despite the short notice of the change of date, nine of our volunteers were able to attend.

All of the bird boxes have now been cleaned, leaving just the owl box to be refurbished.

And as a number of our bird boxes are in need of replacement, we are looking for a volunteer with carpentry skills to make a few replacements.

Upon our arrival we were greeted with the signs of graffiti on our container, and whilst this is of no significance it is annoying.

We continued cutting back of growth, picked up the ever present litter and cleaned the road ( Amberley Drive ) of leaves as best we could with none left on the trees. We noticed sawn timber being dumped close to Amberley Drive and rubbish being dumped across the Gap. There is quite a flow of water running off the gap into the stream. One of the paths is very muddy and sadly we can no longer obtain woodchip from the Council.

If a local tree surgeon would like to provide some woodchip, please let us know, as we do have the combination for the barrier.

Since the new trees have now arrived and as they aren’t as small as expected it should be safe to plant them directly in the Plantation. Therefore we propose to commence tree planting at our 13th January session and continue over the next few months until they are all planted. Wellies may be the order of the day as currently it is very wet and muddy in the Plantation. We will also remove any dead and dying trees; cut back the undergrowth and sycamore spurs, and the usual litter-picking.

Do join us, if you wish to help with any of the above tasks, or indeed are able to make a few replacement bird boxes; or indeed provide any woodchip.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 13th January; 10th February and 9th March.

Further information can be found on the notice board at the Plantation, and on our website.

Our e-mail address is:- ilex.conservation.info@gmail.com.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 08/01/24

Stop Press - Plantation Work 9th December Cancelled

The waterlogged ground and the forecast of bad weather on Saturday 9th December has forced us to cancel.

However, Phil has offered to open up the container next Saturday the 16th Dec, so if you are free please come along.

Posted 08/12/23

Plantation work in November and scheduled work for the 8th December

Despite the extremely muddy and slippery conditions, fourteen of our volunteers attended our 11th November session.

We were able to finish extending, clearing and seeding the wildflower bed. The remaining council seed and the seed we purchased was used up as well. So now we will have to wait and see what happens in the spring.

We also cleared a large quantity of leaves from Amberley Drive, and continued to cut back the every present brambles.

Most of the bird boxes have been cleared out, two of which surprised us with mice setting up home in them. Hopefully they weren’t too frightened and will climb back up and continue to keep snug and dry for the winter. Two of the bird boxes were broken and one of our regular volunteers will try to make one good one out of the bits, and we will then put it back next month.

We also recovered the Owl box from the stream which may have been damaged in the recent storm, we will remove the rest of it for repair. Some of the boxes are showing signs of age and we will try to replace them.

And as a number of our bird boxes are in need of replacement, we are looking for a volunteer with carpentry skills to make a few replacements.

And regarding the every present litter, we duly collected up some bottles and plastic bags we spotted as we went about our tasks. Alongside Amberley Drive a rather large drum had been dumped and we carried this to the bin, for the Council to remove.

On this day of remembrance we all assembled at our container and at 11am held a two minute silence.

Do join us, if you wish to help with any of the above tasks, or indeed are able to make a few replacement bird boxes.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 9th December; 13th January and 10th February.

Further information can be found on the notice board at the Plantation, and on our website.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 08/01/24

Plantation work in October and scheduled work for the 11th November

On the 14th October, our volunteers managed to seed the whole wild flower bed area, with the help of one of our local Rangers, which had been prepared at our September session. This area is situated just north of Amberley Drive where the main path splits into two. And as we have seed left over our intention is to enlarge this area at our November session.

Patience will be required with this new “ Woodland and Heavy Shade Wildflower “ area as the seeds are mainly perennial, which can be slow to establish. But it will be worth the wait. Our aim is to be vigilant and remove weeds, brambles and ivy from this area. Next autumn we will cut the wild flowers and leave the cuttings where they fall, as these dead flowers and stems will provide a diverse environment which is a haven for wildlife in the winter months, and also allows the seeds to dry out and fall onto the soil to germinate.

In October we also cleared brambles from around some of the young saplings; removed leaves that had collected in the road by the plantation ( Amberley Drive ) to help prevent flooding; and collected the ever present litter. These regular tasks will continue in November, and we also hope to clean out the bird boxes too !!

Do join us, if you wish to help with any of the above tasks.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 11th November; 9th December and 13th January.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 10/11/23

Plantation work in September and scheduled work for the 14th October

On the 9th September, twelve volunteers attended. Many worked hard in clearing an area of ground ready for planting with woodland wild flower seeds and bulbs. The area we cleared is just north of Amberley drive where the main path splits into two. This area has quite good natural light and we therefore believe they will do well here.

Two of our volunteers embarked on a mammoth litter picking job, obviously fortified by the delicious cakes supplied by our volunteers.

We also cleared brambles from around some of the young saplings.

Our intention this month (October) is to plant the wild flower seeds and bulbs, as an autumn planting should give us an early display of wildflowers next year. And whilst it may take two or three years for these seeds to fully establish, we anticipate it will be worth the wait.

We also anticipate undertaking our usual autumn tasks of clearing the brambles from around the young trees; cutting back sycamore spurs; clearing the road by the Plantation ( Amberley Drive ) of dead leaves to help prevent flooding; tidying our container; and also litter picking.

Do join us, if you wish to help with any of the above tasks.

Our two-hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next sessions are on Saturdays 14th October; 11th November and 9th December.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 13/10/23

Report on our Annual General Meeting

When it has been written, a report on our AGM held on the 19th September will be posted here.posted here ;)

Posted TBA

Newsletters – Thank you

A big Thank You to those members who helped deliver some 2,300 newsletters recently. The newsletters included an invitation to our forthcoming AGM to be held at The Methodist Church Hall, Bury Drive, Goring at 7:30 on Tuesday 19th September. The newsletter also included a tear off slip for members to pay a subscription/donation. Membership cards will be issued and delivered to members during October.

See 2023 Newsletter in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 07/09/23

September Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 9th September 10.00 till 12.00

Our Head Ranger, Antony Read, has agreed to provide us with Woodland wild flower seeds and bulbs. Therefore at our September session we will prepare the ground ready for planting. The area we propose to clear is just north of Amberley drive where the main path splits into two. This area has quite good natural light and we believe they will do well here. Autumn planting will give us an early display of wildflowers next year. However it could take two to three years for these perennial seeds to fully establish, so we will have to be patient.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 07/09/23

Plantation Volunteer Work - August Update

On the 12th August we continued clearing brambles and sycamore spurs from encroaching onto the path on the far west side, south of Amberley Drive, as well as clearing undergrowth from around the young trees in that area. Also on this pathway we felled two Sycamore trees, and cleared lots of side shoots from the very large Sycamores. This allowed more light into the area where several self-setting Ash trees are beginning to establish themselves. Collecting the ever present litter is always undertaken.

We have been offered 100 small saplings by the Conservation Volunteers TVCV, and since, from our experience, these are too small to plant out directly into the Plantation, we are fostering these out to our volunteers so they can be grown on at home, in pots until they are 1 metre tall. Hopefully within two years, they can be given their new home within the Plantation.

And on a bright note, the young owl, which a local runner found being attacked by crows, in the Plantation, back in May, and was subsequently taken to an East Sussex Animal Sanctuary has survived its ordeal and will be returned to the wild.

Posted 07/09/23

August Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 12th August 10.00 till 12.00

This month we intend to continue clearing brambles and sycamore spurs which are trying to take over the pathways and surround the tree saplings. Collecting the ever present litter is always undertaken.
The sycamore is not a native tree to Britain, and is believed to have been introduced by the Romans. This tree out-competes and crowds-out and thus displaces beneficial native plants and trees. Hence our continued efforts in trying to reduce their numbers to encourage the native British trees to flourish. And one of our volunteers mentioned that there is also an extra benefit to horses. Atypical myopathy ( also known as sycamore poisoning ) is a severe and potentially fatal muscle disorder of horses caused by eating sycamore ‘helicopter’ seeds and, to a lesser extent sycamore leaves or sycamore seedlings. Thankfully we do not get horse riders through the Plantation, but the seeds can travel a long way.
Do please join us if you wish to help your community.

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 07/08/23

Fly Tipping on the Goring Gap

A couple of our volunteers recently spotted some household rubbish at the east end of Amberley Drive on the Goring Gap.
They safely cleared away what they could in a couple of sacks, and have reported the incident to the council to deal with remainder of the rubbish.
Apart from being a blight on the surroundings, the fly tippers had also set fire to the rubbish, endangering the adjacent wheat field!

If you come across a similar incident on public land, please notify Worthing Borough Council using the following link.

https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/streets-and-travel/report-a-problem/fly-tipping/

Posted 11/07/23

Chatsmore Farm - High Court Decision

We are delighted with the High Court verdict announced this July that, following the council’s initial refusal to allow 475 properties on Chatsmore Farm (part of the Goring Gap) and previous inquiries and appeals, both in favour and against, the three High Court judges unanimously rejected Persimmon’s case meaning that at present the rejection of their planning application still stands.

The High Court noted that the Planning Inspector had failed to take account of policies in the council’s emerging Local Plan or, we believe to be the main point, give enough weight to the adverse impact on the South Downs National Park. We understand that due to the Inspector’s error, the application is likely to be reviewed by a different Inspector and the Council Leader of the Conservatives is calling on the Secretary of State to call in Persimmon’s application for determination.

Since the initial planning application, the Worthing Local Plan was formally adopted by the council on 28th March this year after being found sound and including protection for the Gap, the previously mandatory housing targets are now largely advisory and we have seen increased action from nearby Arun in refusing planning applications that threaten their part of the gaps between settlements. All of these, together with this judgement, will hopefully retain the Gaps as they are although we would not be surprised to see a radically different application for Chatsmore Farm sometime in the future.

Posted 08/07/23

Advance notice of our Annual General Meeting - 19th September 2023

We propose to have our AGM as usual in the Methodist Church Hall, Bury Drive, Goring at 7.15pm

Members & Non-Members are cordially invited to attend.

Posted 19/06/23

July Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 8th July 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 19/06/23

Report on June Plantation Volunteer Work

Eleven of our volunteers attended our 10th June session.

The weather was glorious and we concentrated our efforts on clearing the minor footpaths of brambles and clearing weed growth around the saplings along with litter picking and general tidying.

Posted 19/06/23

June Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 10th June 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 10/06/23

Report on May Plantation Volunteer Work

Sixteen of our volunteers attended our 13th May session.

We planted an English Oak tree and continued our efforts in cutting back, to ground level, the ever present brambles. We started to cut back the sycamore spurs which are now in abundance.We also collected the ever present litter, and cleared out the mud from the drainage ditch behind our container.

One of our members, whilst walking through the Plantation, found an injured owl fledgling. The injury was likely caused by a Magpie or a Rook as they often predate fledglings. The owl fledgling is now in the tender care of an East Sussex sanctuary.

Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next two sessions are on Saturdays 10th June and 8th July.

New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear. We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Further information can be found on the notice board at the Plantation, and on our website www.ilex-conservation-group.co.uk

Posted 22/05/23

May Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 13th May 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 9/05/23

Bluebells

Committee member Phillip Ellis has written an article on Bluebells which is topical and will be of interest.

Click on the link Bluebells

Work in Ilex Avenue

On the 25th April a group of our volunteers met to 'tidy up' an area at the junction of Ilex Avenue and Aldsworth Avenue that had been overgrown with brambles, which was restricting the bridlepath.

Posted 26/04/23

Report on April Plantation Volunteer Work

Fourteen of our volunteers, together with Head Ranger Antony Read, attended our 8th April session.

We planted a few trees including a rare native Black Poplar and continued our efforts in cutting back, to ground level, the brambles around the young trees. We also replaced/repositioned the supporting canes around the newly planted trees.
We also collected the ever present litter, which included a motor bike number plate.

Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next two sessions are on Saturdays 13th May and 10th June

Posted 11/04/23

April Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 8th April 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 13/03/23

Report on March Plantation Volunteer Work

Despite the cold weather, fourteen of our volunteers worked within the shelter of the trees, at our March session

Our volunteers took down two small dying trees; planted several native trees and shrubs; spread woodchip on the main pathway; continued with our on-going task of clearing away brambles and ivy from around the newly planted trees; and also replaced/repositioned the supporting canes around these young trees.

We also collected the ever present litter, which included many glass bottles thrown into the bushes.

And whilst many dog owners clear up after their pets, and place their “plastic bags“ in the waste bins, unfortunately some irresponsible owners throw these bags into the bushes. So please, can all dog owner’s use the bins provided.

Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. The next two sessions are on Saturdays 8th April and 13th May.

New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities.

Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine.

We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear.

We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits and very often home-made cake (provided by our regular volunteers).

Further information can be found on the notice board at the Plantation, and on our website www.ilex-conservation-group.co.uk

Posted 13/03/23

February Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 11th February 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 13/02/23

Report on February Plantation Volunteer Work

There were sixteen volunteers at our February session, and the mild weather was very welcome.

Many spring bulbs were showing through the undergrowth and more will no doubt follow over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy walking through this wonderful woodland, but please do not pick the flowers, but leave them for everyone to enjoy.

At this session our volunteers took down one small damaged tree; planted a small chestnut tree; spread woodchip on the main pathway; and also continued with our on-going task of clearing away brambles from around the newly planted trees.

We also planted a hawthorn hedge around three sides of the container (situated in the corner of the sports field ) which we believe will improve the appearance of the container, and will also supply a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. We also hope it will deter the graffiti vandals.

We also collected the ever present litter, which at this session included a very useful bucket which we will put to good use.

Posted 12/02/23

February Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 14th February 10.00 till 12.00

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 16/01/23

Stop Press - January Plantation Volunteer Work - Cancelled

Saturday 14th January 10.00 till 12.00

Due to the wet windy and muddy conditions, Januarys session has been cancelled

See Working Party Flyer in 'Newsletters & Archive'

Posted 14/01/23

Plantation dates for 2023

January 14th February 11th March 11th

April 8th May 13th June 10th

July 8th August 12th. September 9th

October 14th November 11th. December 9th

Posted 6/2/23

Report on December Plantation Volunteer Work

There were sixteen volunteers at our December session, despite the very cold weather. And in keeping with tradition, our tea break was held after our work was completed, and was accompanied with mince pies, cake and mulled wine.

We took down five damaged small trees; picked up dead wood and placed into heaps; again cleared the leaves from the road by the Plantation ( Amberley Drive ) to help prevent flooding; and also continued with our on-going task of clearing away brambles from around the newly planted trees.

We also collect the ever present litter, which at this session included a small portable TV !!.

A local resident advised us that a pair of Tawny Owls had successfully raised two chicks, in a nest, within the Plantation. Our hope is that they will return next year.

Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am.

New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities.

Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves ( and even prefer to use their own secateurs ) which is absolutely fine.

We do however request that you wear suitable clothing ( shorts are not recommended ) and footwear.

We normally take a short break at 11am for refreshments. We provide coffee, tea, biscuits and very often home-made cake ( provided by our regular volunteers ).

Posted 6/2/23

Report on November Plantation Volunteer Work

There were fifteen volunteers at our November session, including two new volunteers, and the weather was superb. We planted a donated Horse Chestnut tree; picked up dead wood and placed into heaps; planted the remaining 150 woodland bulbs in drifts; cleared the leaves from the road by the Plantation (Amberley Drive) to help prevent flooding; and also continued with our on-going task of clearing away brambles from around the newly planted trees.

Many hands do make a difference and a lot was achieved in two hours.

At each session we also collect the ever present litter. However, we are well aware that many other visitors also undertake this task.

Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am. New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities. Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine. We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear.

We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. Coffee, tea, biscuits and very often home-made cake (which is provided by one of our regular volunteers).

Posted 21/11/22

Report on October Plantation Volunteer Work

There were nine volunteers at our October session, and we concentrated our efforts in clearing the brambles away from many of the newly planted trees.
Despite the removal of tree stakes and protective tubing by vandals over the summer months, many of the saplings have survived. We will only replace stakes and tubing where essential since we fear that the vandalism will continue.
We also planted native daffodil bulbs, and our intention is to continue this task next month, with more woodland bulbs.
At each session we also collect the ever present litter. However we are well aware that many other visitors also undertake this task.
Our two hour sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month, meeting off Amberley Drive at the sports field at 10am.
New volunteers are always welcome, and there are tasks to suite all abilities.
Whilst gloves, and all equipment, are provided, we appreciate that many individuals prefer to bring their own gloves (and even prefer to use their own secateurs) which is absolutely fine.
We do however request that you wear suitable clothing (shorts are not recommended) and footwear.
We take a short break at 11am for refreshments. Coffee, tea, biscuits and very often home-made cake (which is provided by one of our regular volunteers). -

Posted 11/10/22

Additional Housing Proposals

As a member of of the Protect our Gaps Alliance, we are concerned over further proposals from Persimmon/Charles Church for 130 dwellings at Ham Manor opposite Sainsbury’s Rustington. Although not in Goring, not only is additional green space under threat but there will be adverse effects on the local infrastructure including more road congestion. These proposals are in addition to the, so far abortive, Chatsmore Farm application for 475 houses plus 74 houses granted on appeal to the fields west of ASDA, 191 houses under appeal at Rustington Golf Centre 70 houses applied for at Lansdowne Nursery and proposals to build on Highdown Vineyard.

Being early in the process the current consultation merely requires a yes or no answer and can be accessed on: -

https://hammanor-development.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR0D2hWYhfPBOFER8svKNogOsT8coeb_9GTBxogQ17_CaJU4IdCXlm_LdOE

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th March 2026

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th February 2026

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 14th February 2026

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 10th January 2026

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 10th January 2026

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 13th December 2025

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 8th November 2025

Next session in the Plantation Saturday 8th November

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 11th October 2025

Report on Plantation Progress

Report on Annual General Meeting 18th Septe​​​amber

Stop Press - 09.03am Saturday 13th September

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 9th August 2025

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 12th July 2025

2025 Newsletter & AGM Invite

Report on Plantation work carried out on the 14th June 2025

AI Generated Photos of the Plantation

Report of Plantation work carried out on 10th May 2025

The real Thing, Wild Flowers in abundance

The Plantation session due 10th May 2025

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 12th April 2025

Persimmons appeal dismissed

Two of our more enthusiastic volunteers

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 8th March 2025

The Plantation session due 8th March 2025

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 8th February 2025

The Plantation session due 8th February 2025

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 11th January 2025

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 14th December 2024

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 9th November 2024

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 12th October 2024

The Plantation session due 12th October 2024

Goring Gap Latest

A statement on behalf of the Group provided to the inquiry commencing 17th September 2024.

Note: Refer to our 'Newsletters & Archive' section for background information of representations our Group has made regarding development of the Gap over the years.

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 14th September 2024

Annual General Meeting - 19th September 2024 at 07:15pm for 07:30pm

The Plantation session due 14th September 2024

Take Note - There will be no work in the Plantation in August

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th April 2024

St Barnabas House

2024 Night to Remember Walk - Ilex Way 13th July

July Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 13th July 10.00 till 12.00

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th June 2024

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 11th May 2024

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 13th April 2024

April Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 13th April 10.00 till 12.00

Marine Conservation Society - Beach Clean

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 9th March 2024

March Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 9th March 10.00 till 12.00

Report of Plantation work carried out on the 10th February 2024

Plantation work on the 13th January and scheduled work for the 10th February

Message to Persimmon

Probably the best view of Highdown

Here We Go Again

Stop Press - Plantation Work 13th January Cancelled

Plantation work in 16th December and scheduled work for the 13th January

Stop Press - Plantation Work 9th December Cancelled

Plantation work in November and scheduled work for the 8th December

Plantation work in October and scheduled work for the 11th November

Plantation work in September and scheduled work for the 14th October

Report on our Annual General Meeting

Newsletters – Thank you

September Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 9th September 10.00 till 12.00

Plantation Volunteer Work - August Update

August Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 12th August 10.00 till 12.00

Fly Tipping on the Goring Gap

Chatsmore Farm - High Court Decision

Advance notice of our Annual General Meeting - 19th September 2023

July Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 8th July 10.00 till 12.00

Report on June Plantation Volunteer Work

June Plantation Volunteer Work

Saturday 10th June 10.00 till 12.00

Report on Annual General Meeting 18th Septeamber